Hulu’s newest comedy, “Chad Powers,” almost impressed me. With a talented cast and hilarious banter throughout the premiere episodes, I was looking forward to weekly releases. Despite my optimistic outlook, “Chad Powers” proved to only offer quick laughs and a lack of space for exploring the story and its characters, ultimately falling to the same overambition as its protagonist.
The miniseries follows disgraced former college football star Russ Holliday (Glen Powell, “Anyone But You”), who cost his team a national championship due to a premature touchdown celebration. Fast forward eight years, Russ, inspired by a “Mrs. Doubtfire” poster, decides to walk-on to the South Georgia University football team disguised as Chad Powers. What ensues is conflict and comedy as Russ struggles to keep up his disguise.
The show stems from a 2022 prank done by former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, a co-producer of the show alongside his brother and fellow quarterback, Peyton Manning (“WWE: Unreal”). In this viral ESPN skit, Manning goes undercover at Penn State’s tryouts as Chad Powers, from which the show and titular character get their name.
As someone who loved Manning’s sketch when it came out, I was enticed by the premise of the show. And as a Eugene, Oregon native, I couldn’t miss Glen Powell as an Oregon Duck (even if he loses their national championship shot).
The performances within the series’ short span were incredibly well done. Steve Zahn (“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”) and Perry Matfeld (“The Idea of You”) play Coaches Jake and Ricky Hudson, a father-daughter duo whose relationship is characterized by their passion for football. Ricky’s struggle to be respected as a female coach and Russ’ developing feelings for her were well-executed subplots. Frankie A. Rodriguez (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) plays Danny, the South Georgia Catfish’s mascot and Russ’s confidant and roommate. Danny was the funniest character in the show, balancing genuine support with witty, well-timed jabs. Unsurprisingly, Powell, also a co-creator and producer, stands out most with his performance of two distinct characters. Powell is no stranger to humor, as highlighted by his roles in “Hit Man” and “Scream Queens,” and he perfectly fits the rom-com heartthrob mold in “Anyone but You” and “Set It Up.” In “Chad Powers,” Powell adds a new dimension to his repertoire, prompting audiences to simultaneously hate certified asshole Russ Holliday and love optimistic and aloof Chad Powers.
While the series is often entertaining, it lacks substance, lacks character development and ends far too early and abruptly to satisfy. Unnecessary and overused humor inadequately illustrates Russ’s experiences as a quarterback, building up to an underwhelming ending, while the storyline is overall limited by the show’s measly three-hour runtime.
Rather disappointingly, for a show heavily marketed as being about football, there’s almost no gameplay. We see Russ’s attempt at a rushing touchdown in the opening flashback, a few passes in tryouts, one quarter of play during the third episode’s game against Ole Miss and Russ running onto the University of Georgia’s field in the finale, but never active play. While the show highlights Russ’s talent, I found myself wishing that it actually illustrated his prowess by including more of the training, team bonding and actual competition that is critical to Russ’s success as Powers. Powell has a football background, and a stunt double was on set for difficult throws, so it’s hard to understand why this crucial aspect was largely omitted. Furthermore, if some of the screen time used on filler humor instead showcased Russ’s athleticism and its importance to his character, the series would’ve been much more well-rounded.
Worst of all, the ending of “Chad Powers” in the finale “6th Quarter” was suddenly cut off when the main characters finally showed significant development. Just as “Chad Powers” builds excited momentum, the credits roll. Show’s over.
Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate a cliffhanger. But I also have an issue with releasing single-season shows with unconfirmed renewals written as multi-season series. When these series are cancelled, audiences are left with no way to find out what’s next. “Chad Powers” may be advertised and released as a limited miniseries, but the creators have expressed the show is structured for at least three seasons, while only the second is confirmed.
Co-creator Michael Waldron recently spoke on this creative decision, citing Powell’s schedule as a limiting factor, but also intentions for the ending to feel “like we’re just getting started.” Waldron and Powell hope to continue with at least two more seasons, running the length of South Georgia’s football season. Between the potential for Russ’s long-awaited championship and the widening gaps in Powers’ identity, there is enormous potential for the team, and the series, beyond its game six stopping point.
Like Russ himself, the show has flashes of greatness but disappoints where it matters most. With its unique premise and one of Hollywood’s most popular actors, “Chad Powers” failed to deliver a series as strong as its potential. If the show gets greenlit for two more seasons, then maybe it can recover from the early fumble, and I hope to watch it do so.
Daily Arts Contributor Julianna Laban can be reached at laban@umich.edu.
