Full Breakdown
Glen Powell's "Chad Powers": A Comedy of Redemption and Disguise
9/26/2025, 9:31:22 PM
Overview of the Series
"Chad Powers," a new Hulu series co-created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, follows the story of Russ Holliday, a disgraced former college quarterback portrayed by Powell. After a humiliating incident at the Rose Bowl, where he knocked over a wheelchair-bound fan, Holliday's football career is derailed. Eight years later, he attempts to reclaim his glory by disguising himself as "Chad Powers," using prosthetics and a fake persona to join the struggling South Georgia University Catfish football team.
Background and Inspiration
The character of Chad Powers originated from a viral sketch performed by former NFL quarterback Eli Manning on his ESPN+ show "Eli's Places." In the sketch, Manning donned prosthetics to try out for the Penn State football team. The success of this sketch inspired Powell and Waldron to expand it into a six-episode series, with the Manning brothers serving as executive producers.
Key Characters and Dynamics
The series features a supporting cast that includes Steve Zahn as Coach Jake Hudson, Toby Huss as Holliday's father, and Perry Mattfeld as Coach Ricky, Hudson's daughter. Danny, played by Frankie A. Rodriguez, becomes Holliday's ally in his ruse, applying the makeup that transforms him into Chad Powers. The dynamic between Holliday and Danny evolves as they navigate the challenges of maintaining the disguise while building a friendship.
Thematic Elements and Humor
"Chad Powers" blends cringe comedy with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of redemption and identity. Critics have noted the show's struggle to balance humor and sincerity, with some describing it as lacking in genuine comedic impact. The character of Russ is portrayed as rude and arrogant, contrasting sharply with the kind-hearted persona of Chad. This duality raises questions about personal growth and the possibility of change.
Official Statements and Responses
Glen Powell has emphasized that the series is not merely a copy of "Mrs. Doubtfire," but rather an exploration of identity and transformation. He stated, “We’re gonna hang a lantern on it, and then we’re gonna move past and kind of do our own thing.” The involvement of the Manning brothers has been highlighted as a significant factor in ensuring the authenticity of the football elements in the show.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have expressed mixed feelings about "Chad Powers." Some have described the characters as obnoxious and the humor as tepid, suggesting that the show fails to deliver the comedic depth expected from a sports comedy. The predictable plot and reliance on clichés have also drawn criticism, with some reviewers noting that the series lacks the charm and warmth found in similar shows like "Ted Lasso."
What's Next for "Chad Powers"
The series premiered on September 30, 2025, with new episodes released weekly. Glen Powell has hinted at the potential for a second season, expressing interest in securing guest appearances from high-profile celebrities, including Taylor Swift.
Verbatim Quotes
- “this is probably the first couple of weeks where I’m not working, and it’s the first time I’ve kind of exposed my face to real air. I think after these last couple of weeks I will call Kevin [Kirkpatrick] and Alexei [Dmitriew], my makeup and prosthetics people, and just see if I can borrow Chad for a little bit” — Glen Powell, Actor/Co-Creator
- “What makes this show different is we wanted this thing to be funny and heartfelt but to have the football be legit.” — Glen Powell, Actor/Co-Creator
- “You can’t change who you are,” — Toby Huss, Actor
- “I think this show is going to blow people away.” — Glen Powell, Actor/Co-Creator
"Chad Powers" aims to combine humor with a heartfelt narrative, though its reception suggests a need for further refinement in its comedic execution and character development.