Summary
Chad Powers is a Hulu sports comedy series starring Glen Powell as Russ Holliday, a former quarterback who reinvents himself to rejoin college football. Premiering on September 30, 2025, the series blends humor, heart, and athletic action, inspired by Eli Manning’s viral video. Fans can expect a mix of comedic moments, team camaraderie, and a story of identity and redemption.
Hollywood actor Glen Powell, widely recognized for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Hidden Figures, is taking on a transformative new role in Hulu’s upcoming sports comedy series, Chad Powers. The six-episode series premieres on September 30, 2025, and combines humor, heart, and the high stakes of college football.
In Chad Powers, Powell portrays Russ Holliday, a former college quarterback whose career derails due to a critical mistake. To reclaim his glory, he adopts the persona of Chad Powers and attempts to walk onto a struggling Southern football team. Powell’s performance has already generated buzz for its comedic timing and physical transformation.
The Inspiration Behind Chad Powers
The series is inspired by a viral segment from Eli Manning’s ESPN+ show, Eli’s Places. In the segment, Manning disguises himself as “Chad Powers” to attend Penn State’s open football tryouts, creating a humorous and memorable moment that captivated fans.
This comedic sketch served as the foundation for Hulu’s full-length series, with Manning and his brother Peyton Manning serving as executive producers. Their involvement ensures authenticity in portraying football culture, while blending it seamlessly with scripted comedy.
Plot Overview: From Disgrace to Redemption
Chad Powers follows Russ Holliday, a talented quarterback whose career falls apart after a public incident. Desperate for a second chance, he reinvents himself as Chad Powers, a new identity meant to conceal his past.
Walking onto the South Georgia Catfish, a college football team in desperate need of talent, Russ faces challenges on and off the field. The series explores themes of identity, perseverance, and self-reinvention, while offering laughs and heartfelt moments. Powell’s portrayal highlights the tension between personal ambition and societal expectations.
Glen Powell’s Transformation: Physically and Emotionally
Powell underwent a dramatic transformation to embody Chad Powers. This included adopting the physicality of a college quarterback, working closely with football coaches, and studying the nuances of collegiate sports culture.
The actor’s dedication to authenticity shines in every scene, from locker room antics to high-pressure game moments. This commitment elevates the series beyond simple comedy, giving it depth and realism rarely seen in sports sitcoms.
Supporting Cast and Characters
The series boasts a talented ensemble, including:
- Steve Zahn as Jake Hudson, the veteran mentor
- Perry Mattfeld as Ricky, a quick-witted teammate
- Quentin Plair as Coach Byrd, navigating a struggling team
- Wynn Everett as Tricia Yeager, a key supporter of Russ/Chad
- Frankie A. Rodriguez as Danny, the heart of the team
- Toby Huss as Mike Holliday, Russ’s father figure
- Clayne Crawford as Coach Dobbs, team rival
- Colton Ryan as Gerry Dougan
- Keese Wilson as Rod Mason
- Xavier Mills as Nishan Leonard
Each character brings humor, tension, and emotional stakes, creating a well-rounded narrative that balances sports action with heartfelt storytelling.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Minds Shaping the Series
Chad Powers is co-created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, known for his work on Loki and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. The series is directed by Tony Yacenda, with production support from ESPN, Anomaly Pictures, Barnstorm, Omaha Productions, and 20th Television.
The soundtrack, composed by Natalie Holt, enhances the comedic timing and emotional beats, providing a rich audio-visual experience. Every creative decision, from casting to set design, emphasizes authenticity and relatability.
Themes Explored in Chad Powers
1. Identity and Reinvention
Russ’s transformation into Chad Powers illustrates the struggle of self-reinvention and the desire to overcome past mistakes.
2. Second Chances
The series highlights the universal theme of redemption, showing that determination and resilience can help individuals reclaim their potential.
3. Humor in Adversity
While grounded in sports realism, Chad Powers uses humor to explore the absurdities and challenges of college athletics, creating a balance between comedy and heartfelt storytelling.
4. Teamwork and Friendship
The dynamics within the South Georgia Catfish demonstrate the importance of collaboration, trust, and camaraderie in achieving personal and collective goals.
Release Date and Streaming Options
Chad Powers will premiere on September 30, 2025, on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+, with all six episodes available for streaming immediately. Fans worldwide can access the series, though availability may vary by region.
Early Reception and Comparisons
Critics and fans have already drawn comparisons to the hit series Ted Lasso, praising Chad Powers for its blend of humor, heart, and sports action. However, Disney Television Group emphasizes that the series stands alone, offering a unique tone and narrative.
Powell’s performance has been singled out as a highlight, showcasing his versatility as an actor and comedic timing, making Chad Powers a promising addition to Hulu’s lineup.
Why You Should Watch Chad Powers
- Engaging Storytelling: Combines sports, comedy, and redemption arcs.
- Strong Performances: Glen Powell leads a talented ensemble cast.
- Relatable Themes: Identity, second chances, and teamwork resonate with viewers.
- Cultural Relevance: Inspired by real-life viral content, blending authenticity with humor.
- Festival Buzz: Early trailers and press coverage have generated widespread anticipation.
Also Read : Emma Stone Stuns at Venice Film Festival: The Story Behind Her Bold Pixie Cut
FAQs
Q1: What is Chad Powers about?
It follows Russ Holliday, a former quarterback who disguises himself as Chad Powers to rejoin college football and seek redemption.
Q2: Who plays Chad Powers?
Glen Powell stars as Russ Holliday / Chad Powers.
Q3: When does Chad Powers premiere?
The series premieres on September 30, 2025, on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
Q4: Is the series based on real events?
It is inspired by a viral segment from Eli Manning’s Eli’s Places, where Manning disguised himself as “Chad Powers” for a college tryout.
Q5: How many episodes does the series have?
Chad Powers consists of six episodes.
Q6: Who are the executive producers?
Executive producers include Glen Powell, Michael Waldron, Eli Manning, and Peyton Manning.
Q7: What are the central themes of the series?
Identity, reinvention, second chances, teamwork, and humor in adversity.
Q8: Can international viewers watch Chad Powers?
Yes, via Hulu and Hulu on Disney+, depending on regional availability.
Q9: Is there a trailer available?
Yes, Hulu released an official trailer showcasing Glen Powell’s transformation and the series’ comedic elements.
Q10: Will there be a second season?
No official announcement has been made yet.
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