Glen Powell, hailed as a rising star since Top Gun: Maverick, has showcased his range in everything from rom-coms to action flicks. Yet, his true comedic chops find a perfect home in Hulu's new series, Chad Powers. While the show's initial Rotten Tomatoes score might suggest a lukewarm reception, the six-episode first season reveals a series with far more substance and potential than a simple rating can capture.
Beyond the Scoreboard
Inspired by a popular sketch, the series follows disgraced former quarterback Russ Holliday (Powell). After a humiliating end to his college career, he steals prosthetics from his makeup-artist father to reinvent himself as the eccentric walk-on player "Chad Powers" at a small Georgia university. What begins as a classic fish-out-of-water setup quickly evolves into a surprisingly sincere exploration of second chances and personal growth.
Powell delivers a dual performance that highlights his versatility. As the arrogant, fallen Russ, he's almost unlikable—a testament to his skill. As the humble, eager-to-please Chad, he reveals the character's buried vulnerability. The show smartly uses the ridiculous disguise as a metaphor for shame and the desire for a clean slate, grounding its sillier premise with genuine emotional stakes.
Finding Its Footing and Its Heart
Like many classic comedies that needed time to find their rhythm, Chad Powers uses its first season to establish its world. The early focus on Russ's transformation pays off by making the team's dynamics and his personal redemption feel earned. The series excels when it steps off the field, particularly in an episode where Russ bonds with the team mascot, Danny (Frankie A. Rodriguez), revealing that winning is empty without camaraderie.
The supporting cast adds significant depth. Steve Zahn brings gruff charm as Coach Hudson, while Perry Mattfeld stands out as his daughter, Ricky, a coach fighting for respect in a male-dominated sport. The connection between Ricky and Russ, both grappling with paternal expectations, provides a compelling emotional core and hints at a potential romance that feels organic, not forced.
Why It Works Better Than the Reviews Say
The show's strength lies in its balance. It delivers sharp, funny moments—especially about the absurdities of college sports—while never losing sight of its characters' humanity. It's a sports show that doesn't require you to love football; it's a character study in a comedy wrapper. This ambition to be more than just a gag-a-minute farce is what makes its future so promising.
By the season's end, Chad Powers has laid a solid foundation. Russ has a clear path to redemption, both for his past failures and in helping Ricky achieve her goals. The series has proven it can generate real heart, suggesting it could operate on a whole new level in a potential second season. It's a reminder that some shows, like 'The Last Man on Earth', become beloved classics after finding their footing.
In an era of endless content, a mixed Rotten Tomatoes score can cause viewers to scroll right past. But Chad Powers is a compelling case for looking beyond the aggregate rating. With Glen Powell's star power driving a story that's both funny and heartfelt, this Hulu comedy is executing a winning play that critics might have initially missed.
