The second season of Glen Powell’s sports comedy Chad Powers has achieved a rare feat in television, debuting to a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. This critical reception marks a significant leap for the series, which saw its first season hold a more modest 60% rating on the review aggregator.
Released in its entirety on September 3, 2026, the six-episode second season has also resonated strongly with viewers, currently maintaining a 95% audience score. The show, which is available on Hulu, has transitioned from a polarizing debut to what is now the highest-rated project in Powell’s career, surpassing the critical benchmarks of Top Gun: Maverick (96%) and Hit Man (95%).
Evolution of Tone and Strategy
The dramatic rise in critical acclaim is attributed largely to a shift in the series’ creative direction. While the first season was often viewed as a “middling” extension of the Eli Manning sketch that inspired it, Season 2 has been praised for adopting a more serious tone alongside its R-rated humor. Critics have noted that the new episodes provide deeper character development, particularly for Danny (Frankie Rodriguez) and the overarching conflict involving Coach Jake Hudson (Steve Zahn).
The series, co-created by Powell and Michael Waldron, also benefited from a change in distribution strategy. Unlike the weekly release format used for the first season, Hulu opted for a binge-drop of all six episodes for Season 2. This move appears to have helped the show’s pacing, allowing the more grounded narrative stakes of the second season to build momentum without interruption.
Powell’s Rising Profile
The success of Chad Powers Season 2 comes during a period of sustained professional momentum for Powell. His performance as the titular character—a disgraced college quarterback who disguises himself to walk onto another team—has been cited as a showcase for his ability to balance physical comedy with genuine pathos.
This critical “redemption” for the TV-MA series reinforces Powell’s standing as a leading man capable of carrying both blockbuster films and niche streaming hits. As the actor prepares for upcoming projects in late 2026 and 2027, including The Running Man and The Great Beyond, the perfect score for Chad Powers establishes a new high-water mark for his creative output as both a star and a co-creator.
