Hulu just gave us a new look at Chad Powers, a sports comedy starring Glen Powell – and it’s already making huge waves. Inspired by a viral character created by Eli Manning, the show promises laughs and a fresh twist on college football. Powell is widely popular for his acting chops and comedic timing, and here he steps into the cleats of a former quarterback trying to make a comeback by going undercover.
But the big question is: can Chad Powers live up to the high bar set by Ted Lasso? The show that turned sports storytelling into comedic gold. Now, Hulu is trying its best to give tough competition to Apple TV+ with Chad Powers. Let’s dive deeper!
Who is Chad Powers? Glen Powell’s new Hulu character explained
Before Chad Powers became Hulu’s next big comedy lead, he was a wild and unexpected alter ego created by NFL legend Eli Manning. It all began in 2022 when Manning decided to go undercover to explore what walk-on athletes experience during college football tryouts. This idea of his wasn’t just bold, it was also bizarre, hilarious, and something that instantly went viral.
To pull it off, he teamed up with the coaching staff at Penn State, with only one condition: he couldn’t become a distraction. That meant hiding his true identity from players and coaches.
So, with the help of top-tier Hollywood makeup artists, Manning became Chad Powers – a long-haired, mustached “wannabe athlete” with a backstory that sounded straight out of a small-town legend.
In the segment, Powers was introduced as a substitute teacher and part-time carpenter trying out for his favorite team, which was obviously a cheeky nod to Mark Wahlberg’s character in Invincible.
But Chad wasn’t just about looks; Manning gave him an entire personality. He was confident, eccentric, and totally unaware of how out of place he seemed, which resulted in absolute comedy gold.
The moment Manning hit the field, he stood out – and not in a good way. Despite the efforts of the makeup team, he looked much older than the college hopefuls around him. His 40-yard dash was painfully slow, and while his arm strength impressed everyone, his over-the-top antics didn’t help his case. He spoke in the third person, threw out dramatic one-liners, and played it up like a real-life cartoon character.
Eventually, “Chad Powers” was cut, with Manning then removing his disguise, which left the entire team quite surprised. He then offered real advice to players and, in a heartfelt twist, announced that one of them earned a scholarship. This made his entire stunt a whole lot more meaningful, not just funny.
Now, the viral success of that bit is being turned into a full series, with Powell leading the way as the quirky Chad Powers. Hulu has taken the core of Manning’s idea and expanded it into a story about second chances and a love for the game, all wrapped in humor.
Chad Powers vs. Ted Lasso: Can Hulu’s sports comedy beat Apple TV’s hit series?
Before Ted Lasso became a global hit, it started off as a simple ad campaign. Jason Sudeikis created the character for NBC Sports, and it quickly grew into a heartwarming show about kindness, soccer, and second chances. Now, Hulu is trying to catch the same magic with Chad Powers, a new series based on a funny disguise NFL legend Eli Manning wore in a 2022 web episode. The question is: can Chad Powers repeat Ted Lasso’s success?
Manning created Powers as a character to go undercover during college football tryouts. While his entire appearance and personality were fake, he still became a lovable “wannabe” athlete.
The idea was meant to be lighthearted and educational, showing what it’s like to try out for a football team. But the sketch took off online, with fans loving Chad’s oddball personality and Manning’s unexpected comedy chops.
Now, Chad Powers is turning into a full TV series, except this time, actor Glen Powell is stepping in as the lead.
Known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Hit Man, he will play a troubled quarterback named Russ Holliday. After ruining his college football career, Russ disguises himself as Chad Powers to join a struggling team and earn a second shot. It’s a sports comeback story with a twist of undercover comedy.
While Ted Lasso was all about optimism and leadership in an unfamiliar setting, Chad Powers brings a different kind of humor. This show promises more outrageous disguises, fake identities, and locker room antics.
Still, the heart of both stories lies in redemption and the power of sports to change lives. It’s clear Hulu is taking notes from Apple TV+, and just like Ted Lasso, Chad Powers began as a short sketch that fans couldn’t stop talking about.
Both series share themes of second chances, but the tone is where they might differ the most. Plus, the Hulu show is co-created by Michael Waldron (known for Loki and Rick and Morty) and produced by the Manning brothers’ company, Omaha Productions. So, it has all the ingredients to turn viral fame into something bigger.
Whether Chad Powers can beat Ted Lasso remains to be seen, but there’s room for both kinds of sports stories. One made us cry with its feel-good moments, the other might make us laugh with fake mustaches and touchdown drama. Either way, if Chad Powers is half as funny as its origin, Hulu might just have a winning play.
Everything we know about Hulu’s Chad Powers series: cast, plot, and release date
Chad Powers is ready to bring football and fun together in a big way. The Hulu show, which is all set to premiere on September 30, stars Glen Powell as Russ Holliday, a once-famous college quarterback whose career falls apart due to bad behavior. Desperate for a second chance, he disguises himself as “Chad Powers” and tries out for a failing football team.
Powell also serves as an executive producer alongside Eli and Peyton Manning and Loki creator Michael Waldron. Also, Tony Yacenda, known for American Vandal, directs the pilot. The cast also includes Steve Zahn, Toby Huss, Perry Mattfeld, and others.
The series combines humor, heart, and a love for football, focusing on themes like identity, redemption, and chasing dreams.
Chad Powers is all set to premiere on Hulu in the USA on September 30, 2025.
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