The Chi Explained

Genre:Drama
Creator:Lena Waithe
Composer:Patrick Warren
Country:United States
Language:English
Num Seasons:6
Num Episodes:66
Camera:Single-camera
Runtime:46–58 minutes
Network:Showtime

The Chi is an American drama television series created by Lena Waithe about life in a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.[1] It premiered on Showtime on January 7, 2018. In August 2022, the series was renewed for a sixth season.[2] On June 21, 2023, it was announced that the sixth season would consist of 16 episodes split into two parts. Part 1 premiered on August 6, 2023,[3] and part 2 premiered on May 12, 2024.[4] In May 2024, the series was renewed for a seventh season.

Premise

The Chi is described as following "a fateful turn of events that sends shockwaves through a community on the Southside of Chicago and connects the lives of Emmett, Brandon, Ronnie and Kevin in unexpected ways."[5]

Cast

NamePortrayed bySeasons
123456
Brandon JohnsonJason Mitchellcolspan="4"
Ronnie DavisNtare Mwinecolspan="3"
Emmett Washingtoncolspan="6"
Kevin Williamscolspan="6"
Jerrika Littlecolspan="4"
Jada Washingtoncolspan="6"
Detective Armando Cruzcolspan="4"
Reg Taylor Barton Fitzpatrickcolspan="4"
Jake TaylorMichael V. Eppscolspan="5"
Stanley "Papa" JacksonShamon Brown Jr.colspan="5"
Kiesha Williams Birgundi Bakercolspan="4"
Victor "Trig" TaylorLuke Jamescolspan="3"
Otis "Douda" PerryCurtiss Cookcolspan="3"

Main

Recurring

Episodes

Season 6 (2023–24)

Production

On January 30, 2018, Showtime renewed the series for a second season which premiered on April 7, 2019.[17] [18] On April 30, 2019, Showtime renewed the series for a third season which premiered on June 21, 2020.[19] [20] On May 20, 2019, it was announced that Jason Mitchell would not be returning to the show for season 3 because of "misconduct allegations". His character was killed off in the season 3 premiere.[21] On September 8, 2020, Showtime renewed the series for a fourth season which premiered on May 23, 2021.[22] [23] In March 2021, production on the series was paused due to a positive COVID-19 test.[24] On August 2, 2021, after the conclusion of the fourth season, it was announced that the series was renewed for a fifth season.[25] The fifth season premiered on June 24, 2022.[26] On August 18, 2022, the series was renewed for season six before the conclusion of season five.[2] On May 8, 2024, Paramount+ With Showtime renewed the series for a seventh season[27] that wrapped production on early October 2024.[28]

Release

The Chi premiered on January 7, 2018, on Showtime.

Reception

Critical response

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds an approval rating of 87% based on 47 reviews, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Like an optimistic companion to The Wire, The Chi explores the complexities of life in the South Side of Chicago, with a tender touch and a clear affection for its captivating characters."[29] On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 73 out of 100 based on 22 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[30]

Accolades

YearAwardCategoryNominee(s)Resultclass=unsortableRef.
2018Black Reel AwardsOutstanding Directing in a Drama SeriesRick Famuyiwa[31]
Outstanding Writing in a Drama SeriesLena Waithe
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama SeriesJacob Latimore
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama SeriesCommon
Outstanding Drama SeriesBarry M. Berg, Common, Derek Dudley, Rick Famuyiwa, Aaron Kaplan, Erin Mitchell, Elwood Reid, Shelby Stone and Lena Waithe
ReFrame StampIMDbPro Top 200 Scripted TV RecipientsThe Chi[32]
2021Gracie Allen AwardsWriter Scripted - DramaLena Waithe[33]
NAACP Image AwardsOutstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited Series)Alex R. Hibbert[34]
ReFrame StampIMDbPro Top 200 Scripted TV RecipientsThe Chi[35]
Young Artist AwardsBest Performance in a TV Series - Leading Young ArtistAlex R. Hibbert[36]
2022GLAAD Media AwardsOutstanding Drama SeriesThe ChiThe Chi[37]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Showtime Picks Up Drama 'The Chi' To Series; Jason Mitchell Joins Cast – TCA. Nellie. Andreeva. January 9, 2017. Deadline Hollywood. August 9, 2017. August 9, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170809172905/http://deadline.com/2017/01/showtime-picks-up-the-chi-drama-series-jason-mitchell-cast-1201881855/. live.
  2. Web site: 'The Chi' Renewed For Season 6 By Showtime. Deadline. Nellie. Andreeva. August 18, 2022. August 18, 2022. September 3, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230903054408/https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-chi-renewed-season-6-showtime-1235095234/. live.
  3. Web site: Rice . Lynette . June 21, 2023 . 'The Chi': Showtime Reveals Return Date, Drops Teaser For Sixth Season . June 22, 2023 . Deadline . en-US . September 3, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230903054410/https://deadline.com/2023/07/the-chi-showtime-sixth-season-premiere-trailer-1235422064/ . live .
  4. Web site: Gelman . Vlada . February 8, 2024 . TVLine Items: The Chi Return Date, We're Here Season 4 Premiere and More . February 29, 2024 . TVLine . en-US.
  5. Web site: Evans. Greg. 'The Chi' Teaser Trailer: Showtime's Hour Drama Sets Premiere Date. Deadline Hollywood. January 17, 2018. October 18, 2017. January 23, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180123113228/http://deadline.com/2017/10/the-chi-showtime-common-teaser-trailer-first-look-1202190574/. live.
  6. Web site: 'The Chi': Jacob Latimore & Yolonda Ross Join Showtime Drama In Recasting. Nellie. Andreeva. January 24, 2017. Deadline Hollywood. August 9, 2017. August 9, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170809211236/http://deadline.com/2017/01/the-chi-jacob-latimore-yolonda-ross-showtime-drama-lena-waithe-1201893288/. live.
  7. Web site: Petski . Denise . 'The Chi': Justin Hillian Named New Showrunner As Ayanna Floyd Davis Exits; Birgundi Baker Upped To Series Regular; Luke James, La La Anthony & Lil Rel Howery To Recur . Deadline . June 19, 2020 . en . September 16, 2019 . June 21, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200621102740/https://deadline.com/2019/09/the-chi-justin-hillian-new-showrunner-burgundi-baker-series-regular-kuke-james-1202736130/ . live .
  8. Web site: 'The Chi': Luke James Upped To Series Regular For Season 4 Of Showtime Drama. January 15, 2021. Denise. Petski. Deadline Hollywood. January 16, 2021. January 16, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210116003923/https://deadline.com/2021/01/the-chi-luke-james-promoted-series-regular-season-4-showtime-drama-1234673322/. live.
  9. Web site: 'The Chi':Curtiss Cook Upped To Series Regular For Season 4; Tabitha Brown & Jason Weaver Join As Recurring. February 8, 2021. Denise. Petski. Deadline Hollywood. February 8, 2021. February 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210208183815/https://deadline.com/2021/02/the-chi-curtiss-cook-promoted-series-regular-season-4-tabitha-brown-jason-weaver-join-as-recurring-1234688594/. live.
  10. Web site: The Chi, The Chi Showtime, The Chi Lena Waithe, The Chi Chicago: Meldrick: the psychic gangster. July 10, 2018. June 15, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180615132038/http://www.tvguide.com/galleries/the-chi-showtime/photo/8/. live.
  11. Web site: Stars of Showtime drama 'The Chi' arrive in Chicago for filming. Swartz. Tracy. April 10, 2017. Chicago Tribune. August 9, 2017. August 9, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170809172016/http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chicagoinc/ct-the-chi-filming-lena-waithe-20170410-story.html. live.
  12. Web site: Hale . Mike . Review: 'The Chi' Returns to the South Side of Chicago . The New York Times . June 19, 2020 . April 5, 2019 . June 20, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200620162126/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/05/arts/television/the-chi-review-season-2.html . live .
  13. Web site: Petski . Denise . 'Filthy Rich' Casts Rachel York; Miriam A. Hyman Joins 'The Chi' . Deadline . June 19, 2020 . en . September 27, 2019 . June 22, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200622074911/https://deadline.com/2019/09/filthy-rich-cast-rachel-york-miriam-a-hyman-the-chi-1202746137/ . live .
  14. Web site: Petski . Denise . 'The Chi': Kandi Burruss To Recur In Season 3 Of Showtime Series . Deadline . June 19, 2020 . en . September 26, 2019 . June 19, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200619185740/https://deadline.com/2019/09/the-chi-kandi-burruss-recur-season-3-showtime-series-1202744916/ . live .
  15. Web site: Del Rosario . Alexandra . 'Black Monday' Adds Thomas Barbusca & Adrienne Wells As Recurring; Vic Mensa To Recur On 'The Chi' . Deadline . April 7, 2021 . April 7, 2021 . September 3, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230903054459/https://deadline.com/2021/04/black-monday-thomas-barbusca-adrienne-wells-vic-mensa-recur-the-chi-1234729427/ . live .
  16. Web site: Morales . Wilson . Rotimi joins The Chi Season 7 . BlackFilmandTV . June 29, 2024 . June 29, 2024 . July 3, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703181516/https://blexmedia.com/exclusive-rotimi-the-chi-season-7/. live .
  17. Web site: Showtime Renews The Chi, Names New Showrunner for Season 2. Swift. Andy. TVLine. January 30, 2018. January 30, 2018. January 30, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180130221827/http://tvline.com/2018/01/30/the-chi-renewed-season-2-renewal-showrunner/. live.
  18. Web site: 'The Chi' Season 2 Trailer: Showtime Drama Continues Look at All Sides of Chicago. Green. Steve. IndieWire. January 31, 2019. January 31, 2019. February 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065251/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/01/the-chi-season-2-trailer-showtime-chicago-1202040038/. live.
  19. Web site: TVLine Items: The Chi Renewed, Westworld Casts Villain and More. Nemetz. Dave. TVLine. April 30, 2019. April 30, 2019. April 30, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190430201447/https://tvline.com/2019/04/30/the-chi-renewed-season-3-showtime/. live.
  20. Web site: Showtime: 'Black Monday' & 'Billions' Seasons Split Into 2 By COVID-19 Shutdown, 'The Chi' Premiere Moved Up. Deadline Hollywood. Nellie. Andreeva. April 1, 2020. April 1, 2020. April 1, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200401215524/https://deadline.com/2020/04/showtime-black-monday-billions-seasons-split-into-2-by-covid-19-shutdown-the-chi-premiere-moved-up-1202897770/. live.
  21. Web site: Jason Mitchell Fired By UTA & Authentic, Dropped By 'The Chi' & 'Desperados' Over Misconduct Allegations. Deadline Hollywood. Nellie. Andreeva. May 20, 2019. May 20, 2019. May 20, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190520230140/https://deadline.com/2019/05/jason-mitchell-fired-uta-authentic-dropped-the-chi-desperados-misconduct-allegations-1202618811/. live.
  22. Web site: 'The Chi' Renewed For Season 4 By Showtime. Deadline Hollywood. Denise. Petski. September 8, 2020. September 8, 2020. September 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200908202950/https://deadline.com/2020/09/the-chi-renewed-season-4-showtime-1234572776/. live.
  23. Web site: Showtime Sets Premiere Dates For 'The Chi,' 'Black Monday' & New Comedy 'Flatbush Misdemeanors'. Deadline Hollywood. Matt. Grobar. March 20, 2021. March 20, 2021. March 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210321001627/https://deadline.com/2021/03/showtime-announces-premiere-dates-the-chi-black-monday-flatbush-misdemeanors-1234718723/. live.
  24. Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. March 21, 2021. 'The Chi' Pauses Production After Positive Covid-19 Test. March 22, 2021. Deadline. en-US. March 23, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210323010317/https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-chi-pauses-production-positive-covid-19-test-1234718880/. live.
  25. Web site: The Chi Renewed for Season 5 . TVLine . Kimberly . Roots . August 2, 2021 . August 2, 2021 . August 2, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210802115011/https://tvline.com/2021/08/02/the-chi-renewed-season-5-showtime/ . live .
  26. Web site: 'The Chi' Season 5 Premiere Date Set At Showtime; Jewel Coronel Upped to EP. Deadline Hollywood. Erik. Pedersen. April 19, 2022. April 19, 2022. April 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220419175954/https://deadline.com/2022/04/the-chi-season-5-premiere-date-lena-waithe-showtime-1235005726/. live.
  27. Web site: Rice . Lynette . May 8, 2024 . 'The Chi' Renewed For Seventh Season By Paramount+ With Showtime . May 8, 2024 . Deadline . en-US.
  28. Web site: The Chi will wrap filming of Season 7 on October 9. October 4, 2024. November 29, 2024. Reel Chicago. Roche. Barbara.
  29. Web site: The Chi: Season 1 . . June 20, 2021.
  30. Web site: The Chi Reviews . . June 20, 2021.
  31. Web site: Black Reel Awards for Television (2018). June 28, 2020. IMDb. September 25, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200925095511/https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0004817/2018/1/. live.
  32. Web site: Pedersen . Erik . November 14, 2018 . ReFrame Gives 62 TV Shows Its Gender-Balance Seal Of Approval; Group's First Small-Screen Stamps . July 28, 2022 . Deadline . en-US . July 28, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220728150618/https://deadline.com/2018/11/reframe-gives-62-tv-shows-its-gender-balance-seal-of-approval-groups-first-small-screen-stamps-1202502423/ . live .
  33. Web site: Hipes . Patrick . June 9, 2021 . Gracie Awards Set Winners; Honorees Include Kerry Washington, Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, 'Mrs. America' . July 28, 2022 . Deadline . en-US . June 5, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220605160246/https://deadline.com/2021/06/gracie-awards-2021-winners-list-1234772047/ . live .
  34. Web site: Viola Davis, Tyler Perry and Regina King Up for Entertainer of the Year at 2021 NAACP Image Awards . Davis . Clayton . . February 2, 2021 . March 1, 2021 . February 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210224201335/https://variety.com/2021/awards/awards/2021-naacp-image-awards-nominations-1234898205/ . live .
  35. Web site: Cordero . Rosy . July 20, 2021 . ReFrame Gives 117 Shows Gender-Balance Seal of Approval Including 'Pose,' 'Bridgerton,' 'WandaVision,' More . July 28, 2022 . Deadline . en-US . July 20, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210720153259/https://deadline.com/2021/07/reframe-tv-stamp-recipients-wandavision-bridgerton-lovecraft-country-pose-1234796290/ . live .
  36. Web site: 2021 Nominees Showcase . July 28, 2022 . youngartistacademy.info . April 24, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220424185839/https://www.youngartistacademy.info/2021noms/ . live .
  37. Web site: September 15, 2021 . The Nominees for the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards . July 28, 2022 . GLAAD . en . March 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220309141800/https://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/33/nominees . live .

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