TV Review: ‘Chad Powers’ Sees Improvement in Season Two

Chad Powers was an interesting watch upon release in 2025. Season one was certainly entertaining, but it existed as nothing more than mindless entertainment. The performances, particularly from Glen Powell and Steve Zahn, balanced both the emotional depth and comedy. Yet they were undercut by a variety of Mrs. Doubtfire-esque comedic hijinks scattered throughout. Even with Zahn and Powell’s commitment, the first season struggled to find its voice. Now entering its second season, Chad Powers hopes to find the balance it desperately needs for success.

Chad Powers season two follows Russ Holiday (Powell), after the fallout of season one having his secret revealed to assistant coach Ricky (Perry Mattfeld). In season two, alongside Danny (Frankie Rodriguez), the trio attempts to maintain the ruse. That includes the numerous trials and tribulations they all face. Many of those involve dealing with Ricky’s dad and head coach Jake (Zahn), and the suspicious player Jerry (Colton Ryan). What follows is an improvement over season one, though it still has narrative hiccups.

The first major strength of this latest season has to be its release schedule. Season one’s weekly format made the show’s situational comedy feel slight. While the performances were effective, the individual release schedule made the finished product simply less substantive in the grand scheme. With every episode of season two being dropped at once, a real narrative cohesion takes shape. That particularly shines in the interplay of the performances.

In Glen Powell’s rise to superstardom, he has proven himself as a talented performer. He does the summer blockbuster (Twisters, Running Man), independent darlings (Everybody Wants Some!!), and serious dramas (Hit Man). This season of Chad Powers combines those attributes as a performer with an undercurrent of physical, awkward comedy. The balancing act of those two things is quite impressive. Even when this season gets into heavily over-the-top moments, Powell and Waldron clearly understand what makes Chad Powers work as a character. Yes, he can be goofy and aloof, but also passionate in his effect on those around him. It delivers much more engaging drama and makes the comedic moments feel genuinely funny. Granted, Powell’s performance is not the standout of the series.

Steve Zahn as Coach Jake really brings the most emotional depth to the show. Zahn has been working in this field for a long time. In that time, he has proven he can do the big comedic moments. Chad Powers calls on him to achieve real subtlety and heart throughout the six episodes. In many ways, the performance is the most engaging of the season, expanding upon what came before. Not only is he the wisdom machine for Russ/Chad and Ricky, but he also helps characters make deep and emotionally rich choices. That includes deciding what is best for them, without teetering the character into emotional manipulation. In a six-episode half-hour comedy series, the performance is a true standout.

Even with those performance strengths, that also highlights the biggest flaw of Chad Powers, which is the same as in season one. At only six episodes, certain story beats feel rushed and underdeveloped. That issue shines through the supporting cast of Clayne Crawford, Wynn Everett, and Toby Huss, to name a few. All of these performers have genuinely humorous moments, but they are so scattered and rushed that they leave no impression. Whereas Perry Mattfeld as Ricky has a similar bout of character drama, but struggles to leave any emotional resonance.

Even with the bingeable quality, six half-hour episodes do not give room for character development. Both Powell and Zahn get moments, but the surrounding cast exist as nothing more than types. Each one is effective, but leaves no real depth or general impression on audiences, which is frustrating two seasons in. Something as simple as two additional episodes could make all the difference. That is even with a stronger story anchoring this latest season.

Chad Powers season two, is very much an improvement on what came before. The simple sight gag of the makeup is still present, but showrunner and creator Michael Waldron allows the drama to resonate. Especially with an actor like Glenn Powell leading the charge, walking the fine line of drama and comedy. It’s very much an improvement, even if some performances and narrative rhythms are undercooked. That helps push the show further down the field, but still remains unable to hit the goal post. What has to be said about this season is that the show is beginning to reveal its strengths, delivering a stronger overall viewing experience.