There’s a lot of buzz about Chad Powers, since the Hulu series stars and is co-created by A-lister Glen Powell, and based off an idea by NFL champion Eli Manning. But for all the hype, it’s really not that serious. This is just a ridiculously fun show—emphasis on ridiculous—that takes viewers along for a crazy ride.

Powell’s character Russ Holliday is the definition of a TV bad boy, as well known for his off-the-field problems as he is for his stat sheet (including a bomb threat and a “Las Vegas freeway incident”). After torpedoing his career in the kind of over-the-top way that only happens in sitcoms, he elects to walk on to a new college football team under the alias of Chad Powers. This isn’t a new concept, which Powell and Michael Waldron acknowledge when multiple references are made to Mrs. Doubtfire. But it doesn’t have to be. This is a sports comedy that laughs at its own jokes, and that total lack of pretention is what makes it funny.

After his success in Top Gun: Maverick, it’s been fun to see Powell display his less serious side in projects like this and Anyone But You. It would’ve been easy for him to keep eyeing just leading man roles, but Chad Powers is proof that Powell is willing to be uncool, to fall flat on his face, to deliver lines that are designed to make fans cringe. He follows well in Eli Manning’s footsteps; both are comfortable being uncomfortable. (It’s worth going back and watching the Eli’s Places episode “Walk-Ons” after seeing Chad Powers, just to compare the two.) Sometimes the script goes too far with pop culture references for references’ sake, but in general it creates a protagonist who fits perfectly into the sports comedy mold.

Of course, like Happy Gilmore or Rick Vaughn, the point is that the audience roots for Russ Holliday in spite of his shortcomings. Chad Powers is another underdog story. It’s more Blue Mountain State than Stick or Ted Lasso, but Powell and Waldron have found just enough seriousness to give their show stakes. They also demonstrate a clear understanding of the rhythms of the sports genre, from the dramatic montage to the use of flashbacks just before a big moment. These tentpoles help support the humor by couching it in what audiences already know and love.

The one flaw in the Chad Powers premiere episodes is that they take too long to develop the supporting cast around Powell. Despite the series’ title, it can’t be a one-man show; Russ is so big of a character that he needs other people to balance him out. The show’s secret weapon may be the casting of Emmy nominee Steve Zahn as the team’s head coach, Jake Hudson. Zahn is well-established as a comedic actor, and he knows how to walk the line between outlandish character and genuine emotion. His work in Happy, Texas is one of the most underrated performances in any comedy film. The combination of Powell and Zahn has the potential to grow into something great, if both characters are able to flourish.

Chad Powers has some growing pains, just like its titular alter-ego. The supporting characters need more depth, and one of them utters a line about school shootings that is in poor taste, even moreso given recent events. But many viewers will be tuning in for Powell, and he doesn’t disappoint either as an actor or a creator. Chad Powers is unabashed fun and a treat for anyone who loves sports comedies. And coming just days after a new episode of Eli Manning Presents The Undercovers as well as in the middle of a football season, the show has perfect timing.

Chad Powers premieres Sept. 30, 2025 on Hulu. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hulu.

Article content is (c)2020-2025 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at tvbrittanyf@yahoo.com.