Looks like The Chi is turning up the temperature this spring. Showtime just dropped the official trailer and key art for season seven of Lena Waithe’s acclaimed South Side saga—and if the first look is any indication, we’re in for another heavy-hitting ride through love, loss, and legacy.
The new season officially premieres Friday, May 16 for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, with its on-air debut slated for Sunday, May 18 at 9 PM ET/PT on Showtime. And yes, Emmett and Kiesha look like they’re hosting the party of the year… but don’t get too comfortable.
Picking Up After a Brutal Ending
If you’re still reeling from that season six finale, you’re not alone. The last episode saw the shocking deaths of Douda (Curtis Cook) and Rob (Iman Shumpert)—both gunned down by Douda’s own enforcer, Nuck. Rob’s body was left on his mother Alicia’s doorstep, and Lynn Whitfield delivered a gut-wrenching performance as Alicia grieved her son in one of the most haunting moments in the show’s history.
Now, with Douda gone, Alicia is stepping into power—and she’s not coming alone.
The Women Take the Lead
This season, it’s the women of The Chi who are making major moves. Alicia, Tracy (Tai Davis), and Jada (Yolonda Ross) are stepping into the spotlight, as new alliances form, old loyalties are tested, and the fight for control gets even messier. The central theme? There’s only one crown—and the road to it is lined with betrayal.
And if the first-look image is anything to go by, we’ll get some levity along the way. Alicia, Tracy, and Jada are seen dancing together—blissfully, boldly, and maybe even briefly. In The Chi, joy is always earned… and usually short-lived.
A Powerhouse Cast
Returning cast members include Jacob Latimore, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Yolonda Ross. And for those wondering—yes, Lynn Whitfield has officially been bumped up to series regular status this season. The power shift is real.
The guest star lineup is just as stacked: Kadeem Hardison, Chris Lee, Brett Gray, Rotimi, Jackie Long, Jill Marie Jones, Hannaha Hall, Jason Weaver, La La Anthony, Vic Mensa, Kandi Burruss, Tai Davis, Rolando Boyce, Ahmad Ferguson, Cortez Smith, Genesis Denise Hale, Joel Steingold, Judae’a Brown, Zaria Imani Primer, L’lerrét Jazelle, and Brian Keys are all returning.
But that’s not all.
Meet the New Faces
Season 7 welcomes three iconic additions in guest roles:
- Phylicia Rashad,
- Wendy Raquel Robinson, and
- Karrueche Tran.
Each brings their own brand of gravitas to the already stacked ensemble—and we can’t wait to see how their characters shake up the South Side.
Behind the Scenes
Lena Waithe continues to lead the charge as creator and executive producer through her Hillman Grad banner, alongside Justin Hillian and Jewel Coronel as co-showrunners. Additional executive producers include Common, Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa, Shelby Stone, Derek Dudley, Naomi Funabashi, and Rishi Rajani. Directors Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield also return this season to helm multiple episodes.
Breaking Records—and Making History?
Season 6 wasn’t just emotionally explosive—it was the show’s most-watched season on streaming, climbing nearly 25% over the previous season. And Showtime knows a good thing when it sees it: they’ve already greenlit a season 8 writers’ room. While cast deals aren’t finalized just yet, The Chi is inching closer to historic status. An eighth season would tie it with Dexter, Weeds, and Homeland as Showtime’s second-longest running series—only Shameless ran longer.
So the only real question left is: who’s walking away with the crown?
The Chi season 7 premieres May 16 on Paramount+ with Showtime, and May 18 on Showtime cable. Grab your popcorn, call your people, and clear your Sunday nights—it’s about to get real on the South Side.