From the hospital to the police station.
“Scrubs” actress Judy Reyes co-stars in the new drama “High Potential,” which premieres Tuesday, Sept. 17, on ABC (10 p.m. ET).
“This show was really fun and interesting to me; the whole idea of this mother of three who has a very high IQ but is too intelligent for a regular job, and becoming an incredible asset to this team of police officers,” Reyes, 56, told The Post.
“High Potential” was created by Drew Goddard, based on the French show “HPI”.
This crime drama procedural centers on Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), a single mother who works as a night cleaner for the LAPD Major Crimes Unit. She has a “high IQ,” meaning she knows and remembers more general knowledge than the average person.
When Morgan gets caught up in an LAPD case, and the police discover her unusual ability to notice details they can't, she's brought in to assist Detective Adam Karadek (Daniel Sunjata). Karadek isn't happy about it, but is overseen by Lt. Selena Soto (Reyes), who decides to bring Morgan in to offer unconventional help.
Junior detectives Daphne Forrester (Javicia Leslie) and Lev “Oz” Ozdil (Deniz Akdeniz) join her team, while former “SNL” star Taran Killam plays Morgan’s ex, Ludo.
Reyes, who grew up in New York, said she was excited to play “a lieutenant who has the foresight and the vision to take a risk on a guy like that.”
Reyes is best known for “Scrubs,” but she’s been a TV veteran for years, appearing in “The Sopranos” and shows like “Claws,” “Deviant Maids” and “Jane the Virgin.”
She said she connected with the “totally responsible and risk-taking aspect” of her character Selena.
“And being able to use my many years of experience as an actor – to teach young kids – is a huge asset as well,” he added.
“I love roles of strong, down-to-earth women who can easily move into leadership positions.”
As for what's to come this season, Reyes, who called Olson a “dynamo” and a “force,” said there will be “a lot of death, mayhem, jokes and a growing partnership between my character and hers. It evolves into a female-friendly procedural.”
Regarding rumors of a “Scrubs” revival or reboot, Reyes said, “I haven't heard anything other than what you've heard … There's a lot of talk and a lot of excitement. I think Bill Lawrence is incredibly busy, but definitely totally open,” he said, referring to the series creator who also directed “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking.”
Reyes said that of the “Scrubs” crew “I'm not in touch with the cast, I'm very close friends with one of the writers, Angela Nissel, and the hairdresser who actually does my hair in 'High Potential.'”
“I feel so fortunate, I've made incredible friendships with the people I've worked with from 'Scrubs' to now. I think putting (the show) in a workplace (setting) creates a space where people can become better versions of themselves,” Reyes said.
