Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe, The Chi is a coming-of-age drama set in south side Chicago, centered around a group of residents who, “become linked by coincidence, but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.” A deadly occurrence effects an entire community and unexpectedly connects the lives of Brandon (Jason Mitchell), Emmett (Jacob Latimore), Ronnie (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine), and Kevin (Alex Hibbert). Yolonda Ross (Jada), Armando Riesco (Detective Cruz), and Tiffany Boone (Jerrika).
While only four episodes of the new series have aired, Showtime has already ordered a second season of The Chi. In addition to the show’s renewal, Ayanna Floyd Davis, who has written and produced for shows such as Empire and Hannibal, has signed on for season two as executive producer and showrunner. Common, Elwood Reid, Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa (who also directed the pilot episode), and Derek Dudley and Shelby Stone of Freedom Road Productions, also serve as executive producers for the series.
Gary Levine, President of Programming at Showtime Networks said in an official statement,
“From viewers and critics alike, the response to The Chi has been so enthusiastic from the very start that our decision to renew the series was an easy one. We love the vibrant characters and the nuanced world that Lena has created. Her vision for The Chi has clearly struck a chord, and we know she has many more moving, personal and resonant stories to tell about her beloved hometown.”
The Chi airs Sunday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.
