By George & Josh Bate
The following is a NON-SPOILER review of all 6 episodes of Chad Powers
Glen Powell’s rise in Hollywood has been in the works for well over a decade. After appearing in films like The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl as a child actor, Powell took on a variety of supporting roles, from The Dark Knight Rises to Hidden Figures in adulthood, before slowly building a reputation as a reliable, versatile performer – one who holds the ability to consistently deliver when called upon. Powell’s rise to true stardom began when he acted alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, which was further cemented by a double-hitter in 2024 with the romantic comedy Anyone But You and the excellent Hit Man. Now a household name, Powell has begun to reap the rewards of his persistence in the industry, and is now embarking on arguably his boldest and most ambitious project yet: a television series in which he serves as leading man, co-writer, co-creator, and executive producer.
That series is Chad Powers, a sports comedy series debuting on Hulu this week with its first two episodes. A story that puts a satirical, humorous spin on the concept of second chances, Chad Powers follows a football quarterback who, after a series of high profile mistakes that lead to him being ostracized and banished from the game, disguises himself using prosthetics from his makeup artist father to take on a new persona – that of Chad Powers. Desperate to prove he still has the ability to play the game, the man formerly known as Russ Holliday risks being discovered at all times as he tries to start over as a walk-on player for a college team using his new disguise, a ruse that leads to a number of comedic (and surprisingly tense) encounters.
Perhaps more than any other project of his to date, Powell’s creative footprint is all over Chad Powers. He co-created Chad Powers with Loki season one showrunner Michael Waldron and co-wrote the pilot episode (the best of the bunch). It’s an admirable swing that further highlights Powell’s commitment to the projects he chooses; he isn’t just signing on to a film or show just prior to shooting and then wiping his hands clean after production is finished. Instead, he’s invested from start to finish, building Chad Powers from the ground up (for better or worse). Powell’s multiple roles in Chad Powers, both in front of the camera (as Russ Holliday and Chad Powers) and behind the camera (given the number of hats he wears here) add a unique personal edge to the show, as the audience can feel Powell’s comedic sensibilities and his affection for the underdog story throughout the series.
As an actor, Powell thrives here. The greatest weapon in his arsenal has always been his comedic timing, and Chad Powers gives him the platform to leans into that completely and more than ever. Powell’s line delivery, physical humor, and ability to remain deadpan through the most absurd of situations are all crucial to the success of the show, and go a long way to elevate the scripts for each episode. Powell is also a solid enough dramatic actor to add much-needed groundedness to his character and this bizarre Mrs. Doubtfire-esque situation, bringing a sense of humanity, vulnerability, and emotional depth that one wouldn’t necessarily expect from a show like this. Overall, it’s the unique balance between comedy and sincerity that makes Powell shine here.
Backed by a strong performance, Chad Powers invites audiences into a ludicrous and morally questionable endeavor. Disguising oneself to chase a dream, or out of desperation, is reminiscent of the likes of Mrs. Doubtfire, Sneaky Pete, and The Riches, but, this time around, is applied to the world of sports. The concept taps into a universal desire to hit the reset button, begin from scratch and build your way back up again. Viewers will undoubtedly see themselves in Powers at times through the six episodes, although the character certainly tows the line between likable and unlikable. The idea of a redemption story situated around a lie creates a morally interesting question for the audience to ponder, especially as Powers/Holliday himself can be quite the asshole at times.
Stripped of its more offbeat elements, Chad Powers can be reduced to yet another sports underdog story. The narrative hits familiar beats that countless other movies and shows have tackled before – struggles, setbacks, redemption arcs, etc. While the familiarity of these tropes makes the new series accessible, it also means it plays out rather predictably. For all of the flair behind and in front of the camera from Glen Powell, Chad Powers still plays it safe in the end, sticking firmly within the framework of conventional sports storytelling.
One of the most crucial aspects of the show is a mixed bag, too. The comedy itself is uneven throughout; Powell consistently lands, but the supporting cast isn’t always on the same level as he is, and the show sometimes leans too heavily into mean-spirited humor that undercuts the charm of its lead actor. It’s often funny, but seldom dips into hilarious territory, in part due to the bitter aftertaste brought on by various tonal, even cynical missteps.
VERDICT: 7/10
Chad Powers sees Glen Powell embrace his inner Mrs. Doubtfire for a solid and entertaining, albeit uneven, new series. A resounding showcase for the multiple tales of lead actor and co-creator Glen Powell, the new series excels with its complex protagonist, who tows the line between charming and asshole while posing an interesting moral question to the audience. Tight adherence to the established formula of sports underdog series renders Chad Powers accessible, light viewing but also rather predictable and, ultimately, not quite as groundbreaking as it clearly tries to be. While the series has some funny one-liners and gags, the comedy is bogged down by mean-spirited, even cynical humor at times that leave a bitter aftertaste. With an ending that leaves a bit to be desired, while opening the door for a second season nonetheless, Chad Powers may not be a game-winning touchdown, although it’s a promising debut for Powell as a creative voice in the world of television.