Before Powell stepped into the titular role, retired NFL quarterback Eli Manning starred as Chad Powers in a 2022 episode of“Eli’s Places.” In the original Chad Powers skit, Manning wore prosthetics, a fake mustache, and a wig to blend in at Penn State’s walk-on tryouts.

"Chad Powers" creators Glen Powell and Michael Waldron break down realistic football preached from Eli and Peyton Manning (and their "Top Gun" jokes).

Is Chad Powers a real person? Is Hulu’s comedy Chad Powers based on a true story? And what role does Chad Powers ‘ executive producer Eli Manning play in inspiring the show? Here’s what to know about the real-life inspo behind Glen Powell’s titular character.

"Chad Powers" co-creators Glen Powell and Michael Waldron want their Hulu comedy series to be the best college football show you've ever seen, so they got help from Eli and Peyton Manning.

This article was originally published on showsnob.com as Chad Powers season 1, episode 1 recap: Mrs. Doubtfire meets Friday Night Lights.

Following its two-episode launch, Chad Powers has four episodes left to air, which means Chad Powers Season 1 consists of six episodes total. After the first two episodes of Chad Powers hit Hulu on Tuesday, September 30, new episodes will be released weekly on Tuesdays until the finale on October 28.

In an improbable but likable sports-comedy farce, Glen Powell plays a disgraced college football player who transforms himself into gifted hayseed Chad Powers for a second chance at glory.