Full Breakdown
Glen Powell's "Chad Powers": A New Take on Sports Comedy
10/5/2025, 3:52:47 PM
Overview of "Chad Powers"
Glen Powell stars in the Hulu sports comedy series "Chad Powers," which premiered on September 30, 2025. The show follows Russ Holliday, a former star quarterback whose career falters after a humiliating loss at the Rose Bowl. To revive his career, Holliday disguises himself as Chad Powers and attempts to walk onto a struggling college football team. The series, co-created by Powell and Michael Waldron, features a cast that includes Perry Mattfeld, Quentin Plair, Wynn Everett, Frankie Rodriguez, and Steve Zahn.
Character Comparisons and Insights
Powell has drawn comparisons between his characters in "Chad Powers" and "Scream Queens," where he portrayed Chad Radwell. He humorously refers to this as the "Douchebag Olympics," noting that while both characters are flawed, Chad Powers is portrayed as a "much sweeter, kinder" individual. In discussing his experiences, Powell expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play diverse characters, stating, “I had a great time going to work every day. Not one bad day.”
Production and Inspiration
The character of Chad Powers is inspired by a skit featuring former NFL star Eli Manning, who originally portrayed the character in the ESPN docuseries "Eli’s Places." Manning and his brother Peyton Manning serve as executive producers for the show. Powell emphasized that while the show builds on Manning's concept, it enhances the character's disguise with extensive prosthetics and a new backstory.
Reception and Popularity
Since its debut, "Chad Powers" has quickly ascended to the top of streaming charts on both Hulu and Disney+. Powell celebrated this success on social media, thanking fans for their support. Despite mixed initial reactions, the show's popularity suggests a strong viewer interest, potentially driven by Powell's fanbase and the comedic premise.
Character Development and Future Prospects
The series also explores the dynamics of its supporting characters, particularly Ricky, played by Perry Mattfeld, and Coach Byrd, portrayed by Quentin Plair. Both characters face challenges in the male-dominated world of college football. Mattfeld's character seeks respect while navigating her ambitions, while Plair's Coach Byrd grapples with insecurities about his role. Both actors have expressed hopes for deeper character exploration in potential future seasons.
Official Statements & Responses
Glen Powell remarked on the joy of returning to television, stating, “I’m so happy that I get to come back to TV in this way with a show that’s just as fun.” He also acknowledged the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the camaraderie among the cast and crew.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Chad Powers is a much sweeter, kinder Chad, and one that was very inspiring to play,” — Glen Powell, Actor
- “I think anybody in this job sometimes feels more comfortable putting on a character and playing around and doing all that stuff,” — Glen Powell, Actor
- “You decide who you want to be.” — Perry Mattfeld, Actor
What's Next for "Chad Powers"
As the first season unfolds, new episodes will continue to be released weekly on Hulu and Disney+. Discussions regarding a second season are ongoing, with the cast expressing enthusiasm for further character development and storylines. The show's trajectory will be closely monitored as it seeks to maintain its momentum in the competitive streaming landscape.
