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Entertainment • TV Series

The Chi

The Chi is an American drama television series created by Lena Waithe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Chi is an American drama television series created by Lena Waithe. Set on the South Side of Chicago, it follows interconnected residents whose lives are shaped by community, conflict, and everyday survival. The series premiered on Showtime in 2018 and concluded with its eighth season in 2026.

Premise

The Chi focuses on a group of residents living on the South Side of Chicago whose lives intersect through family, friendship, violence, and community ties. The series is framed as a coming-of-age drama.

Production and broadcast

The series was created by Lena Waithe and premiered on Showtime on January 7, 2018. It later became associated with Paramount+ streaming, and its eighth season premiered in 2026.

Cast

The ensemble cast has featured Jacob Latimore, Alex R. Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Tiffany Boone, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and others across its run.

Reception and themes

The Chi has been described as exploring everyday life, survival, grief, neighbourhood ties, and the effects of poverty and violence. Its focus is on interconnected personal stories rather than a single protagonist.

Key facts

  • The Chi is a coming-of-age drama set on Chicago's South Side.
  • It was created by Lena Waithe and premiered in 2018.
  • The show centers on connected residents, including young people, parents, and neighbours.
  • The ensemble cast has included Jacob Latimore, Alex R. Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Birgundi Baker, and others.
  • By 2026, the series had eight seasons, with the eighth season announced as the final one.
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Canadian context

Canadian viewers may know The Chi through Paramount+ streaming and through coverage of contemporary U.S. television drama.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Chi about?
The Chi is a drama about interconnected residents on Chicago’s South Side, following their relationships, struggles, and efforts to survive and grow within their community.
Who stars in The Chi?
The series has featured an ensemble cast including Jacob Latimore, Alex R. Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Tiffany Boone, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and others.
How many seasons of The Chi are there?
There are 8 seasons of The Chi.
Where can I watch The Chi?
The Chi originally aired on Showtime and is available on Paramount+.
Is The Chi based on a true story?
No. The Chi is an original scripted series created by Lena Waithe, not a direct adaptation of a true story.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chi
    Supports: Created by Lena Waithe; setting; premise; premiere date; number of seasons; cast; eighth season and final-season status
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6294706/
    Supports: Series description as a coming-of-age drama centered on connected residents
  3. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-chi/1030705330/
    Supports: Where to watch/stream; season count; network; genre; premise
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_chi
    Supports: Synopsis, creator, network, genre, release date, streaming availability
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-chi
    Supports: Premise; cast; network; setting; themes
  6. Paramount+ — https://www.paramountplus.com/sneak-peak/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-chi-season-8/
    Supports: Season 8 availability on Paramount+; final-season status; season 8 premiere timing