Rapid Insights: ‘Chad Powers’ Turns a Viral Prank Into Sports Comedy Gold

Is Chad Powers attracting the typical sports comedy audience? 
No. We’re seeing a viewership that’s decidedly more male (71%) and younger (55% aged 30+) than that of other recent sports-related redemption-story comedies, possibly because of its football focus and more exaggerated sense of humor. Shows like Ted Lasso, Running Point, and Stick have been somewhat more gender-balanced (51-64% men) with a stronger appeal to those 30+ (64-71%).

What about the show is pulling in viewers? 
Its comeback story. As the show opens, hotshot college quarterback Russ Holliday is on the verge of going pro when he makes an unforgivable error and throws a violent fit, costing his team the championship and himself his reputation. Eight wasted years later, he’s finally ready for redemption (Road to Redemption, 131) and is determined to resurrect his career by any means necessary (On a Mission, 112)–including fraud. Audiences are tuning in specifically to see Russ’s long journey of self-discovery, both as he recaptures his former football glory and as he slowly matures from an arrogant hothead into a humbled team player (Bettering Oneself, 111; Emotions Running High, 122), and they’re embracing the positive emotional experience that comes with watching him succeed (Awe, 126; Joy, 122; Amazement, 122). In this, Chad Powers aligns with the likes of Ted Lasso, Stick, and Running Point, all of which also looked to their built-in redemption stories as key ratings drivers.

What’s making this series so watchable? 
The Scam (143). To put himself back in play, the west-coast-born Russ dons facial prosthetics, adopts the fake persona of West Virginia native Chad Powers, and attends walk-on try-outs for the South Georgia Catfish, the floundering football team of a small private college. The absurdity of his scheme–inspired by the film Mrs. Doubtfire–provides plenty of fodder for the show’s Over-the-Top Humor (131), sets up a compelling Inner Conflict (144), and injects a delicious sense of tension and dramatic irony. Viewers will want to binge the whole season to find out whether Russ ultimately gets away with his ruse.

What will help propel Chad Powers into a second season? 
Football. Just like Ted Lasso, Running Point, and Stick before it, Chad Powers’ Sports Focus (135) is the core driving element of its longevity, with its gridiron, championships, and various players offering up a rich backdrop for a wealth of future storylines. In particular, there will be plenty to mine from the complicated Coach-Athlete Relationship (134) between Russ (aka Chad) and his athletic directors as well as the South Georgia Catfish’s push for success now that they have a new star quarterback (Winning, 133). Viewers will want to return for future seasons to see how far the team can go.

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