News
October 01, 2025
Pat Stacey: If you’re going to steal from one of the best-loved family films of all time you’d better back it up – ‘Chad Powers’ does not
The much-hyped American football comedy Chad Powers (Disney+, episodes 1-2 now streaming) is a Frankenstein monster stitched together from the body parts of Ted Lasso and Mrs Doubtfire.
**'Chad Powers' Fumbles: Does Disney+'s New Comedy Live Up to the Hype?**
Disney+'s latest offering, "Chad Powers," a comedy series centered around American football, has arrived amidst considerable buzz. However, according to early reviews, the show is struggling to find its footing, drawing unflattering comparisons to established favorites like "Ted Lasso" and "Mrs. Doubtfire." The series, with its first two episodes now available for streaming, is being described as a patchwork creation, borrowing heavily from the DNA of these beloved productions.
The premise of "Chad Powers" seemingly revolves around themes of reinvention and underdog spirit, familiar territory for fans of "Ted Lasso." The show apparently attempts to capture the same heartwarming blend of humor and optimism that made the Apple TV+ series a global phenomenon. However, reviewers are suggesting that "Chad Powers" fails to replicate the magic, coming across as a diluted imitation rather than a fresh take on the genre.
The "Mrs. Doubtfire" comparisons hint at a storyline involving disguise or assumed identity, potentially with a football player adopting an alter ego for comedic effect. This element, while potentially amusing, appears to be falling flat, with critics suggesting that the execution lacks the charm and wit that made Robin Williams' iconic performance so memorable.
The core criticism seems to be that "Chad Powers" relies too heavily on established tropes and familiar narratives without bringing enough originality or genuine heart to the table. If a show is going to draw inspiration from such well-loved and critically acclaimed sources, it needs to offer something truly special to justify the comparisons. Early indications suggest that "Chad Powers" is falling short of this mark. Whether the series can improve in subsequent episodes remains to be seen, but for now, viewers may find themselves wishing they were watching "Ted Lasso" or "Mrs. Doubtfire" instead. The show faces an uphill battle to prove itself as more than just a collection of borrowed ideas.
Disney+'s latest offering, "Chad Powers," a comedy series centered around American football, has arrived amidst considerable buzz. However, according to early reviews, the show is struggling to find its footing, drawing unflattering comparisons to established favorites like "Ted Lasso" and "Mrs. Doubtfire." The series, with its first two episodes now available for streaming, is being described as a patchwork creation, borrowing heavily from the DNA of these beloved productions.
The premise of "Chad Powers" seemingly revolves around themes of reinvention and underdog spirit, familiar territory for fans of "Ted Lasso." The show apparently attempts to capture the same heartwarming blend of humor and optimism that made the Apple TV+ series a global phenomenon. However, reviewers are suggesting that "Chad Powers" fails to replicate the magic, coming across as a diluted imitation rather than a fresh take on the genre.
The "Mrs. Doubtfire" comparisons hint at a storyline involving disguise or assumed identity, potentially with a football player adopting an alter ego for comedic effect. This element, while potentially amusing, appears to be falling flat, with critics suggesting that the execution lacks the charm and wit that made Robin Williams' iconic performance so memorable.
The core criticism seems to be that "Chad Powers" relies too heavily on established tropes and familiar narratives without bringing enough originality or genuine heart to the table. If a show is going to draw inspiration from such well-loved and critically acclaimed sources, it needs to offer something truly special to justify the comparisons. Early indications suggest that "Chad Powers" is falling short of this mark. Whether the series can improve in subsequent episodes remains to be seen, but for now, viewers may find themselves wishing they were watching "Ted Lasso" or "Mrs. Doubtfire" instead. The show faces an uphill battle to prove itself as more than just a collection of borrowed ideas.
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Entertainment