🏈 Chad Powers (2025) Review: Glen Powell’s Hilarious Disguise of Redemption and Football Dreams

Hulu’s Chad Powers fumbles, runs, and scores in one of the funniest sports comedies of the year. Created by Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick) and Michael Waldron (Loki), this new series turns a viral Eli Manning skit into a heartfelt, absurdly entertaining tale of second chances and self-discovery — with Powell at his most charismatic yet.

🎭 The Plot: A Quarterback in Disguise

Once a golden boy of college football, Russ Holiday (Glen Powell) throws away his career after a championship disaster that becomes instant viral infamy. In one moment of arrogance and bad luck — dropping the ball before the end zone and accidentally knocking over a kid in a wheelchair — his fame turns into shame.

Eight years later, he’s washed up, bitter, and broke… until he gets a wild idea. Using makeup and prosthetics from his father’s special effects kit, Russ reinvents himself as “Chad Powers,” a goofy, long-haired quarterback who tries out for a small-town Georgia team called the South Georgia Catfish.

“Think fast, run fast, play fast… Chad Powers!” becomes his mantra — and the series’ rallying cry.

🏟️ What Works: Humor, Heart, and Hail Marys

At its core, Chad Powers is Ted Lasso meets Napoleon Dynamite — awkward, inspiring, and full of football absurdity. Glen Powell nails both personas: the arrogant ex-star and the hilariously earnest alter ego who just wants a second chance.

The writing by Powell and Waldron blends sharp locker-room comedy with a surprisingly emotional redemption arc.

Supporting performances — Steve Zahn as grumpy head coach Jake Hudson and Perry Mattfeld as his ambitious daughter Ricky — add depth and charm. Frankie A. Rodriguez also shines as Danny, the Catfish mascot who becomes Russ’s chaotic sidekick and confidant.

Each episode, named like a football game quarter (“1st Quarter,” “2nd Quarter,” etc.), builds toward an emotional touchdown. By the time the Catfish start winning under Chad’s leadership, it’s not just the scoreboard that changes — it’s the man behind the mask.

🎬 Episode Highlights: From Laughs to Lessons

• “1st Quarter” opens with chaos and comedy — a spectacular fall from grace that sets up Russ’s absurd rebirth.

• “3rd Quarter” delivers the season’s first goosebumps moment when Chad defies the coach’s orders and saves the game with his own play.

• “5th Quarter” hits hard emotionally, revealing how double lives collide — leading to heartbreak, scandal, and one massive plot twist involving the coach’s wife.

Powell balances the farce with sincerity — every laugh is followed by a small sting of truth. It’s about identity, failure, and what it really means to love the game.

🎧 The Feel of the Field

With music by Natalie Holt (Loki, Obi-Wan Kenobi), the series brings cinematic flair to every touchdown and heartbreak. Directors Tony Yacenda (American Vandal) and Payman Benz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) keep the tone playful but authentic — shot with handheld energy that feels like ESPN meets a mockumentary.

Behind the laughs, though, there’s a subtle critique of fame culture, masculinity, and the absurdity of college sports politics. Like a good quarterback sneak, Chad Powers hides something profound under all its comedy.

🏆 Final Thoughts: A Comedy With Real Heart

Glen Powell once again proves he’s Hollywood’s MVP of charm — effortlessly carrying a series that could’ve easily gone full gimmick. Instead, Chad Powers delivers both laughs and life lessons.

Is it ridiculous? Absolutely. Is it heartfelt? More than you’d expect. Would you binge it again? “You bet, Chad Powers!”

⭐ Verdict:

🏈 Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

🎥 Best For: Fans of Ted Lasso, Eastbound & Down, and Kingdom

📺 Where to Watch: Now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ (Internationally on Disney+)

🗣️ Final Line:

“Sometimes you’ve got to fake it to make it — and sometimes, being Chad Powers just helps you find who you really are.”