Showtime has officially announced the return of the critically acclaimed drama series “The Chi,” with the second half of its sixth season scheduled to premiere on Friday, May 10 for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with Showtime plan. Following its streaming debut, the series will make its on-air premiere on Paramount+ with Showtime on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Presently in production in Chicago, the show is focusing on completing the remaining eight episodes of the supersized 16-episode season.
“The Chi,” created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe and executive produced by Academy Award and Emmy winner Common, unfolds as a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the South Side of Chicago. The narrative intricately weaves the lives of a diverse group of residents who find themselves linked by chance but bound by a shared quest for connection and redemption. Produced entirely in Chicago, the series is a testament to the city’s vibrant energy and culture, produced by 20th Television.
The sixth season kicked off with a record-breaking premiere, establishing itself as one of Showtime’s top-performing premieres in terms of streaming viewership. The initial eight episodes navigated a tumultuous journey for the characters, exploring themes of strained relationships, perilous alliances, unforeseen opportunities, and heart-wrenching losses. Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Kiesha’s (Birgundi Baker) blended union faced testing times due to Emmett’s risky partnership with Douda (Curtiss Cook), who grapples with the aftermath of Q’s murder. Victor’s (Luke James) complex past impacts his newfound role as a city councilman, while newlyweds Jada (Yolonda Ross) and Darnell (Rolando Boyce) fear for their son Emmett’s safety after a desperate, life-threatening move.
The cannabis business of Rob (Iman Shumpert) and Tiff (Hannaha Hall) and Jake’s (Michael V. Epps) apparel line experienced success, while Papa (Shamon Brown Jr.) found himself entangled in an unexpected romance while questioning his faith in the face of his beloved father’s senseless loss. Kevin (Alex Hibbert) secured a significant gaming opportunity in Los Angeles, leaving Maisha (Genesis Denise Hale) to pursue her own career move amidst the divided attentions of manager Jemma (Judae’a Brown). As the characters faced these challenges, danger lurked around every corner, ensuring that no one was safe, and everyone would be tested like never before in the shocking last eight episodes of the season.
The ensemble cast of the sixth season includes Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Curtiss Cook. Joining them as guest stars are Lynn Whitfield, Jill Marie Jones, Kandi Burruss, La La Anthony, Vic Mensa, Carolyn Michelle Smith, Jason Weaver, Iman Shumpert, Nia Jervier, L’lerrét Jazelle, Hannaha Hall, Ahmad Ferguson, Genesis Denise Hale, Joel Steingold, Judae’a Brown, Miriam A. Hyman, Tyla Abercrumbie, Tai Davis, Rolando Boyce, and Tory O. Davis.
Executive produced by Waithe, Common, Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa, Derek Dudley, Shelby Stone, and Rishi Rajani, “THE CHI” is led by co-showrunners Justin Hillian and Jewel Coronel for its sixth season. Co-executive producers include Naomi Funabashi and Resheida Brady, with Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield directing multiple episodes in season six. As the series delves into the latter half of its sixth season, fans can anticipate a continuation of gripping storytelling, complex character dynamics, and unforeseen twists that have defined the show since its inception.