Glen Powell stars as undercover quarterback in Chad Powers sports comedy, premiering September 30 on Hulu and aiming to capture the hearts of sports fans and comedy lovers alike. The highly-anticipated series, based on a viral Eli Manning character, follows Powell’s journey as a disguised athlete making an unexpected comeback in college football, with the hope of becoming Hulu’s next big hit.
With comparisons to the wildly popular Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, questions arise about whether Hulu’s new show can recreate the blend of heart, humor, and sports drama that made its predecessor a gold standard. Here’s what you need to know about the real-life inspiration, the unique new series, and why Glen Powell’s undercover role might stand out in the crowded sports comedy arena.
How Eli Manning’s Chad Powers Became a Viral Sensation
Chad Powers was not always destined for prime time. In 2022, NFL legend Eli Manning crafted the eccentric alter ego to immerse himself in the world of college football tryouts at Penn State. The premise was simple but ingenious: Manning went undercover as a walk-on hopeful, an experiment designed to reveal the overlooked experiences of aspiring athletes. By keeping his true identity a secret from both players and coaches, he aimed to avoid causing a distraction while gathering authentic reactions.
Manning turned heads not just for his football skills but for the believability of his disguise, achieved with help from professional Hollywood makeup artists. With flowing hair, a notable mustache, and an invented backstory, Chad Powers appeared every bit the small-town dreamer—a substitute teacher with a side hustle as a carpenter, playfully reminiscent of Mark Wahlberg’s character in Invincible.
The core of the Chad Powers persona wasn’t just laughter—it was commitment to the bit. Manning performed as someone supremely confident, a little eccentric, and determined to blend in despite sticking out among much younger competitors. His antics included third-person references, overblown catchphrases, and a willingness to completely inhabit his fictional self, producing an on-field spectacle both comical and memorable.
Despite the transformation, Manning’s age showed through, and his athleticism—while impressive—still marked him as different. A slow 40-yard dash and exaggerated behavior kept the gag going, yet onlookers were still taken aback by his genuine arm strength. The entire team was in disbelief once Manning’s true identity was revealed—after Chad, inevitably, didn’t make the cut. In a heartfelt move, Manning shared real advice with the young players and even announced a scholarship recipient, making the episode both touching and funny.
The immense popularity of the segment on social media set the stage for a full series adaptation. Now, with Glen Powell stepping into the role, Hulu is expanding the story into a show that promises second chances, offbeat humor, and a deep appreciation for the game. Behind the slapstick lies a core message about finding purpose and acceptance on and off the field.
What Sets Chad Powers Apart from Ted Lasso in the World of Sports Comedy?
Ted Lasso famously started as a sketch character for NBC Sports, created by Jason Sudeikis, before blossoming into one of Apple TV+’s most acclaimed series. Its blend of kindness, humor, and sports culture resonated globally, setting a new bar for sports comedies. Hulu’s Chad Powers is now following a similar trajectory, originating from a web episode in which Eli Manning wore a humorous disguise at college football tryouts and transformed the experience into a beloved bit.
Chad Powers was crafted as a tongue-in-cheek wannabe athlete, designed to showcase the oddities and challenges of walk-on tryouts. The sketch struck a chord for its blend of playful absurdity and underdog pathos, lifting Manning’s comedic performance into internet stardom.
Transitioning from viral sensation to television series, the story gets a fresh twist. Glen Powell, who is well recognized for his energetic roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Hit Man, stars as Russ Holliday, a troubled former quarterback. Holliday’s path to redemption requires him to impersonate Chad Powers and join a floundering football team—a setup ripe for comedic mishaps and emotional growth.
While Ted Lasso focused on positivity, leadership, and adapting to a new culture, Chad Powers leans harder on disguise-driven humor, mistaken identities, and exaggerated football hijinks. The core, however, remains similar: both shows shine a light on the transformative power of sports and the value of second chances for underdogs.
The creative team behind Chad Powers further sets it up for possible success. Michael Waldron, co-creator and executive producer, is recognizable for his work on Loki and Rick and Morty, known for balancing humor and unexpected depth. Production is also in the hands of the Manning brothers, with Omaha Productions involved, and the show’s pilot is directed by Tony Yacenda of American Vandal fame. This powerhouse collaboration brings together sports-world authenticity, seasoned comedy writing, and fresh storytelling techniques.
Hulu aims to compete directly with Apple, both streaming giants vying for viewers seeking laughter, relatability, and memorable characters. Unlike Ted Lasso, which moved audiences with its optimism, Chad Powers is expected to generate high-energy comedy through slapstick disguises and wily end-zone antics, yet at its heart, it still explores themes of belonging, failure, and redemption. Whether it becomes as beloved remains to be seen, but there is little doubt the show will find an audience eager for a new brand of sports entertainment.
Inside the New Chad Powers Series: Cast, Storyline, and What to Expect
Hulu’s Chad Powers is set to premiere on September 30, 2025, in the USA, merging football action and comedy in a storyline about mistaken identities and big dreams. Glen Powell, taking the lead as Russ Holliday, portrays a once-promising quarterback whose reckless decisions derailed his college career. Faced with dwindling options, Holliday invents the persona of Chad Powers to try out for an underperforming college football team and chase a second shot at the sport he loves.
Powell brings not only his performance skills but also his production expertise to the show, serving as an executive producer alongside the Manning brothers—Eli and Peyton—and Michael Waldron. Direction comes courtesy of Tony Yacenda, whose work on American Vandal earned acclaim for blending satire and genuine emotion in unexpected settings. Supporting cast members include Steve Zahn, Toby Huss, and Perry Mattfeld, all bringing distinct personalities and comic timing to the show’s ensemble.
The series is positioned at the intersection of humor, heart, and sports drama. It delves into identity, comeback stories, and finding value beyond society’s expectations, rolling out comedic set pieces and meaningful interactions in the locker room and on the field. The creative partnership between former athletes, comedy writers, and talented actors promises plenty of escapades while retaining some emotional weight.
Chad Powers is not only a tribute to Eli Manning’s original viral performance but also a new take on what it means to reinvent yourself for a second chance. With Glen Powell taking the field, backed by an experienced ensemble and crew, the show is primed to bring fresh energy to Hulu’s lineup.
The Stakes for Sports Comedy and Streaming’s Next Big Thing
As streaming platforms compete for attention, Hulu is betting big on Glen Powell’s undercover quarterback in Chad Powers sports comedy to score with both diehard sports fans and comedy audiences. The show brings together athletic authenticity—via the deep involvement of NFL personalities and football culture—and comedic storytelling through writers and producers familiar with both web virality and prestige television.
Given the ongoing popularity of sports shows that tackle deeper human themes, Chad Powers arrives at a critical time. Its fresh approach to redemption, identity, and slapstick disguise-based humor could set new trends for sports comedies, driving conversations around both the characters and the creators behind the series.
Should the show succeed, Glen Powell and the creative minds at Omaha Productions, including Eli and Peyton Manning and Michael Waldron, could establish Hulu as a major player in the sports-themed streaming world, inviting more collaborations between athletes and storytellers. Whether Chad Powers matches or surpasses Ted Lasso’s legacy, it’s clear the field is wide open for clever, heartfelt, and energetic new takes on the sports comedy formula.
Sports fans, comedy lovers, and curious viewers will be tuning in this September to see if Chad Powers can bring laughter, heart, and a touch of chaos to the gridiron, just as Ted Lasso captured the soccer field. If early buzz and the creative pedigree hold up, Hulu’s comedy gamble could very well pay off with a touchdown.
