The first season of Hulu’s football comedy Chad Powers ends with a perfect blend of humor, heart, and heartbreak. As Russ Holliday’s double life as Chad spirals out of control, the finale delivers emotional payoffs, shocking confrontations, and an unforgettable cliffhanger that leaves fans begging for Season 2. Here’s a full breakdown of the Chad Powers Season 1 ending, including Coach Hudson’s health scare, Ricky’s explosive discovery, and what could come next for the South Georgia Catfish.
Coach Hudson’s Health Scare and Chad’s Dangerous Gamble
The finale, titled “6TH QUARTER,” begins in chaos as Coach Hudson suffers a heart attack, setting off a chain of events that threatens to expose Russ’s secret. Stranded with no help, Chad (Russ) decides to drive his coach to the hospital—only problem? He does it in Russ Holliday’s signature Cybertruck, a major clue that risks blowing his cover.
Ricky, who has been suspicious of Chad for a while, recognizes the truck. When she refuses to let him enter the hospital, it becomes clear she’s piecing together the truth. Chad tries to deflect by lying that the vehicle belongs to Danny, but the damage is done — and the moment sets up the episode’s emotional turning point.
Ricky Uncovers Chad’s True Identity
Later, Russ confides in Danny, admitting that he once had an affair with Wendy Hudson (Coach Hudson’s wife) and fears that his past might resurface. But it’s Ricky who ultimately confirms her suspicion. The next morning, she confronts Chad and rips off his sweatband, revealing Russ’s tattoo underneath.
The confrontation forces Russ to face reality — his charade as Chad Powers is over. Instead of trying to explain, he bolts, knowing the truth could destroy the team’s reputation and derail their season. Feeling defeated, Russ plans to disappear for good, believing it’s the only way to protect everyone.
Russ and His Father’s Emotional Reunion
Before leaving, Danny persuades Russ to see his father, who’s working on a Michael Bay film set. This scene becomes one of the finale’s most emotional moments. Russ finally opens up, confessing that pretending to be Chad gave his life meaning again.
“As Chad, people believed in me again,” Russ admits. “It made me feel like I mattered.”
His father, recognizing his son’s vulnerability, forgives him for his past mistakes — including his infamous Rose Bowl failure — and urges him to make things right with Ricky and the team. It’s a touching reminder of the show’s emotional depth beneath its sports-comedy surface.
The Final Game and Ricky’s Anger
Determined to fix what he’s broken, Russ returns to play the Catfish’s biggest game — again in disguise as Chad. Before kickoff, he finds Ricky, hoping for forgiveness. He tells her that while Chad may have been a mask, the feelings and friendships he formed were real.
But instead of reconciliation, Ricky lashes out. She slaps him, accuses him of manipulation, and vents years of resentment tied to Russ’s past failures. Her fury reveals just how deeply his deception cut her — and how complicated their shared history truly is.
The Tense Stand-Off and the Final Cliffhanger
Ricky threatens to expose Russ’s secret, but he pleads with her to reconsider. Revealing the truth, he argues, would destroy not just him but also Coach Hudson’s legacy and the entire Catfish program.
The scene brims with tension as Ricky reluctantly agrees to stay silent — for now. Her parting words are full of anger, but also heartbreak. Russ accepts her hatred, aware that redemption will take more than apologies.
The season ends on a gripping note as Chad leads the South Georgia Catfish onto the field, with the camera cutting to black just before the game begins. Viewers are left wondering — will they win, and will Russ’s secret stay buried?
What the Ending Means for Russ, Ricky, and Coach Hudson
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The Season 1 finale of Chad Powers perfectly captures the show’s mix of sports drama and emotional storytelling. It’s not just about football — it’s about identity, second chances, and redemption.
Russ’s transformation into Chad was more than a disguise; it was an escape from his failures and a chance to rebuild himself. But now that the truth is out, Season 2 will likely explore the fallout of his deception, Ricky’s moral dilemma, and how the Catfish cope with the scandal.
As for Coach Hudson, his heart attack raises serious questions about his future. His recovery — and whether he’ll stand by Chad or cut him loose — could shape the emotional core of the next season.
Will There Be a Chad Powers Season 2?
As of October 2025, Hulu has not officially renewed Chad Powers for a second season. However, the unresolved cliffhanger and strong fan reception suggest that a renewal announcement could be on the way.
Co-creator Michael Waldron has hinted in interviews that Season 2 would explore:
- Russ’s life after exposure — will he embrace redemption or another disguise?
- Ricky’s internal conflict over keeping the secret.
- Coach Hudson’s recovery and the fate of the Catfish program.
- The outcome of the final game — which remains unseen.
Given Hulu’s success with the series and its growing fanbase, it seems likely that Chad Powers will return for another season.
FAQs About Chad Powers Season 1
1. What happens at the end of Chad Powers Season 1?
Russ’s secret identity is exposed by Ricky, leading to emotional confrontations and an uncertain future. The season ends right before the big game.
2. Does Ricky reveal Chad’s secret?
Not yet. She chooses to stay silent — but her anger and heartbreak suggest the truth could still come out in Season 2.
3. What happens to Coach Hudson?
He suffers a heart attack early in the episode, leaving his health and future uncertain.
4. Is Chad Powers based on a true story?
No. The series is a fictional sports comedy created by Michael Waldron (Loki, Rick and Morty), inspired by classic underdog sports stories.
5. Will there be a Season 2?
Hulu has not confirmed renewal, but the open-ended finale and strong audience response make it highly probable.
Final Thoughts
The Chad Powers Season 1 finale strikes the perfect balance between laughter, heartbreak, and suspense. With Coach Hudson’s fate uncertain, Ricky caught between truth and loyalty, and Russ fighting for redemption, there’s plenty of story left to tell.
The show ends on a high note — or rather, a cliffhanger — that ensures fans will be talking until Season 2.
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