Glen Powell's hilarious resurgence in comedy is sparking buzz like never before – but is his newest role in Chad Powers truly his crowning achievement, or does a forgotten gem from a decade ago hold that title? Dive in as we explore why Scream Queens still reigns supreme as his best TV work, and how it eerily mirrors the charm of his latest romp. But here's where it gets controversial: could Powell's detour into serious drama have been a mistake, sidelining the goofy genius that makes him a star? Let's unpack this wild journey through his career, piece by piece, to see what most fans might be overlooking.
While Chad Powers serves as an excellent platform to highlight Glen Powell's razor-sharp comedic timing, the wildly underrated and surprisingly parallel horror-comedy Scream Queens stands out as his most standout TV performance to date. Powell's path to fame has been more of a gradual climb than a sudden explosion, building momentum steadily over the years. In 2022, his portrayal of the brash Hangman in Top Gun: Maverick catapulted him into the spotlight as the film's breakout sensation, blending arrogance with magnetic appeal in a way that audiences couldn't resist.
That Hangman's swagger – all cocky confidence mixed with undeniable charm – paved the way for leading roles in 2024's rom-com Anyone But You and the action-packed Twisters. These gigs led directly to Powell's starring turn in Hulu's Chad Powers, where he plays a down-on-his-luck football star trying to make a comeback. The sports comedy shines a spotlight on Powell's more playful, absurd side, letting his sillier instincts run wild. Yet, this breakout is the culmination of years spent in supporting roles, honing his craft in the background before stepping into the limelight.
On the big screen, Powell's early credits include smaller parts in films like 2013's Red Wing, 2016's Everybody Wants Some!!, and the 2018 drama The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. But it was on television where Powell truly broke through, landing a role that not only showcased his talents but also foreshadowed the vibe of Chad Powers. And this is the part most people miss: that foundational TV gig from 2015's Scream Queens, a satirical slasher comedy that parodied the tropes of classic teen horror films, much like how Scream 2 or Urban Legend twisted the genre into something darkly hilarious.
In Scream Queens, Powell embodied the comically vile jock Chad Radwell, a character so despicably over-the-top that he became paradoxically endearing and laugh-out-loud funny. Think of it as a show that poked fun at college campus killers and sorority scares, turning bloodshed into biting social commentary. Fast-forward to Chad Powers, and you'll see echoes of that same spirit: both series unfold on college campuses, dripping with tongue-in-cheek humor borrowed from beloved teen movie formulas.
Scream Queens' college backdrop and its clever genre mockery align almost perfectly with Chad Powers, which affectionately spoofs football dramas like We Are Marshall and Friday Night Lights. In these stories, Powell dominates the screen as a jerk with a heart of gold – and wouldn't you know it, both of his characters share the name Chad! It's as if Powell tapped into a winning formula years ago, only to revisit it now. But here's where it gets controversial: after Scream Queens, Powell deliberately shifted gears, steering away from zany roles like Chad Radwell. From 2016 to 2023, his filmography leaned heavily into weighty dramas such as Sand Castle, Devotion, and Hidden Figures, where he embraced the serious side of his matinee idol image without a hint of irony.
The catch? Comedy might just be Powell's true superpower, whether it's the sarcastic wit of Hangman in Top Gun: Maverick or the slapstick chaos of Anyone But You. Post-Scream Queens, he largely avoided big roles that mirrored the self-mocking humor of Ryan Murphy's series, so it's thrilling to witness him return to that playful territory. Chad Powers isn't flawless – some episodes drag with predictable plotlines – but it truly excels when it refuses to treat its protagonist with any seriousness. Powell has proven he can handle intense drama, but he truly dazzles in goofy, over-the-top parts played deadpan, a trait that shines brightly in both Chad Powers and Scream Queens, separated by a full decade.
What do you think, fellow fans? Was Powell's pivot to dramas a smart career move, or did it rob us of more hilarious escapades like Scream Queens? Do you agree that comedy is his calling, or is there room for both sides of his talent? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you see a controversial counterpoint here, like maybe his dramatic roles were necessary stepping stones to stardom. After all, in Hollywood, balancing goofiness with gravitas can be a tricky tightrope walk.
For those new to these shows, Chad Powers drops on Hulu starting September 30, 2025, directed by a talented trio: Tony Yacenda, Jake Hudson, and Perry Mattfeld. It's a sports comedy that blends football nostalgia with Powell's signature charm, much like how Scream Queens fused horror tropes with sharp satire. If you haven't binge-watched Scream Queens yet, it's worth revisiting for Powell's standout performance – think of it as the blueprint for his current success. And remember, Russ Holliday stars alongside him in Chad Powers, adding to the ensemble fun.
