Michael Waldron teases 3-season arc for Chad Powers after cliffhanger finale

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By: Daniel Harris

Michael Waldron just dropped major intel about Chad Powers future. The Hulu showrunner confirmed a 3-season arc during interviews on Oct. 28, 2025. He describes the show as an “Empire Strikes Back” trilogy waiting to unfold. Glen Powell stars as the disgraced quarterback turned impostor.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • 6 episodes wrapped up Season 1 on Oct. 28, 2025
  • Waldron plans at least 3 seasons covering one full football season
  • The cliffhanger finale was absolutely intentional strategy
  • Tech loophole exists: Chad is probably a junior with eligibility remaining
  • Season 2 renewal status still pending but crew wants it badly

What Waldron Revealed About the Big Picture

Michael Waldron isn’t hiding his vision for Chad Powers. The showrunner sat down and explained the entire strategic plan. He wants to follow Russ Holliday through one complete college football season.

“The plan we’ve always had,” Waldron told The Hollywood Reporter, “is run this through one football season.” He paused meaningfully. That means at least three seasons of television.

“I want to see if he can take the Catfish all the way. Breaking Bad was a huge reference for this show — not everybody’s gonna get out alive here.”

Michael Waldron, Showrunner

The Cliffhanger Finale: Strategic Brilliance

The Season 1 finale ended on a massive cliffhanger for specific reasons. Waldron revealed that firing “all bullets” early was intentional. Ricky discovering Chad is actually Russ came faster than anyone expected.

The showrunner explained his philosophy: accelerate storytelling, never tread water, write into corners now. This approach left audiences in “free fall” not knowing what comes next. The finale happened at the football season’s midpoint, creating perfect pacing.

“Why save that revelation for later,” Waldron asked rhetorically during interviews. “Fire all your bullets. Write yourself into the corner now.” The strategy worked perfectly for Season 1 narrative.

What Happens if the Show Gets Renewed?

Plot Element Waldron’s Hints
Season 2 Focus Forces of evil closing in on heroes
Character Arc Breaking Bad-style stakes and threats
Eligibility Question Probably a junior; one year remains
Total TV Timeline One football season = at least 3 seasons

Waldron revealed Russ Holliday was likely a college junior. This tech detail matters enormously. Technically, one year of eligibility remains if everything else gets exposed.

That’s the creative escape hatch Waldron built into the premise. If caught mid-season, Russ maybe could leverage that final year. The writers didn’t define it explicitly on purpose.

Why a Three-Season Plan Makes Perfect Sense

College football seasons run about four months long. Compressing that into three seasons of television shows smart pacing. Waldron wants storytelling to accelerate constantly.

He referenced “Empire Strikes Back” as the thematic direction. That means Season 2 gets darker, more dangerous, higher stakes. Ricky now knows Chad’s secret and is pulled into this alliance.

Glen Powell and Waldron both want to see this through. Series co-creator Powell remains committed to the vision. The team has more story to tell beyond what aired.

What’s Next for Chad Powers at Hulu?

Official Season 2 renewal hasn’t dropped yet from Hulu leadership. The streaming giant will evaluate performance metrics first. But the creative team has done groundwork already.

The six-episode order wasn’t about budget constraints alone. Waldron wanted “event” feeling for Chad Powers. That approach also protects Georgia Bulldogs fans if cancellation happens.

Watch Glen Powell’s official trailer here:

All Season 1 episodes stream now on Hulu and Disney+ bundle.

Will Chad Powers Return, or Is This the End?

Michael Waldron seems determined to continue the story. His “trilogy” language suggests real confidence. The creative setup for Season 2 is perfect dramatically.

Ricky discovering Chad’s identity opens infinite narrative doors. The “forces of evil” comment hints at bigger threats emerging. Russ’s past could catch up with him hard.

Industry observers note strong viewership and social buzz around the show. Hulu typically renews comedies with that momentum. Glen Powell’s profile keeps rising exponentially across entertainment.

Sources

  • The Hollywood Reporter – Michael Waldron’s detailed season finale interview
  • Deadline – Showrunner quotes on filming and future seasons
  • Variety – Glen Powell and Waldron finale coverage

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