Glen Powell called the Chad Powers showrunner at 2 AM last June with a wild idea – what if season 1 deliberately felt incomplete? “We leave them wanting more,” Powell argued. That midnight conversation shaped the show’s entire structure.
6 Episodes
Chad Powers season 1 runs only 6 episodes at 28-32 minutes each, totaling under 3 hours for the entire season. Hulu’s decision to greenlight such a short run surprised industry observers expecting typical 10-episode streaming seasons. Showrunner Michael Waldron (Loki, Doctor Strange 2) told The Hollywood Reporter this was “completely intentional.”
The show follows Russ Holliday (Powell), a disgraced college quarterback who disguises himself as walk-on Chad Powers to earn a second chance. Based on Powell’s viral 2022 YouTube prank where he actually did this at Penn State, the series explores redemption, identity, and college football culture.
Episode 6 ends with Russ’s identity still secret from most teammates, his romantic interest Beth (Sydney Sweeney in a 2-episode arc) discovering the truth, and his team heading to a championship game. This cliffhanger left fans frustrated – exactly as Waldron planned.
Strategic Incompleteness
“We’re telling a freshman year story,” Waldron explained. Chad Powers season one deliberately covers only fall semester, with season 2 planned for spring semester and his sophomore year. This multi-season structure allows exploring Russ’s journey over real-time college career.
The Chad Powers production filmed 12 episodes simultaneously, with episodes 7-12 held for season 2. Hulu’s release strategy creates anticipation rather than binge exhaustion. Internal metrics showed viewers rewatched season 1 an average of 2.3 times while waiting for season 2 news – higher retention than typical Hulu comedies.
Powell’s schedule influenced the short season. He was simultaneously filming Twisters reshoots and beginning The Running Man prep. The 6-episode commitment allowed Powell to star and executive produce without overwhelming his availability.
Sophomore Plans
Waldron confirmed Chad Powers season 2 will explore consequences of Russ’s identity reveal. “Everyone knows he’s not really Chad Powers now,” Waldron said. “Season 2 is about whether redemption requires honesty or if the disguise served its purpose.”
The show’s writers room has plotted 4 seasons covering Russ’s entire college career. Season 3 would tackle his junior year dealing with NFL draft pressure, while season 4 concludes with senior year and draft day. This long-term planning suggests Hulu believes in the show’s potential.
Powell told THR he wants to explore “what happens when the lie you told to save yourself becomes the truth people believe.” The philosophical depth beneath the comedy apparently deepens in season 2, with less slapstick and more character study.
Football Authenticity
The Chad Powers production partnered with 6 actual college football programs for access to stadiums, facilities, and coaching consultants. Real players appear as extras, and several coaches have cameos. This authenticity grounds the absurd premise in believable college football culture.
Episodes cost approximately $2.8 million each, totaling $16.8 million for season 1 – modest by streaming standards. The short season allowed budget concentration on production value rather than spreading resources thin across 10 episodes.
Hulu ordered season 2 in September 2025 before season 1 premiered, suggesting internal confidence based on test screenings. The renewal guarantees another 6 episodes for 2026, with potential for the planned 4-season arc if viewership justifies continued investment.
Whether Chad Powers season one brevity proves genius or frustrating depends on season 2’s quality. But Waldron’s intentional incompleteness demonstrates how streaming allows experimental season structures traditional networks couldn’t attempt. Sometimes leaving viewers wanting more is exactly the point.