The Chi 2018
“Love lives on.”
What is The Chi?
The Chi is an American coming-of-age drama television series created by Lena Waithe that premiered on Showtime in 2018. The series is set in the South Side of Chicago and centers on a group of interrelated characters navigating life in their neighborhood.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2018
- Status
- Returning Series
- Episodes
- 88
- First aired
- Jan 7, 2018
- Last aired
- Jul 5, 2026
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- Showtime, Paramount+ with Showtime
- Genres
- Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
Disney PlusStream
Disney PlusStream
Disney PlusStream
Disney PlusStream
Disney PlusStream
fuboTV
Paramount Plus Premium
Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
Paramount+ Amazon Channel
YouTube TV
Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
Spectrum On DemandBuy
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
Fandango At HomeStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 88 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
The Chi is an American coming-of-age drama television series created by Lena Waithe that premiered on Showtime in 2018. The series is set in the South Side of Chicago and centers on a group of interrelated characters navigating life in their neighborhood. It follows Brandon, a young man with dreams of opening his own restaurant, as he balances personal ambition with family responsibilities. The show explores themes of connection, growth, and redemption among its ensemble cast. The Chi received a series order in January 2017 and debuted on January 7, 2018. In May 2024, the show was renewed for a seventh season, which premiered in May 2025. The series has been recognized for its authentic portrayal of community life and features actors including Jason Mitchell, Jacob Latimore, and Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine.
Should you watch it?
“A coming-of-age drama exploring life and interconnected struggles on Chicago's South Side.”
- Strong ensemble cast with authentic performances
- Nuanced portrayal of community and family dynamics
- Created by Emmy winner Lena Waithe
- Pacing may feel slow to some viewers
- Storylines can be emotionally heavy
You enjoy thoughtful, character-based dramas rooted in urban communities.
Suitable for mature audiences due to themes of violence, family conflict, and adult decision-making.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 10 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Pilot Jan 7, 2018
- E2 Alee Jan 14, 2018
- E3 Ghosts Jan 21, 2018
- E4 Quaking Grass Jan 28, 2018
- E5 Today was a Good Day Feb 11, 2018
- E6 Penetrate a Fraud Feb 18, 2018
- E7 The Whistle Feb 25, 2018
- E8 Wallets Mar 4, 2018
- E9 Namaste Muthafucka Mar 11, 2018
- E10 Ease On Down The Road Mar 18, 2018
Season 2 · 10 episodes
- E1 Eruptions Apr 7, 2019
- E2 Every Day I'm Hustlin Apr 14, 2019
- E3 Past Due Apr 21, 2019
- E4 Showdown Apr 28, 2019
- E5 Feeling the Heat May 5, 2019
- E6 A Leg Up May 12, 2019
- E7 Blind Eye May 26, 2019
- E8 Lean Into It Jun 2, 2019
- E9 Guilt, Viral Videos, and Ass Whuppings Jun 9, 2019
- E10 The Scorpion and the Frog Jun 16, 2019
Season 3 · 10 episodes
- E1 Foe 'Nem Jun 21, 2020
- E2 Brewfurd Jun 28, 2020
- E3 Buss Down Jul 5, 2020
- E4 Gangway Jul 12, 2020
- E5 Terror Town Jul 19, 2020
- E6 Woo Woo Woo Jul 26, 2020
- E7 A Stain Aug 2, 2020
- E8 Frunchroom Aug 9, 2020
- E9 Lackin' Aug 16, 2020
- E10 A Couple, Two, Three Aug 23, 2020
Season 4 · 10 episodes
- E1 Soul Food May 23, 2021
- E2 Cooley High May 30, 2021
- E3 Native Son Jun 6, 2021
- E4 The Girl From Chicago Jun 13, 2021
- E5 The Spook Who Sat By The Door Jun 20, 2021
- E6 Candyman Jun 27, 2021
- E7 ...Black Messiah Jul 11, 2021
- E8 Love Jones Jul 18, 2021
- E9 Southside With You Jul 25, 2021
- E10 A Raisin in the Sun Aug 1, 2021
Season 5 · 10 episodes
- E1 Overnight Celebrity Jun 26, 2022
- E2 Oh Girl Jul 3, 2022
- E3 This Christmas Jul 10, 2022
- E4 On Me Jul 17, 2022
- E5 We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off Jul 24, 2022
- E6 Bring It On Home To Me Jul 31, 2022
- E7 Angels Aug 7, 2022
- E8 Sweet Thing Aug 14, 2022
- E9 I’m Looking For a New Thing Aug 28, 2022
- E10 I Am the Blues Sep 4, 2022
Frequently asked questions
Is The Chi based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional drama created by Lena Waithe.
Where does The Chi take place?
The series is set on the South Side of Chicago.
Who is the main character in The Chi?
The story centers around Brandon, though multiple characters are interwoven.
What network or platform airs The Chi?
It originally aired on Showtime and is available on Paramount+.
How many seasons of The Chi are there?
As of 2026, the series has multiple seasons with a seventh season having aired.