Quick Read
- ABC’s High Potential honored Nicolas Jean, co-creator of the original HPI series, in its credits.
- Nicolas Jean, a self-taught French screenwriter, passed away suddenly in September 2025.
- HPI, created by Jean, Stéphane Carrié, and Alice Chegaray-Breugnot, premiered in 2021 and inspired the American adaptation.
- High Potential stars Kaitlin Olson and is available on Hulu.
- Jean was celebrated for his creative approach and collaborative spirit.
Nicolas Jean: The Creative Force Behind HPI
When the closing credits rolled on Episode 7 of ABC’s High Potential, a simple yet powerful message appeared: “In Memory of Nicolas Jean.” For many viewers, it was a moment of quiet respect—a recognition of the man whose creative spark helped ignite a global television phenomenon.
Jean, a French screenwriter, was instrumental in developing HPI: High Intellectual Potential, the original series that inspired the American adaptation. The tribute on ABC’s show was more than just a footnote; it was a nod to the foundational work of a writer whose vision crossed borders and languages, reshaping the landscape of procedural drama.
From Self-Taught Storyteller to Television Innovator
Jean’s journey into television was anything but conventional. According to Florence Philipponnat, a fellow screenwriter and administrator at the French writers’ guild SACD, Jean entered the industry thirteen years ago with no formal training. He quickly rose to prominence, bringing a fresh, self-taught perspective to his work.
His background—unorthodox and driven by curiosity—became the source of his storytelling power. Philipponnat described him as “a gifted and indispensable scriptwriter for television,” someone who thrived on creative risk and collaboration. Jean’s approach was rooted in a love for narrative and a desire to break free from the predictable structures that often define television writing.
His knack for developing unique concepts and recruiting talented collaborators made him a sought-after creative partner. As Philipponnat noted, Jean’s generosity and kindness set him apart; he believed in sharing ideas, in nurturing talent, and in building stories that reflected the complexity of real life.
HPI: A Series that Redefined the Detective Genre
The original HPI: High Intellectual Potential launched in 2021, co-created by Jean alongside Stéphane Carrié and Alice Chegaray-Breugnot. The French series centers on a protagonist with extraordinary problem-solving abilities—a character whose intellect challenges the conventions of the detective genre.
HPI quickly became a success in France, praised for its wit, unpredictability, and character-driven storytelling. Jean’s influence is evident in the show’s structure: each episode combines clever mysteries with genuine emotional depth, inviting viewers to see beyond the surface of crime-solving and into the heart of human experience.
In the United States, the adaptation—retitled High Potential—is available for streaming on Hulu. Starring Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillroy, a single mother with a knack for solving complex cases, the show preserves much of the original’s charm while introducing new cultural nuances and character dynamics.
The ensemble cast features Daniel Sunjata as Adam Karadec, Javicia Leslie as Daphne Forrester, Deniz Akdeniz as Oz, Amirah J as Ava Gillroy, Matthew Lamb as Elliot Radovic, and Judy Reyes as Selena Soto. With the arrival of Steve Howey as Jesse Wagner in the second season, the series continues to evolve, reflecting the creative spirit Jean helped establish.
Legacy and Remembrance: The Impact of Nicolas Jean
The announcement of Jean’s sudden passing on September 29, shared by SACD earlier this month, sent ripples through the television community. Colleagues and fans alike expressed admiration for his work and sorrow at his loss. The title card tribute on High Potential serves as a public acknowledgment of his contributions, ensuring that his legacy endures both in France and abroad.
In a media landscape often defined by rapid change and fleeting attention, Jean’s work stands as a testament to the power of creative vision. His storytelling bridged cultures and genres, opening doors for collaboration and inspiring new generations of writers.
As streaming platforms continue to expand the reach of international series, Jean’s influence is likely to grow. The success of both HPI and its American adaptation highlights the universal appeal of well-crafted mysteries, complex characters, and narratives that refuse to settle for formulaic answers.
International Collaboration and the Evolution of Television
The story of Nicolas Jean is also a story about the evolving nature of television itself. In the age of streaming, ideas travel faster than ever, and the lines between national markets are increasingly blurred. Jean’s partnership with Carrié and Chegaray-Breugnot, and the subsequent adaptation by American producers, exemplifies the kind of creative exchange that drives the medium forward.
As new episodes of HPI continue to be released, and as High Potential finds its own audience, the collaborative spirit that Jean fostered remains at the heart of both projects. His legacy is not only in the scripts he wrote but in the networks of talent and creativity he helped build.
For viewers, the tribute to Jean is a reminder that behind every successful series lies a team of visionaries—writers, directors, actors—whose dedication and passion transform ideas into stories that resonate worldwide.
Nicolas Jean’s career, marked by innovation and generosity, changed the landscape of television drama. His ability to blend originality with empathy created series that connect with audiences across cultures. The tribute in High Potential is not only a gesture of respect but a recognition of the enduring power of human creativity—a legacy that will continue to shape the world of storytelling for years to come.