Michael Waldron, the co-creator of the Hulu comedy Chad Powers, has confirmed that the series is being developed with a specific three-season roadmap in mind. In a recent discussion regarding the show’s future, Waldron revealed that he and star Glen Powell have always envisioned the story as a finite narrative arc rather than an open-ended procedural.
The confirmation comes as Season 2 of the series, which premiered on September 3, 2026, continues its run on the streaming platform. Despite the show’s critical success—maintaining a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes—the creative team remains committed to a structured conclusion. Waldron noted that he already has a specific ending for the series prepared, intending to wrap up the journey of Russ Holliday and his prosthetic-wearing alter ego in a third and final installment.
A Single Season of Football
The decision to limit the series to three seasons is rooted in the show’s internal timeline. According to Waldron, the entire three-season arc is designed to take place over the course of exactly one college football season. This condensed chronological approach allows the narrative to focus heavily on the mounting pressure of Russ Holliday’s deception as he attempts to revive his career under the guise of the walk-on quarterback, Chad Powers.
While Michael Waldron told Men’s Journal that the door is “slightly open” for potential expansion if the series maintains its current trajectory, the primary focus remains on the three-act structure. This plan ensures that the high-stakes comedy doesn’t overstay its premise, which was originally inspired by a 2022 Eli Manning sketch for ESPN+.
Season 2 Fallout and the Road to Season 3
The narrative momentum heading into the planned final act has been accelerated by the events of the Season 2 finale. The second season concluded with several major shifts in the show’s central conspiracy. Most notably, team booster Tricia, portrayed by Wynn Everett, has joined the inner circle to protect Chad’s identity, adding a new layer of protection—and complication—to the ruse.
However, the secret is under more threat than ever. The finale featured a significant cliffhanger where Coach Hudson discovered an intimate moment between Chad and assistant coach Ricky. This discovery sets the stage for a final season where the professional and personal lives of the characters are expected to collide.
As of late September 2026, Hulu has not officially announced a Season 3 renewal. However, given the series’ performance metrics and the creative team’s readiness to begin the final chapter, industry expectations remain high for an official greenlight. For now, Powell remains central to the production not just as the lead actor playing both Russ and Chad, but as a key creative voice in determining how the walk-on’s story will eventually end.
