The new show starring Glen Powell as Chad Powers, a disgraced college quarterback trying to reinvent himself, has sparked uneasy reactions since its announcement. The series portrays Powers as a former athlete who faces public disgrace and attempts to relaunch his career, with the focus on the awkward and often mean-spirited humor surrounding this character. The show’s tone and subject matter have raised eyebrows, putting Glen Powell Chad Powers under intense scrutiny from critics and viewers alike.
The Fall of Russ Holliday and the Rose Bowl Incident
The story begins with Russ Holliday, played by Glen Powell, experiencing a humiliating moment at the Rose Bowl. Just before scoring, Holliday fumbles the ball, which leads to a turnover by the opposing Georgia Bulldogs and his team’s loss. This event triggers a downward spiral resulting in Holliday’s ban from college football. His public image worsens after a confrontation with a young fan with cancer, where he reacts harshly and even knocks over the boy’s wheelchair. This incident, caught on national television, deeply damages his reputation.
Holliday’s Attempts at a Comeback and Subsequent Decline
After his public meltdown, Holliday briefly recovers by participating in The Masked Singer and taking on low-profile Cameo appearances. Although he receives an offer to join the XFL, that opportunity evaporates following the death of the young fan and resurfacing footage of his Rose Bowl failure. For the next eight years, Holliday drifts, living on his father’s couch as he struggles to regain footing in a life derailed by one catastrophic moment.
The Role of Holliday’s Father and His Career Influence
Holliday’s father, played by Toby Huss, is an Academy Award-winning makeup and prosthetics artist. This relationship propels the plot forward when Holliday, while delivering prosthetic materials to a movie set directed by Michael Bay, learns about an open quarterback tryout led by Jake Hudson, the coach of a team called the South Georgia Catfish. Taking advantage of his father’s expertise, Holliday acquires disguises to conceal his identity and attempts to join the team incognito in hopes of revitalizing his career.
Introduction of Supporting Characters and Dynamics
During his undercover tryout, Holliday encounters Danny Cruz, the team mascot played by Freddie A. Rodriguez. Initially mistaking Holliday for a threat, Cruz soon identifies him from tabloid news rather than football and becomes an accomplice in Holliday’s plan. Cruz takes on the roles of makeup assistant and housemate, helping Holliday maintain his disguise and navigate this unlikely comeback attempt.
Comparison to Eli Manning’s ESPN+ Stunt and Its Impact
The show draws inspiration from an idea similar to Eli Manning’s ESPN+ stunt, where Manning disguised himself to experience a college football walk-on tryout firsthand. However, unlike Manning’s effort, which came across as lighthearted and contained genuine enthusiasm, Glen Powell Chad Powers projects a harsher, less likable atmosphere. Manning’s stunt carried a spirit of surprise and goodwill, while this portrayal leans heavily into mean-spirited comedy without the balance of authentic charm or humor.
Critics’ Reception and the Show’s Harsh Tone
William Hughes of The A.V. Club condemned the concept, describing it as “one of the worst ideas” and likening Powell’s vocal performance to
“What if Porky Pig got bit by a rabid Matthew McConaughey?”
The show persists with this tone throughout its six episodes, recycling the same joke of the lead’s awkward voice and eccentric behavior without developing a more engaging or funny narrative. Instead, it relies on cruel jock humor and an unsympathetic protagonist, which disturbs the viewing experience and leaves audiences restless.
The Show’s Broader Significance and Potential Outcomes
Glen Powell’s Chad Powers attempts to explore themes of failure and redemption within the figure of a washed-up athlete, but it struggles to find compassion or genuine insight in its treatment. The harsh tone and unrelenting mean-spiritedness highlight risks in sports-related comedy that leans too far into ridicule without payoff. How audiences and networks respond to this show could influence future projects that engage with fallen athletes and celebrity culture, particularly in balancing humor with humanity.
