The Chi

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." ==Cast==

Main • Jason Mitchell as Brandon Johnson • Alex R. Hibbert as Kevin Williams (seasons 1–6) • Tiffany Boone as Jerrika Little (seasons 1–2), Brandon's girlfriend • Yolonda Ross as Jada Washington (seasons 1–7), • Luke James as Victor "Trig" Taylor (season 4–present; recurring; season 3), Reg and Jake's estranged older brother • Curtiss Cook as Otis "Douda" Perry (seasons 4–6; recurring; seasons 2–3) • Lynn Whitfield as Alicia (season 7; recurring season 6), Shaad's lover • Hannaha Hall as Tiffany (season 8; recurring seasons 1–7, the mother of Emmett's child • Jason Weaver as Rashaad "Shaad" Marshall (season 8; (season 1) • Sonja Sohn as Laverne Johnson (seasons 1, 3 and 4), Brandon's mother • Cedric Young as Sonny (seasons 1–3), Q's brother and Emmett's boss • LaDonna Tittle as Ethel Davis (seasons 1–3), Ronnie's grandmother • Tyla Abercrumbie as Nina Williams (seasons 1–6), Kevin and Keisha's mother • Sherrice Eaglin as Vanessa "Peaches" Taylor (seasons 5–6) Jake Trig and Reg mother a recovering a heroin addict • José Antonio García as Mr. Gasca (seasons 1–2), Kevin's teacher • Genesis Denise Hale as Maisha • Mariah Gordon as Andrea (season 1) • Chris Lee as Hannibal (seasons 1–3), Brandon's cousin • Tai Davis as Tracy Roxboro, Jason's mother • Common as Rafiq (seasons 1–2) • Crystal Dickinson as Detective Alice Toussaint (season 2) • Miriam A. Hyman as Dre (season 3–present), Nina's partner who is a high school counselor • Jasmine Davis as Imani (seasons 3 and 4), Trig's girlfriend • La La Anthony as Dominque "Dom" Morris (seasons 3–present) • Lena Waithe as Camille Hallaway (season 3), a mayoral candidate • Lil Rel Howery as Zeke Remnick (season 3), • Da Brat as LaPorsha (seasons 4 and 6) • Wendy Raquel Robinson as Riley Dalton (season 7) ==Episodes==

Season 1 (2018) Season 2 (2019) Season 3 (2020) Season 4 (2021) Season 5 (2022) Season 6 (2023–24) Season 7 (2025) ==Production==

On January 30, 2018, Showtime renewed the series for a second season which premiered on April 7, 2019. On April 30, 2019, Showtime renewed the series for a third season which premiered on June 21, 2020. 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. On September 8, 2020, Showtime renewed the series for a fourth season which premiered on May 23, 2021. In March 2021, production on the series was paused due to a positive COVID-19 test. On August 2, 2021, after the conclusion of the fourth season, it was announced that the series was renewed for a fifth season. The fifth season premiered on June 24, 2022. On August 18, 2022, the series was renewed for season six before the conclusion of season five. On May 8, 2024, Paramount+ With Showtime renewed the series for a seventh season that wrapped production on early October 2024. The seventh season premiered on Paramount+ With Showtime on May 16, 2025, before making its air debut two days later on Showtime. On May 29, 2025, the series was renewed for an eighth season. On October 1, 2025, it was reported that the eight season is going to be the final season. Production on season 8 started in January 2026. The eighth and final season is scheduled to premiere on May 22, 2026. ==Release==

The Chi premiered on January 7, 2018, on Showtime. Home media 20th Century Fox Television released Seasons 1 and 2 of The Chi on DVD in Region 1. ==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." On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 73 out of 100 based on 22 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Accolades ==References==