Glen Powell is trading fighter jets for football fields in his latest project, Chad Powers, a sports comedy series coming to Hulu this fall. The show follows a disgraced college quarterback who disguises himself to get a second shot at his dreams. With executive producers Peyton and Eli Manning onboard, the series promises to blend humor, heart, and gridiron action. Here’s all the latest information about the highly awaited show.
Release Date and Episode Schedule
Chad Powers will premiere on September 30, 2025, exclusively on Hulu. The first two episodes will debut on the same day, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly every Tuesday. The season consists of six episodes in total, concluding on October 28, 2025. This rollout strategy allows viewers to enjoy the initial episodes back-to-back while maintaining weekly anticipation for the remaining installments.
Plot Overview
The series centers on Russ Holliday (played by Glen Powell), a once-promising college football quarterback whose career is destroyed by a public scandal during a championship game. Eight years later, still haunted by his past, Russ learns about open tryouts for the South Georgia Catfish, a struggling college team. Desperate for redemption, he adopts a new identity—Chad Powers—complete with a prosthetic nose, cheek fillers, and a wig. As Chad, he aims to prove himself both as a player and as a changed person, all while hiding his true identity from teammates, coaches, and fans.
The premise is inspired by a real-life ESPN+ sketch featuring Eli Manning, who disguised himself as “Chad Powers” during a tryout at Penn State. The series expands this concept into a full-length narrative exploring themes of second chances, identity, and the pressures of college sports.
Cast and Characters
- Glen Powell as Russ Holliday / Chad Powers: Powell portrays the arrogant yet talented quarterback seeking redemption. His transformation into Chad involves physical alterations and a personality shift to avoid recognition.
- Steve Zahn as Jake Hudson: A character whose role is yet to be fully detailed but is expected to be part of the team’s dynamic.
- Perry Mattfeld as Ricky: A key staff member or potential love interest involved in the team’s operations.
- Frankie A. Rodriguez as Danny: The obligatory confidant who discovers Russ’s secret and helps him maintain his disguise.
- Quentin Plair as Coach Byrd: One of the coaching staff members guiding the team.
- Toby Huss as Mike Holliday: Russ’s father, who may be connected to his past mistakes.
- Clayne Crawford as Coach Dobbs: Another influential figure within the team’s hierarchy.
Production Details
Chad Powers is co-created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron (known for Loki). The Manning brothers, Peyton and Eli, serve as executive producers, bringing authenticity to the football elements. The series is produced by ESPN, Omaha Productions, and 20th Television. Natalie Holt, known for her work on Loki, composed the score, while Patrick Tck handled editing duties.
Filming began in late August 2024, with Tony Yacenda directing several episodes. The show aims to balance comedy with realistic sports scenes, leveraging Powell’s charm and the Mannings’ expertise to create a relatable yet entertaining story.
Where to Watch
Chad Powers will be available exclusively on Hulu. Viewers can subscribe to Hulu’s ad-supported plan for $9.99 per month or the ad-free version for $18.99 per month. The platform also offers bundle options, including Disney+ and ESPN+, providing additional content for subscribers.
Early Reactions and Expectations
The trailer for Chad Powers has generated positive responses, with many praising Powell’s comedic timing and the show’s self-aware humor. The series acknowledges its similarities to classics like Mrs. Doubtfire but modernizes the concept with themes of social media cancellation and public redemption.
“The series looks like one of the freshest takes we’ve ever seen of college football within a television series,” noted one preview, highlighting the Mannings’ involvement and the crisp football sequences.
However, some fans have expressed skepticism about the disguise premise, questioning why Russ opts for such an obvious transformation instead of a simpler change like hair dye. Others defend the choice, noting it stays true to the original Eli Manning sketch.
Additional Information
- Runtime: Each episode is approximately 30 minutes, making it a breezy watch.
- Genre: Single-camera comedy with sports drama elements.
- Inspiration: Based on Eli Manning’s Chad Powers sketch from ESPN+’s Eli’s Places.
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Credits: TV Insider, TV Fanatic
