Issuu

Your Weekly Guide to TV Entertainment

August 30 - September 5, 2026

Russ times Glen Powell in “Chad Powers”

Glen Powell (“The Running Man,” 2025) returns as Russ Holliday, who returns as the titular quarterback in Season 2 of “Chad Powers,” premiering Thursday, Sept. 3, on Hulu. After a risky romantic choice involving Coach Hudson’s (Steve Zahn, “The White Lotus”) daughter Ricky (Perry Mattfeld, “In the Dark”) in the Season 1 finale, Russ faces possible widespread public exposure. Frankie A. Rodriguez (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) returns as Catfish mascot and Chad collaborator Danny Cruz.

‘Powers’ to the people Chad returns for second season of Catfish

By Dana Simpson TV Media

magine you are the star quarterback for a team playing in the granddaddy of all college football games: the Rose Bowl. Dialed in and ready to win, you tuck the ball in tight and make off for the end zone, dodging players left and right as your name is chanted rhythmically from the stands. You finally slow, complete a historic touchdown and await the inevitable roar of the crowd — but something is wrong. The roar feels sour, and before you know it, your opponents have collected the ball and run it back. All the way back. You look down at your cleats, laced tight, covered in mud and realize your error. Standing alone at the one-yard line, you can already see you’ve lost the game as well as the trophy. Unfortunately, in just a few minutes time, your temper will have also cost you your hard-earned reputation. This is going to be rough. Thankfully, this is not your story. This sporting tragedy belongs to Russ Holliday (Glen Powell, “The Running Man,” 2025), and he would do anything to start fresh in the world of college football. With his plan (and alter ego) now well established after six Season 1 episodes, Russ returns as the titular Catfish in Season 2 of “Chad Powers,” touching down on Hulu Thursday, Sept. 3. Season 1 of “Chad Powers” saw the disgraced quarterback don prosthetics, a shaggy wig and a jazzy new name in an effort to fast-track his way back onto the field and regain some of his lost success. And while the hoax did initially work like a charm, gaining him a rising spot on the South Georgia Catfish, a series of poor choices — including a risky romantic encounter with the coach’s (Steve Zahn, “The White Lotus”) daughter, Ricky (Perry Mattfeld, “In the Dark”), a poorly timed hospital visit and a highly recognizable Cybertruck — have now led Russ to possible widespread exposure. “In Season 2, Chad Powers is a superstar on the field, but his odd behavior off it has everyone suspicious — especially Coach Hudson [Zahn] and Gerry [Colton Ryan, “The Girl from Plainville“],” reads the logline, as reported by Deadline in late July. “The walls are closing in on Russ’s lie, and if he and Danny [Frankie A. Rodriguez, “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”] want Chad to survive the regular season and lead the Catfish to the CFP, the only person who can help them is the last person who wants to: Ricky.” As indicated in the above description, Danny returns this season to help Russ continue his ruse. Used to hiding behind his own disguise as the school mascot, theater enthusiast Danny was the first person to crack Russ’s true identity. But rather than expose Russ as the dishonored Rose Bowl fumbler, Danny leans into helping Russ maintain

Steve Zahn in “Chad Powers” his cover, going so far as to secure him fake IDs and give him a place to live while he lays low in his off-field time. Dedicated to the cause because he finally feels a part of something big, Danny is Russ’s truest, most dedicated friend. Unfortunately, because he is so deeply implicated in Russ’s plans, trouble could now be on the horizon for Danny, too, should Ricky decide to publicly expose Chad as a hack. Her decision is not one to be taken lightly, however, as her dad, Coach Hudson, could be maligned for his failure to properly vet the walk-on player — or worse, accused of conspiracy — leading to extra stress during his time in hospital while recovering from the heart attack he endured at the end of Season 1. These are awfully high stakes for a series based on a real-life prank. Powell is credited as series co-creator alongside “Loki” producer Michael Waldron, but the idea for “Chad Powers” stems from “Eli’s Places,” an ongoing ESPN+ series in which former New York Giants legend Eli Manning (“Eli Man-

2| entertainment extra | S aturday , a uguSt 29, 2026

ning Presents: The Undercovers”) visits American colleges to figure out what makes college football more lifestyle than sport alone. Having begun streaming just one year after Manning’s 2020 retirement from the NFL, the unscripted series featured a segment in which Manning underwent a (now familiar) prosthetics transformation and attended Penn State’s open tryouts. The famed former quarterback adopted the name (you guessed it!) Chad Powers, and stunned players during the trials — packed into a 15-minute sketch — before revealing his true identity. This short prank sparked inspiration for Eli’s brother, fellow NFL icon Peyton Manning (“King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch”), and sports exec Jamie Horowitz (“Quarterback”), both of whom co-founded Omaha Productions. When the company began seeking interested parties, Waldron and Powell were quick to accept. “We immediately saw an opportunity to do not just the first really authentic college football show, but also a surprisingly deep exploration of

the kind of mind that would put on a prosthetic and change their identity,” explains Waldron in a Time.com piece from September 2025. “If you’re going to invest in something that insane, there’s real darkness that would have to drive you.” Season 2 of “Chad Powers” also stars Quentin Plair (“Welcome to Chippendales”), Wynn Everett (“Agent Carter”), Colin Woodell (“The Continenetal”), Nate Varrone (“Maddie’s Secret,” 2025) and “Heathers” TV series writer Carey O’Donnell. Don’t miss the next few yards of Russ Holliday’s comeback tale (or fail) when “Chad Powers” premieres its second season Thursday, Sept. 3, on Hulu.

To Be a Part of this weekly publication call Lauren Powell 815-937-3321 for Print and Digital Options

Lunch Special

$2.00 $2.00

Soup & Sandwich Mon thru Fri

Dinner Specials

Thursday - Spaghetti Friday - Fish Fry Saturday - Steak Special Sunday - Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Dinner

ENTERTAINMENT

Have a Pint and a Burger with Friends!

For Good Luck & Laughter!

112 E First St., Aroma Park • 815-937-0246

Saturday August 29th | 6PM John & Justin Unplugged Acoustic Friday September 4th | 7PM Lazy Lighting Grateful Dead cover band Friday September 18th | 6PM Master James & the Showstoppers Blues We are closed Labor Day Weekend Sept 6 & 7 *Closing early on Sept 12 for 2 Rivers festival Sorry - No longer serving breakfast on weekends.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

OFF

Buffet. Dine-in only. Chinese Restaurant Adult buffet only. Offer

Take Out & Online Order – Catering Available Hours: 10:30am-8:00pm 1545 W. Court St., Kankakee, IL 60901 815.936.1888 Order Online: greatwallkankakeeil.com

good for two people.

GREAT WALL 815-936-1888

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per customer. Expires 9/30/2026

OFF

for menu take-out order over $20

GREAT WALL 815-936-1888

Take-out only. Excludes buffet. On a single purchase. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per customer. Expires 9/30/2026

SM-CL2261822 SM-CL2294809

To Be a Part of this weekly publication call Lauren Powell 815-937-3321 for Print and Digital Options entertainment extra | S aturday , a uguSt 29, 2026|3

SUNDAY DAYTIME C D1 D2

8 AM

8:30

Movies

9 AM

10 AM

Face the Nation (N)

10:30 Paid Prog.

11 AM