Second chances define Hulu’s upcoming comedy series, “Chad Powers,” starring Glen Powell. The official trailer, released on August 30, 2025, offers a glimpse into the world of Russ Holliday, a disgraced quarterback who adopts an outrageous alter ego to reclaim his football dreams. Powell, who also co-created, co-wrote, and executive produced the series alongside Michael Waldron, embodies the goofy yet determined Chad Powers in a story of redemption and reinvention. The show is set to premiere on September 30, 2025, with new episodes dropping weekly every Tuesday.
Glen Powell’s Dual Role
Glen Powell takes on the challenging dual role of Russ Holliday and his comedic alter ego, Chad Powers. According to Hulu’s official press release, Powell’s commitment extends beyond acting; he also serves as a co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer, ensuring his vision shapes the series. His portrayal of Russ Holliday captures the essence of a once-promising athlete whose career was derailed by a single, devastating mistake during a championship game. Eight years later, driven by a desire for redemption, Russ transforms himself into Chad Powers, complete with a wig, fake teeth, and a new persona, to infiltrate a struggling Southern college football team.
The Creative Team Behind “Chad Powers”
The series boasts a star-studded cast and an impressive team of executive producers. Steve Zahn portrays Jake Hudson, the head coach, while Perry Mattfeld plays Ricky, and Toby Huss embodies Mike Holliday. Wynn Everett appears as Tricia Yeager, Frankie A. Rodriguez as Danny, and Quentin Plair as Coach Byrd. Crucially, NFL legends Eli and Peyton Manning are executive producers through their Omaha Productions, as confirmed by ESPN. Jamie Horowitz, Ben Brown, and ESPN also serve as executive producers, with Tony Yacenda directing and executive producing. Production companies involved include ESPN, Anomaly Pictures, Barnstorm, Omaha Productions, and 20th Television, ensuring a high level of production quality and creative input.
The Genesis of Chad Powers
The inspiration for “Chad Powers” stems from a viral 2022 ESPN+ sketch featuring former NFL quarterback Eli Manning. Manning famously went undercover as Chad Powers during a Penn State walk-on tryout, creating a memorable and hilarious moment. According to ESPN, this sketch garnered significant attention and demonstrated the comedic potential of the Chad Powers character. The Hulu series expands upon this concept, exploring themes of redemption, deception, and the pursuit of second chances within the high-stakes environment of college football. The show is a half-hour comedy, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Plot and Premise
The series centers around Russ Holliday, whose promising college football career imploded after a critical error in a championship game. As described in the official trailer, Russ’s “nuking” of his football prospects fuels his desperate attempt to revive his dreams. Eight years later, he adopts the elaborate Chad Powers disguise to join the South Georgia Catfish, a struggling Southern college football team. The series explores his journey as he navigates the challenges of maintaining his secret identity while striving to prove himself on the field. The narrative promises a mix of humor and heart, delving into the complexities of identity and the lengths people will go to for a second chance.
Timeline and Production Details
The journey of “Chad Powers” from concept to series has been relatively swift. The official trailer debuted on August 30, 2025, introduced by Glen Powell during ESPN’s College GameDay. Hulu gave the series a formal order in February 2024, as reported by Variety. Filming commenced in late August 2024, primarily in Atlanta, Georgia. The show is scheduled to premiere on Hulu on September 30, 2025, with the first two episodes available immediately, followed by weekly releases every Tuesday. This strategic release schedule aims to capitalize on the ongoing football season and attract a broad audience.
Filming Locations and Setting
While the story of “Chad Powers” unfolds at a fictional struggling Southern college football team, the South Georgia Catfish, production and filming primarily took place in Atlanta, Georgia. According to the Georgia Film Office, Atlanta has become a popular filming location due to its diverse landscapes and robust production infrastructure. The series will be exclusively available for streaming on Hulu, ensuring accessibility for viewers across the United States and internationally.
Impact and Anticipation
The release of the “Chad Powers” trailer has generated significant buzz and anticipation for the series. Glen Powell’s comedic range and physical transformation in the titular role have been particularly praised. Industry analysts predict that the series will be a valuable addition to Hulu’s comedy lineup, offering a blend of humor and heart that resonates with a wide audience. Powell’s extensive involvement as a co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer underscores his commitment to the project and grants him considerable creative control. The involvement of Eli and Peyton Manning as executive producers also proved instrumental in navigating complex negotiations with colleges and athletic directors during production, allowing the team to build their own fictional programs without compromising the story. Early reception suggests the series could be a charming and authentic sports comedy, with some drawing comparisons to the beloved show “Ted Lasso.”
The Drive for Redemption
The premise of “Chad Powers” is rooted in Russ Holliday’s catastrophic career-ending error. His attempt to showboat before scoring in a crucial championship game led to him dropping the ball, effectively ending his football prospects. This pivotal moment, described in the series’ synopsis, fuels his desire for redemption. Driven by a longing to reclaim his dreams, Russ devises the elaborate Chad Powers disguise to covertly re-enter the world of college football. The show aims to deliver a humorous yet heartfelt underdog story, drawing inspiration from the genuine appeal of Eli Manning’s original viral stunt.
Conclusion
“Chad Powers” promises to be a compelling and entertaining addition to Hulu’s lineup. With Glen Powell at the helm, supported by a talented cast and creative team, the series explores themes of second chances and the pursuit of dreams with humor and heart. Inspired by Eli Manning’s viral sketch, the show is poised to capture the attention of both sports enthusiasts and comedy fans alike, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on the world of college football.
