The sports comedy series Chad Powers kicks off eight years after a star quarterback’s career goes up in flames. Russ Holliday (played by Glen Powell) was once the guy who had it all. He had prestige, college stardom, a future in football all lined up for him. However, one major mistake cost him everything and ended his promising career before it began. Now, determined to reclaim his dreams, he takes a huge swing: disguising himself as a completely different person.
The series features six half-hour episodes in its first season. The first two episodes premiered on Sept. 29, while the final four episodes aired weekly until the season finale on Oct. 28. In each episode, Russ Holliday balanced two identities. He juggled his true self and the invented identity of Chad Powers. As a result of his double life, he spun a web of lies to his teammates, coaches and the world at large. Throughout the series, he dealt with interpersonal drama, accountability for his past and the big question of redemption. The series poses the question: can he become the person he needs to be while hiding who he really is?
Where was ‘Chad Powers’ filmed?
Production of Chad Powers took full advantage of Georgia’s plentiful film-friendly locations, giving the series a credible college football environment. According to Travel Noire, most of the shooting for the series took place in Metro Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, with real stadiums lending credibility to the action.
Atlanta’s Center Parc Credit Union Stadium served as a key location for on-field scenes, while the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium in Athens provided live-game backdrops with large crowds. Interior spaces, like locker rooms and team meeting rooms, were recreated on sets in Conyers, Georgia, and nearby areas outside Atlanta, according to Sportskeeda. Choosing these Georgia locales allowed the show to merge the feel of a genuine college football world with the logistics of scripted production. Georgia’s robust infrastructure, tax incentives, and access to authentic football venues gave the show both scale and realism.
Glen Powell’s ascending Hollywood career
Glen Powell, the star of Chad Powers, has seen his Hollywood profile rise dramatically in recent years. He started with smaller roles— including a part in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over — and gradually built experience as an actor and writer. His career hit new heights with the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and the romantic comedy Anyone But You (2023). Vanity Fair reported that Powell deliberately chooses roles that challenge him, mixing big-budget tentpoles, indie projects and television. On Chad Powers, the actor co-created, co-wrote, and served as executive producer, showing his drive to shape projects from the ground up. His involvement in the sports-comedy series reflects a deliberate creative choice that fits perfectly with his evolving career.
How did Glen Powell become Chad Powers?
The Hollywood Reporter reported that Powell elaborate prosthetics including a wig, mustache, fake teeth, and a prosthetic nose and chin. The transformation went beyond minimal makeup, creating a look so different that costars and crew reportedly broke character on set.
The prosthetics do more than add visual humor. They reinforce the story’s theme of a fallen quarterback hiding behind a literal and figurative mask. The contrast between polished Russ Holliday and the quirky, awkward Chad Powers amplifies the show’s comedy and misdirection. Powell himself said the daily makeup routine was time-consuming, and filming athletic football sequences in full gear added even more physical challenge. For fans who love transformation and character craft, the effect perfectly blends sports spectacle with identity-driven comedy.
Is ‘Chad Powers’ based on a real person?
Chad Powers is not based on a real person. While the series feels grounded in college football realism, it’s largely a creative invention. Disney+ reports that the show was inspired by a 2021 ESPN+ stunt, when Eli Manning went undercover as a walk-on quarterback named Chad Powers in a segment of Eli’s Places. That playful sketch planted the seed for Hulu’s current series. However, the character of Russ Hollida and the sequence of events are original creations from the show’s writers. Co-creator Michael Waldron and the creative team approached the premise as high-concept comedy. They set out to showcase a disgraced star quarterback with nothing left to lose.
Will there be a season 2 of ‘Chad Powers’?
As of today, there is no word from Hulu or its creators confirming a second season. The first season’s viewership appears strong, according to CinemaBlend. Chad Powers reached top-streaming lists on Hulu and Disney+.
Some outlets speculate that the series won’t be returning for another season. According to Men’s Health, fans should be concerned about Powell returning to the project, saying his newfound “movie star persona” may stop the series renewal. However, cast members told Variety that they anticipate a second season of the series. Powell himself even noted that he wanted the sophomore season to include some high-caliber star power.
“I’m working my way to her,” joked co-star Perry Mattfeld, who plays the show’s lone female coach, referring to Taylor Swift. “We’ll make sure she sees the series and she’ll get it. I’m hoping because of Travis [Kelce], she’ll watch and then we’ll connect and talk offense.”
In response, Powell quipped, “You already got me thinking about Season 2 cameos. T-Swift comin’ in hot!”
Rotten Tomatoes shows that reviews for Chad Powers have been mixed so far, which could factor into any renewal decisions. While there’s nothing preventing a second season, nothing has officially guaranteed it either. So, when it comes to a season two renewal, it’s still in the air. Fans can keep an eye on streaming numbers, social media chatter, and any hints from Powell or Hulu to gauge the likelihood of a follow-up season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chad Powers’ real name?
In the series, Chad Powers is the alias adopted by Russ Holliday. The character’s real name is Russ Holliday. Chad Powers is the fake persona he uses to go under disguise and join the team.
Is Chad Powers a movie or a series?
Chad Powers is a television series that premiered on Hulu. It is not a movie. The first season consists of six episodes, which were released weekly following an initial two-episode drop.