The first two episodes of Chad Powers dropped on Hulu September 30, 2025, and they’re already packed with drama, disguises, and heartbreak. Glen Powell’s transformation into the eccentric Chad Powers delivers both comedy and surprising emotional depth—but does our prosthetic-wearing protagonist actually make it onto the South Georgia Catfish roster?
Spoiler alert: the answer is complicated, just like everything else in Russ Holliday’s chaotic double life.
Table of Contents
Chad Powers Episode 1-2 Quick Recap
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Episodes Released | 2 (Episodes 1 & 2) |
| Streaming Platform | Hulu & Disney+ |
| Main Character | Russ Holliday/Chad Powers (Glen Powell) |
| The Competition | Chad vs. Gerry for quarterback position |
| Final Decision | Gerry selected as QB, Chad as reserve |
| Key Theme | Redemption through second chances |
What Happens at the End of Episode 2?
After two episodes of watching Russ Holliday reinvent himself as the wild, unpredictable Chad Powers, we finally get the moment of truth. Coach Hudson calls Chad in to deliver his decision on the quarterback position.
The verdict? Gerry gets the starting QB spot, while Chad is relegated to reserve.
For someone who’s risked everything—wearing elaborate prosthetics, fabricating an entire backstory, and hiding his true identity—this feels like a devastating blow. The moment becomes even more poignant when water from an earlier water balloon fight starts leaking from Chad’s prosthetic makeup, making it appear as though he’s crying. Coach Hudson interprets this as the news breaking Chad’s spirit, though viewers know the real story.
Why Didn’t Chad Get Selected?
Coach Hudson recognized raw talent in Chad but also spotted something holding him back: fear. Despite Chad’s obvious skills on the field, the coach sensed hesitation in his performance.
This makes perfect sense when you consider Russ’s backstory. His past mistakes in a critical match destroyed his NFL dreams, leaving psychological scars that not even a disguise can hide. That trauma seeps into every play he makes as Chad, creating invisible barriers to peak performance.
Hudson’s assessment reveals the show’s deeper message—you can change your appearance, but transforming who you are inside takes real work.
The Father-Son Conversation That Changes Everything
Initially, Russ decides to throw in the towel. He prepares to leave for L.A., ready to abandon the Chad Powers experiment entirely. But then he calls his father, who delivers the painful truth: he has no hope for his son’s future.
This brutal honesty becomes the catalyst Russ needs. Rather than crushing him, it reignites his determination. Sometimes the people who hurt us most also push us hardest to prove them wrong.
By episode’s end, Russ returns to the field as Chad, accepting the reserve position. It’s not the starring role he wanted, but it’s a foot in the door—and for someone whose football career seemed over, that’s everything.
What Chad’s Reserve Position Means
Being named reserve isn’t failure—it’s opportunity. In professional sports, reserve players often get their moment when the starter falters or gets injured. Chad’s position on the team gives him:
Access to professional coaching and training
Opportunities to prove himself in practice
A chance to overcome his fear through consistent performance
Time to build relationships with teammates
The reserve spot also serves the show’s narrative perfectly. If Chad had been immediately selected as starting QB, the story would peak too early. His journey from backup to potential starter creates natural tension for future episodes.
The Accidental Tears Scene
One of the episode’s most memorable moments happens entirely by accident. After the water balloon fight earlier, liquid trapped in Chad’s prosthetic makeup starts seeping out during his conversation with Coach Hudson. From Hudson’s perspective, Chad appears to be sobbing—a touching moment of vulnerability.
The irony? Russ isn’t crying from disappointment. He’s frantically trying to keep his disguise from literally falling apart. This perfectly captures the show’s blend of physical comedy and emotional storytelling, reminiscent of Glen Powell’s work in projects available on Hulu.
What’s Next for Chad Powers?
Episode 2’s ending sets up compelling storylines ahead:
The Gerry Rivalry: Competition between starting QB and reserve creates natural tension
Identity Crisis: How long can Russ maintain the Chad persona?
Performance Anxiety: Will Chad overcome the fear Hudson identified?
Team Dynamics: Building relationships while living a lie adds complexity
The Father Factor: Russ’s motivation to prove his father wrong drives future decisions
The show, available on both Hulu and Disney+, promises more chaos, comedy, and heart as Russ navigates his dual identity while chasing redemption on the field.
The Real Victory
While Chad didn’t get the starting position, Russ achieved something more important—he didn’t quit. Despite setbacks, harsh truths from his father, and the humiliation of not being first choice, he chose to keep fighting.
That’s the real story of Chad Powers: not about instant success, but about finding the courage to show up even when you’re scared, even when you’re second choice, and even when success seems impossible.
FAQs
Q: Is Chad Powers based on a true story?
Chad Powers originated as a viral sketch created by Eli Manning for ESPN+, where the NFL legend disguised himself with prosthetics to try out for Penn State’s football team. The Hulu series expands this concept into a fictional narrative about redemption and second chances, though it’s not based on real events.
Q: Will Chad eventually become the starting quarterback for the Catfish?
The show hasn’t revealed future plot points yet, but the reserve position sets up natural progression. In typical sports narratives, backup quarterbacks get their opportunity when starters struggle or face injuries. Given the show’s focus on Russ’s redemption arc, it’s likely Chad will get chances to prove himself throughout the season’s remaining episodes.
