Chad Powers is a comedy series on Hulu that follows Russ Holliday, a former college quarterback whose career ended in scandal after a critical fumble during a national championship game and a public outburst involving a young fan. Eight years later, facing rejection from the XFL, Russ reinvents himself as the awkward Chad Powers using prosthetics and a fake Southern accent to join the struggling South Georgia Catfish football team. Starring Glen Powell in the dual role, the show mixes sports action with disguise mishaps and team dynamics, created by Powell and Michael Waldron.
In Episode, Russ’s past catches up when old footage resurfaces, leading him to steal makeup tools and head to tryouts, where he meets quirky teammates and coaches. Episode 2 shows Chad shining at tryouts but struggling to hide his identity at a team barbecue, ending as the backup quarterback. Episode 3 picks up during a losing game against Ole Miss, with Chad and assistant coach Ricky teaming up from the sidelines. Episode 4 builds tension as the Catfish face a rival, testing Chad’s disguise amid rising suspicions.
Stream all episodes of Chad Powers on Hulu in the U.S., or Disney+ internationally. The next episode arrives on October 7, 2025. This series offers lighthearted looks at redemption and football life, drawing from a viral Eli Manning skit.
Chad Powers episode 1: Launching the disguise
The opening episode sets the stage with Russ Holliday’s downfall during the Rose Bowl against Georgia. As Oregon’s star quarterback, Russ drops a sure touchdown pass in the final moments, handing victory to the opponents. In the heat of defeat, he shoves a cancer-stricken boy and his father, who had taunted him from the stands. This moment, shown in flashbacks, highlights Russ’s hot-tempered side and marks the start of his exile from football. Eight years on, the boy’s recent passing reignites media scrutiny, costing Russ an XFL contract.
Inspired by a Mrs. Doubtfire poster, Russ steals prosthetics from his father’s Hollywood kit to create Chad Powers, a mullet-sporting, high-voiced everyman with a made-up backstory of wolf-attacked high school games. This twist reveals Russ’s vulnerability beneath his bravado, as he drives his Cybertruck to South Georgia for walk-on tryouts. The episode ends with Chad arriving at the field, prosthetics in place, ready to bluff his way onto the Catfish roster. Viewers see early hints of team tensions, like assistant coach Dobbs clashing with Ricky, head coach Jake Hudson’s daughter. The football scenes mix real action with humor, making the setup accessible even for non-sports fans.
Early viewers on social media praised the episode’s bold start, with many noting how the fumble scene captures the pressure of big games. One post from ESPN highlighted Chad’s tryout passes, calling them “head-turners” and tying back to the show’s origins. Fans reacted to the kid’s death twist with surprise, seeing it as a harsh reminder of consequences in sports culture. Posts shared clips of Russ’s outburst, sparking talks about athlete accountability.
Some appreciated Powell’s shift from cocky Russ to bumbling Chad, with comments like “Glen Powell sells the desperation perfectly.” Others pointed out the episode’s pacing, which dives straight into the premise without much setup. Overall, reactions lean positive for the humor in Chad’s odd backstory, though a few noted the scandal’s edge might turn off younger audiences.
Chad Powers episode 2: Tryouts and close calls
Chad Powers makes his debut at South Georgia Catfish tryouts, where his awkward warmups nearly end his chance before a pep talk from Danny, the school mascot, turns things around. Danny, played by Frankie A. Rodriguez, spots Russ under the disguise and agrees to help for a potential favor later. Chad then delivers pinpoint passes that wow coaches and players, with videos quickly going viral online. This moment showcases the show’s blend of physical comedy and authentic football plays, filmed with input from NFL pros.
However, competition arises from Gerry Dugan, a cocky contender for quarterback. During a scrimmage, Chad’s throw goes awry, leading Coach Dobbs to bench him. The episode shifts to a team barbecue at Coach Hudson’s lake house, where Chad dodges swimming to protect his prosthetics and fields questions about his vague past from booster Tricia. A water balloon fight soaks him, forcing a quick fix in hiding. The twist comes when Hudson names Gerry starter and Chad backup, with leaking prosthetics mimicking tears as Chad flees to his truck. These beats build suspense around the disguise’s fragility.
Fans lit up with reactions to the barbecue scene, calling the water incident a “hilarious near-miss” that ramps up the stakes. The viral tryout clips drew shares, with ESPN’s post garnering thousands of views and comments like “Chad’s arm is legit—sign him up!”
Some viewers appreciated the team dynamics, especially Ricky’s overlooked role, sparking discussions on gender in coaching. Critics from USA Today mentioned Powell’s charm carries the episode, despite pacing jumps. A few threads debated Danny’s quick alliance, seeing it as a convenient but fun plot device. Audience scores on sites like SpoilerTV invite more input as views grow, with early polls showing solid approval for the comedy.
Chad Powers episode 3: Sideline strategy shift
Based on previews, Episode 3 jumps into the second half of the Catfish’s opener against Ole Miss, where the team trails badly. Chad, benched after Episode 2’s slip, shares the sidelines with Ricky, who faces constant doubt from Dobbs. Their unlikely partnership forms as they shout advice to turn the tide, blending quick-witted calls with on-field chaos. This moment emphasizes teamwork over individual glory, with Chad’s hidden skills shining through whispers to players.
A key twist involves a risky play suggestion from Ricky that Chad backs, leading to a momentum swing but nearly exposing his voice. The episode highlights South Georgia’s underdog spirit, using real stadium shots for immersion. Tensions rise with Hudson’s marriage strains bleeding into coaching decisions, adding layers to the loss. It ends on a cliffhanger with a close call on Chad’s identity during post-game huddles.
Chad Powers episode 4: Rival Revelations
Episode 4 synopsis points to a heated matchup against a conference rival, where the Catfish’s recent win streak falters under pressure. Chad steps in mid-game after Gerry’s injury, his throws drawing cheers but also whispers from opponents who sense something off about the backup. A central moment is Chad’s audible call that flips a losing drive, but it requires dropping his accent briefly, risking recognition by a scout.
The twist deepens with Tricia uncovering old Russ footage during a booster meeting, forcing Chad to improvise a deflection. Family drama peaks as Hudson confronts his wife’s doubts, mirroring Chad’s own hidden regrets. Football sequences ramp up with slow-motion highlights, keeping the energy high. The episode closes with a narrow victory but a leaked photo hinting at exposure.
Fans gear up for the rival game, with buzz around Gerry’s benching as a “game-changer twist.” Laughing Place’s review hails such shifts for adding heart to the comedy. Viewers anticipate debates on Chad’s rising profile, similar to viral moments before.
For a comedy that tackles redemption one prosthetic and pinpoint pass at a time, stream Chad Powers to see if the disguise can last the entire season.
Also Read: Breaking down The Lowdown: A look at the first two episodes
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Hilfa, Senior Writer at Hilvaro, excels in pop culture journalism. She crafts engaging content on movies, TV, & trends, fueled by her love for storytelling & entertainment.
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