Disney’s upcoming fantasy series, which may serve as a suitable alternative to The Lord of the Rings, is having an unusual effect on network television. The allure of fantasy stories has always captivated audiences, inviting them into thrilling adventures filled with diverse villains, survival challenges, and quests for the greater good. The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien and Peter Jackson’s film adaptations are considered iconic within this genre.
The success of The Lord of the Rings films has prompted other studios to bring more fantasy literature to the screen. Currently, viewers seeking fresh content reminiscent of Tolkien’s universe have numerous options. Disney’s upcoming series might be an ideal substitute for fans of Eragon, especially since both the 2006 film and Christopher Paolini’s The Inheritance Cycle share notable similarities with The Lord of the Rings, for better or worse.
In 2022, plans for a remake as part of Disney+’s offerings were announced, but it faced significant delays in development. Now, however, the adaptation of Eragon is officially progressing, which has intriguing implications for the current landscape of network television.
High Potential Loses Its 2-Season Showrunner To Eragon
It is worth noting that Eragon is unlikely to affect traditional broadcasting. Fantasy is not a genre typically embraced by major networks anymore, and the show will not even air on ABC, Disney’s primary free channel. However, the connection lies in the personnel involved with Disney+’s show and High Potential, a cop series featuring Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory.
ABC has renewed High Potential for a third season due to its success in viewership. The official confirmation regarding the show’s future was anticipated. However, this positive news came with another significant revelation: when High Potential returns for the 2026-2027 TV cycle, it will do so without its showrunner, Todd Harthan. His departure is not due to any internal conflict but rather to work on Eragon.
In February, it was reported that Harthan and Todd Helbing were appointed co-showrunners for the Disney+ series. As production on Eragon intensifies behind the scenes, Harthan is prioritizing this high fantasy project over the established High Potential. There is currently no announcement regarding when the project will premiere on Disney+, but it is reasonable to assume that preparations for pre-production and filming are underway in the coming months.
How Todd Harthan’s High Potential Exit Can Shake Up The Show & Network TV As A Whole
Todd Harthan has been the creative force behind High Potential since its debut in 2024. While several factors contribute to its success, its popularity reflects his contributions to the series. Consequently, his departure presents significant challenges for High Potential‘s third season and beyond. ABC has not yet announced a replacement for him, as he remains with the series until the end of the 2025-2026 TV cycle.
This major personnel change during this phase of High Potential‘s run could greatly influence its future. This is particularly crucial since it is ABC’s most-watched scripted program and one of network television’s top-rated shows. The absence of Harthan may lead to narrative changes that could diverge from what audiences have come to expect from the series. However, change does not inherently signify negative outcomes. It is also possible that these shifts could further enhance viewer engagement with High Potential. Regardless, Harthan’s exit will undoubtedly result in some transformations.
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