Glen Powell, known for his roles in films like The Running Man, stars in the new Hulu sports comedy series Chad Powers, which premieres on September 30. The show follows a former quarterback seeking redemption as he joins a struggling college football team, but early reactions to the series have been varied.
Initial Reception and Critical Response
Chad Powers currently holds a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on six critic reviews, indicating a mixed but generally favorable response. While some viewers find the series entertaining, others feel it tries to do too much without fully developing its story. Despite this, Powell‘s performance as the lead draws consistent praise. FandomWire highlighted his ability to combine
“egotism with vulnerability, creating sparks of heart,”
making him the standout figure in the series. JoBlo credited Powell for elevating the material, calling him the reason the show feels like a “winner.” Additionally, Collider described Chad Powers as
“the television equivalent of a true freshman who came out of nowhere to win the prized Heisman trophy,”
underscoring Powell’s strong screen presence.
Critiques on Story Depth and Comparisons to Other Shows
Some critics have expressed reservations about the show’s premise, which revolves around a quarterback disguising himself with heavy makeup while navigating college football challenges. They argue that Chad Powers does not develop its characters or plot enough to stand out in the sports comedy genre. Entertainment Weekly pointed out that the series lacks the fully realized world and character depth seen in similar successful shows. It remarked,
“The creators of ‘Ted Lasso’ knew that if you’re going to build a show on a wisp of a concept, you better make sure the world and the characters in it are fully developed. Alas, everything in ‘Chad Powers’ feels a little slapdash.”
Key Players and Production Team Behind the Series
The cast supporting Glen Powell includes Perry Mattfeld as Russ Holliday/Chad Powers, Toby Huss portraying Ricky, and Frankie A. Rodriguez in the role of Coach Byrd. Jake Hudson also contributes, though his character’s details remain under wraps. The series blends comedic elements with sports themes, centering around Powell’s character as he seeks both personal and athletic redemption on a college team facing tough odds.
With its blend of humor and sports drama, Chad Powers attempts to carve out a unique niche in streaming television. While early reactions highlight some narrative shortcomings, Glen Powell’s portrayal is expected to be a central draw for the audience as the show unfolds.
