The Chi

A relevant, timely and distinctive coming-of-age story following a half dozen interrelated characters in the South Side of Chicago. The story centers on Brandon, an ambitious and confident young man who dreams about opening a restaurant of his own someday, but is conflicted between the promise of a new life and his responsibility to his mother and teenage brother back in the South Side.

The Chi (2018-2026) is a Showtime drama series created by Lena Waithe, set among a web of interrelated residents of Chicago's South Side. Brandon (Jason Mitchell) is an ambitious, confident young man who dreams of opening a restaurant of his own, yet feels the pull of his mother and teenage brother back in the neighborhood. Around him, Ronnie Davis (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine), Jada (Yolonda Ross), Jake Taylor (Michael Epps) and Kiesha Williams (Birgundi Baker) navigate friendships, romances, work and street pressures that keep colliding across the block. The show is built from many small interlocking storylines rather than a single case or plot, so each episode feels like a window into daily life in a community under strain. It runs for eight seasons and eighty-eight episodes in total, with a loose, observational rhythm and a hard-edged realism. Its tone is intimate, grounded and at times harrowing, balancing tenderness with the real dangers of the streets. Viewers who admire Atlanta, The Wire and the neighborhood-rooted storytelling of Girlfriends will find much to appreciate here.

Audience reception is broadly positive overall but season ratings fell sharply after a strong debut season, with viewers praising the show's authentic portrayal of South Side life.

• Atlantashared urban coming of age drama, interrelated ensemble of Black Chicago characters
• The Wireshared gritty South Side neighborhood drama, ambition versus loyalty to family
• Girlfriendsshared ensemble of interlinked young lives in a changing city

Created by

Lena Waithe

Release Date

2018-01-07

Episode runtime

55 min

Rating

7.5 / 10 (228)

What is The Chi about?

Brandon, an ambitious young man on Chicago's South Side, weighs a promising new life against the family he left behind.

What is The Chi like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Chi as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is The Chi violent?

Yes. Ember rates the violence in The Chi as graphic.

What did critics think of The Chi?

Audience reception is broadly positive overall but season ratings fell sharply after a strong debut season, with viewers praising the show's authentic portrayal of South Side life.

Which shows are like The Chi?

Shows with a similar feel include Atlanta, The Wire, and Girlfriends.

How long is The Chi?

The Chi: 8 seasons, 88 episodes.

Is The Chi still running?

No, The Chi has ended.

Where can I watch The Chi?

In United States, The Chi streams on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Apple TV channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, fuboTV, Spectrum On Demand.