Eli Manning is a two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP. He can’t act, but his brother’s company Omaha Productions decided to make a 6 episode series based off of the character on the ESPN+ show.
Most sports fans are aware of the Eli Manning disguise named Chad Powers. In Eli’s Places, Eli tries out to walk on at Penn State using this disguise. The coaches are initially surprised at this talent, then disappointed when they find out Chad Powers is actually Eli Manning, who isn’t eligible to play college football. This goofy, prosthetic look captured the laughs of many people, and inspired the show named after the character, Chad Powers.
The production team went on point, casting Glen Powell as the lead and former Diary of a Wimpy Kid actor Steve Zahn as the struggling head coach. The supporting actors are also great, with some great performances from Frankie Rodriguez as Danny and Colton Ryan as backup quarterback Gerry Dougan. Ryan may have the funniest performance in the whole show, with his weird dialogue and exciting attitude.
The show is pretty solid. The first episode is great, 2-4 are decent, and it finishes out strong with 5 and 6. The introduction to Russ Holiday becoming Chad is smart and witty, while also introducing the supporting characters around him. Episodes 2-4 are a dip, though. They feel repetitive and are basically the same conflict just in different lights. 5 and 6 are the best, with the show really increasing the stakes and having even funnier scenarios.
As a football show, this show is pretty good along with the comedic timing. Powell gives a great performance, not only as Chad but also as Russ. The ending is absolutely wild, and the love interest doesn’t feel forced, but rather natural.
All in all, Chad Powers is a pretty solid show, with the acting mostly being the highlight. If there are no good games on one Saturday night this college football season, it wouldn’t be totally crazy to switch it over to this show if you haven’t seen it yet. There is definitely a possibility for a season two, but as for season one, I’d give it a 7/10.
