How 'Chad Powers' Turned Two Self-Described Theater Kids Into Sports Fans

Football Frenzy from Theater Roots

With football season upon us, now is the perfect time to catch up on the first season of Chad Powers—a Hulu comedy starring Glen Powell as Russ, a disgraced former college quarterback who reinvents himself as Chad Powers. For Wynn Everett and Frankie A. Rodriguez, who play Tricia and Danny respectively, the show has become more than just entertainment—it's been an education.

"We're both theater kids," Everett told Newsweek. "I would say of the whole team of us, we probably know the least."

Rodriguez added, "They have different words for different things. Like backstage. It's not backstage, it's the locker room. So, I get it, because it is kind of like theater."

Learning the Game

Everett grew up closer to football than she lets on—graduating from Auburn University and still being drawn to SEC games. But even she admitted she struggles with understanding plays.

What made Chad Powers special for them wasn't just the comedy or the sports—but how it helped them see why people care so deeply about their teams. "It's like a personal investment," Everett said. "It's almost like a religion in the South."

Friendship Beyond Boundaries

One of the most compelling aspects of the show is its portrayal of a straight male and gay male friendship, something rare in sports comedy. Rodriguez noted, "It's one of the first things I noticed when I was reading the script. I was like, oh, okay, we're really trying to say something here, and it's done so well."

"I have so many straight friends. Those relationships do exist, so it is nice to see it represented on screen," he continued.

The dynamic deepens in season two. "Now Chad becomes the protector of Danny, where I felt like season one, Danny was the protector of Chad," Everett explained. "His heart has burst open."

The Glen Powell Effect

At its heart, Chad Powers is a labor of love from Glen Powell and his friend Michael Waldron. The show's star gives it his all—100% effort and genuine care for every cast member.

"This is his baby," Everett said. "He and his best friend, Michael Waldron, created this. He gives it his all 100 percent every single day and then loves us all so well. Every idea is valid."

Rodriguez echoed this sentiment, stating, "They always tell us as actors, if you want something made, you have to write it yourself. I've been a fan of Glen since Scream Queens. That's why you do it, because no one's going to do it the way you can."

Character Evolution

Season two brings new dimensions to the characters. Tricia, played by Everett, becomes darker and more driven. "Tricia is starting to get darker and a little more maniacal and a little more twisted and a little more eager to do whatever it takes to get that trophy," she shared.

Rodriguez described how Danny's character evolves: "Danny created this character and this monster almost, and then in season two we really start to see where Russ is more confident and starts to make decisions that are actually appropriate for Chad. And Danny is like, wait, no, he's got this."

Why You Should Watch

For those still skeptical about a football-centric show, Rodriguez offers a simple pitch: "If you're interested in good storytelling and a story where you don't really know where it's going to go, I'd say watch it. You're going to have a great time."

What makes Chad Powers so engaging is that it combines humor, sports, and emotional depth—without ever feeling preachy or forced. It's about people coming together, redemption, and the complexities of self-discovery. And for those two theater kids who never thought they'd become football fans, it's been quite a journey.