Glen Powell, known for his roles in major films like Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters, is making his return to television with the new Hulu sports comedy Chad Powers. The six-episode series, premiering on September 30, 2025, follows former college quarterback Russ Holliday, played by Powell, who attempts to reclaim his career by disguising himself as the charming Chad Powers.
Premiere Details and Episode Breakdown for Chad Powers
Chad Powers will debut on Hulu on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, with the first season consisting of six episodes. The initial two episodes will be released simultaneously, followed by weekly releases for the remaining four. The season finale is scheduled for October 28, 2025, marking the conclusion of Glen Powell’s new show’s first installment.
The episodes are titled to align with football quarters, emphasizing the sports theme:
- 1st Quarter – September 30, 2025
- 2nd Quarter – September 30, 2025
- 3rd Quarter – October 7, 2025
- 4th Quarter – October 14, 2025
- 5th Quarter – October 21, 2025
- 6th Quarter – October 28, 2025
Viewers in the United States will be able to stream Chad Powers exclusively on Hulu, while audiences in other countries can watch it on Disney+. The premiere episode, “1st Quarter,” was co-written by star Glen Powell alongside Michael Waldron, adding a personal touch to the series’ launch.
The Premise Behind Glen Powell’s Chad Powers
Chad Powers draws inspiration from former NFL quarterback Eli Manning’s undercover persona featured in ESPN’s Eli’s Places. In that series, Manning went incognito during Penn State University tryouts as a walk-on player. Similarly, the Hulu comedy features Glen Powell as Russ Holliday, a former college football quarterback whose arrogance and a critical misstep ended his promising career.
After eight years away from the spotlight, Russ creates a plan to return to football, disguising himself as Chad Powers, a friendly and talented athlete who is the opposite of his brash personality. Using a wig and prosthetics, he tries to join the struggling South Georgia Catfish. Russ explains his ruse in the trailer, saying:
“I am gonna do a Mrs. Doubtfire, but with football.”
Russ Holliday, character in Chad Powers
Glen Powell discussed the show’s unique mix of humor and authenticity in an interview with ABC News:
“We took that concept and that inspiration and have doubled down on the prosthetics, updated it, improved it, new model, new Chad, and we’re making a hell of a show here… What makes this show different is we wanted this thing to be funny and heartfelt but to have the football be legit.”
Glen Powell, actor and co-creator
Main Cast Members Supporting Glen Powell in Chad Powers
Glen Powell not only leads Chad Powers but also serves as co-creator and executive producer alongside Michael Waldron, whose resume includes acclaimed series like Rick and Morty, Heels, and the Marvel hit Loki, as well as the Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness screenplay. Powell’s rise in Hollywood has been marked by acclaimed performances, including a Golden Globe nomination for Hit Man.
Supporting Powell is Steve Zahn, portraying Jake Hudson, a laid-back teacher with a passion for football who acts as a mentor to the South Georgia Catfish. Zahn’s extensive career spans popular films such as Reality Bites and Captain Fantastic, and notable TV roles in Modern Family, Treme, and The White Lotus. Toby Huss plays Russ’s father, Mike Holliday, adding another layer to the character dynamics.
Other cast members include Perry Mattfeld, who plays both Russ Holliday and Chad Powers, Wynn Everett, Frankie A. Rodriguez as Coach Byrd, and Clayne Crawford. This ensemble brings experience and depth, enhancing the series’ blend of comedy and sports drama.
Chad Powers is set to be a fresh and heartfelt entry into sports comedy, combining Glen Powell’s charisma with an engaging story drawn from real NFL inspiration. The show’s premiere later this year signals a promising expansion of Powell’s presence into television, inviting football fans and comedy lovers alike to follow Russ Holliday’s unconventional journey back to the field.
