Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, sex jokes, drinking in easygoing sports comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Chad Powers
What's the Story?
Eight years ago, Russ Holliday (Glen Powell) was on top of the world. He was a top-rated college football quarterback, set to lead his team to victory in the Rose Bowl. Alas, he made a crucial error, the other team won, and his violent reaction was a national embarrassment that rendered Russ permanently canceled. But when the coach (Steve Zahn) of the losing South Georgia Catfish team holds open tryouts for its new quarterback, Russ uses a prosthetic nose and wig from his dad's (Toby Huss) Hollywood special effects business to transform himself into CHAD POWERS, the world's latest and greatest (and oldest) college football phenom. How long can Russ keep up this ruse?
Is It Any Good?
Glen Powell makes a charming heel-turned-penitent in this amiable and witty sports comedy that feels built on the bones of other sports comedies. The most obvious template is Ted Lasso, that beloved series about a misfit coach who shifts a pro team's fortunes, but we also see shades of Cobra Kai (a universally reviled has-been makes good!) and Friday Night Lights (the fortunes of a tiny community rest on a football team finally playing a winning season). It would all seem warmed over if the writing and the cast weren't top notch.
Powell himself is louche and smooth, easy to hate or to love depending on just how badly he's acting out. As hapless coach Jake Hudson of the South Georgia Catfish (pun definitely intended), Steve Zahn is relatably desperate for a win, and Perry Matfeld as Ricky, Catfish assistant coach and Hudson's daughter, is winsome and low key, an instant love interest for Powell's Powers. And best of all, old pro Toby Huss is around to provide some vinegar as Russ Holliday's fed-up father (and conveniently provides prosthetics for Russ's face-off). Chad Powers doesn't break any new ground, but it sure goes down easy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether viewers are supposed to like Russ/Chad. How can you tell? How does a TV show soften the bad actions of its characters to make characters more relatable to viewers?
Talk about the concept of being "canceled." What public figures have been "canceled"? Why? What form does the cancellation take? Have you ever seen a canceled person redeem themselves? How?
Sports is a common topic for episodic series. What about sports lends itself to the demands of episodic television? Are there sports-based shows you've enjoyed even if you don't like the sport itself?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 30, 2025
- Cast : Glen Powell , Steve Zahn , Toby Huss
- Network : Hulu
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Sports ( Football )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 13, 2025
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