Glen Powell’s Hulu Football Comedy 'Chad Powers' Premieres Amid Mixed Reviews

The Hulu series "Chad Powers," co-created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, follows a disgraced college quarterback, Russ Holliday, who reinvents himself by disguising as a walk-on player to make a football comeback. While the show fills a unique niche by focusing on college football, critics have given mixed reviews, praising its entertainment value but criticizing its mean-spirited humor and underdeveloped characters. The series, inspired by an ESPN sketch featuring Eli Manning and executive produced by Peyton Manning, explores themes of redemption and personal reinvention but has been described as relying heavily on a single joke and portraying an obnoxious protagonist. Despite Glen Powell's rising star status and prior successes in film, "Chad Powers" has divided critics, with some noting it falls short compared to other sports comedies like "Ted Lasso." The show premiered on September 30, 2025, and has garnered a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews. Overall, "Chad Powers" offers a fresh take on college football culture but struggles with tone and character likability, leading to a polarized reception.