The Chi

The Chi (pronounced THE-SHY) is an American drama series created by Lena Waithe about life in a neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.[4] The pilot was directed by Rick Famuyiwa.[4] It premiered on Showtime on January 7, 2018. On January 30, 2018, Showtime renewed the series for a second season which premiered on April 7, 2019.[5][6] On April 30, 2019, Showtime renewed the series for a third season which premiered on June 21, 2020.[7][8] On May 20, 2019, it was announced that Jason Mitchell would not be returning to the show for season 3 because of "misconduct allegations".[9]

The Chi
GenreDrama
Created byLena Waithe
Starring
Composer(s)Patrick Warren
Country of originUnited States
Original language(s)English
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes22 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)
Production location(s)Chicago
Camera setupSingle-camera
Running time60 minutes
Production company(s)Elwood Reid Inc.
Hillman Grad Productions
Freedom Road Productions
Verse Productions
Kapital Entertainment
Fox 21 Television Studios
Showtime Networks
Distributor20th Television
Release
Original networkShowtime
Picture format1080i (HDTV)
Original releaseJanuary 7, 2018 (2018-01-07) –
present (present)
External links
Website

Premise

The Chi is described as following "a fateful turn of events that sends shockwaves through a community on the Southside of Chicago and connects the lives of Emmett, Brandon, Ronnie and Kevin in unexpected ways."[10]

Cast

Main
  • Jason Mitchell as Brandon Johnson[4] (seasons 1–2)
  • Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Ronnie Davis
  • Jacob Latimore as Emmett Washington[11]
  • Alex Hibbert as Kevin Williams
  • Michael Epps as Jake Taylor
  • Shamon Brown as Stanley "Papa" Jackson
  • Yolonda Ross as Jada Washington,[11] Emmett's mother.
  • Tiffany Boone as Jerrika Little (seasons 1–2), Brandon's girlfriend.
  • Armando Riesco as Detective Cruz (seasons 1-2)
  • Barton Fitzpatrick as Reg Taylor (seasons 1–2), Jake's older brother and gang leader.
  • Birgundi Baker as Keisha Williams (season 3; recurring seasons 1–2), Kevin's sister.[12]

Recurring
  • Lucien Cambric as Jason Roxboro (season 1)
  • Jahking Guillory as Charles Frederick “Coogie” Johnson (season 1)[13]
  • Brian King as Detective Wallace (season 1)
  • Steven Williams as Quentin "Q" Dickinson (season 1), a kingpin elder.
  • Tosin Morohunfola as Trice (season 1)
  • Byron Bowers as Meldrick[14] (season 1)
  • Sonja Sohn as Laverne Johnson (season 1, 3),[13] Brandon's mother.
  • LaDonna Tittle as Ethel Davis, Ronnie's grandmother.
  • Tyla Abercrumbie as Nina Williams, Kevin's mother.
  • Hannaha Hall as Tiffany, the mother of Emmett's child.[15]
  • José Antonio García as Mr. Gasca, Kevin's teacher.
  • Genesis Denise Hale as Maisha
  • Chris Lee as Hannibal
  • Tai Davis as Tracy Roxboro, Jason's mother.
  • Common as Rafiq
  • Curtiss Cook as Otis "Douda" Perry
  • Crystal Dickinson as Detective Alice Toussaint
  • La La Anthony as Dominque "Dom" Morris[12]
  • Luke James as Victor "Trig" Taylor, Jake's estranged older brother.[12]
  • Lil Rel Howery as Zeke Remnick[12]
  • Kandi Burruss as Roselyn Perry, Douda's estranged wife.[16]
  • Miriam A. Hyman as Dre, Kevin's high school guidance counselor.[17]

Episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
110December 15, 2017 (2017-12-15) (online)
January 7, 2018 (2018-01-07) (Showtime)		March 18, 2018 (2018-03-18)
210April 4, 2019 (2019-04-04) (online)
April 7, 2019 (2019-04-07) (Showtime)		June 16, 2019 (2019-06-16)
310[18]June 21, 2020 (2020-06-21)August 23, 2020 (2020-08-23)[18]

Season 1 (2018)
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Pilot"Rick FamuyiwaLena WaitheDecember 15, 2017 (2017-12-15) (online)
January 7, 2018 (2018-01-07) (Showtime)		0.533[19]
22"Alee"David RodriguezElwood Reid & Lena WaitheJanuary 7, 2018 (2018-01-07) (online)
January 14, 2018 (2018-01-14) (Showtime)		0.570[20]
33"Ghosts"David RodriguezAdam Glass & Ayanna Floyd DavisJanuary 21, 2018 (2018-01-21)0.707[21]
44"Quaking Grass"Tanya HamiltonStory by : Elwood Reid & Mike Flynn
Teleplay by : Elwood Reid & Justin Hillian		January 28, 2018 (2018-01-28)0.751[22]
55"Today Was a Good Day"Darren GrantMarcus GardleyFebruary 11, 2018 (2018-02-11)0.679[23]
66"Penetrate a Fraud"Roxann DawsonCasallina KisakyeFebruary 18, 2018 (2018-02-18)0.673[24]
77"The Whistle"David RodriguezLena Waithe & Dime DavisFebruary 25, 2018 (2018-02-25)0.791[25]
88"Wallets"Tanya HamiltonAdam Glass & Marcus GardleyMarch 4, 2018 (2018-03-04)0.675[26]
99"Namaste Muthafucka"Zetna FuentesAdam Glass & Sylvia L. JonesMarch 11, 2018 (2018-03-11)0.797[27]
1010"Ease on Down the Road"Justin TippingElwood ReidMarch 18, 2018 (2018-03-18)0.872[28]

Season 2 (2019)
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
111"Eruptions"Jet WilkinsonAyanna Floyd Davis & Lena WaitheApril 4, 2019 (2019-04-04) (online)
April 7, 2019 (2019-04-07) (Showtime)		0.454[29]
122"Every Day I'm Hustlin'"Darren GrantJoe WilsonApril 14, 2019 (2019-04-14)0.375[30]
133"Past Due"Justin TippingJ. David ShanksApril 21, 2019 (2019-04-21)0.339[31]
144"Showdown"Carl SeatonCasallina KisakyeApril 28, 2019 (2019-04-28)0.392[32]
155"Feeling the Heat"Jet WilkinsonAyanna Floyd Davis & Joe WilsonMay 5, 2019 (2019-05-05)0.439[33]
166"A Leg Up"Cheryl DunyeJustin Hillian & Dime DavisMay 12, 2019 (2019-05-12)0.397[34]
177"A Blind Eye"Rebecca RodriguezCinque Henderson & J. David ShanksMay 26, 2019 (2019-05-26)0.350[35]
188"Lean Into It"Salli Richardson-WhitfieldTerri KoppJune 2, 2019 (2019-06-02)0.328[36]
199"Guilt, Viral Videos, and Ass Whuppings"Tanya HamiltonJoe WilsonJune 9, 2019 (2019-06-09)0.427[37]
2010"The Scorpion and the Frog"Jet WilkinsonAyanna Floyd DavisJune 16, 2019 (2019-06-16)0.474[38]

Season 3 (2020)
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
211"Foe 'Nem"Jet WilkinsonLena Waithe & Justin HillianJune 21, 2020 (2020-06-21)0.348[39]
222"Brewfurd"TBATBAJune 28, 2020 (2020-06-28)TBD
233"Buss Down"[40]TBATBAJuly 5, 2020 (2020-07-05)TBD
244"Gangway"[41]TBATBAJuly 12, 2020 (2020-07-12)TBD
255"Terror Town"[42]TBATBAJuly 19, 2020 (2020-07-19)TBD
266"Woo Woo Woo"[43]TBATBAJuly 26, 2020 (2020-07-26)TBD

Production
Official poster

Filming started in Chicago in April 2017.[13]

Reception

Critical response

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the first season holds a "certified fresh" approval rating of 87% based on 46 reviews, and an average rating of 7.47/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Like an optimistic companion to The Wire, The Chi explores the complexities of life in the South Side of Chicago, with a tender touch and a clear affection for its captivating characters."[44] On Metacritic, the season has a weighted average score of 73 out of 100, based on 22 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[45]

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Nominee Result Ref.
2018 Black Reel Awards Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series Rick Famuyiwa Won [46]
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series Lena Waithe Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Jacob Latimore Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series Common Nominated
Outstanding Drama Series Barry M. Berg, Common, Derek Dudley, Rick Famuyiwa, Aaron Kaplan, Erin Mitchell, Elwood Reid, Shelby Stone and Lena Waithe Nominated

References
  1. DeNeal, Lisa (April 4, 2019). "Writer, Executive Producer Ayanna Floyd Davis is the New Showrunner for Showtime's 'The Chi'". Black Girl Nerds. Retrieved May 9, 2019.
  2. Thorne, Will (September 16, 2019). "'The Chi' Ups Justin Hillian to Showrunner, Ayanna Floyd Davis Exits". Variety. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  3. Petski, Denise (June 16, 2020). "'The Chi's Lena Waithe & Common To Headline Virtual Concert Fundraiser For Equal Justice Initiative". Deadline. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  4. Andreeva, Nellie (January 9, 2017). "Showtime Picks Up Drama 'The Chi' To Series; Jason Mitchell Joins Cast – TCA". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  5. Swift, Andy (January 30, 2018). "Showtime Renews The Chi, Names New Showrunner for Season 2". TVLine. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  6. Green, Steve (January 31, 2019). "'The Chi' Season 2 Trailer: Showtime Drama Continues Look at All Sides of Chicago". IndieWire. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  7. Nemetz, Dave (April 30, 2019). "TVLine Items: The Chi Renewed, Westworld Casts Villain and More". TVLine. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  8. Andreeva, Nellie (April 1, 2020). "Showtime: 'Black Monday' & 'Billions' Seasons Split Into 2 By COVID-19 Shutdown, 'The Chi' Premiere Moved Up". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  9. Andreeva, Nellie (May 20, 2019). "Jason Mitchell Fired By UTA & Authentic, Dropped By 'The Chi' & 'Desperados' Over Misconduct Allegations". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 20, 2019.
  10. Evans, Greg (October 18, 2017). "'The Chi' Teaser Trailer: Showtime's Hour Drama Sets Premiere Date". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  11. Andreeva, Nellie (January 24, 2017). "'The Chi': Jacob Latimore & Yolonda Ross Join Showtime Drama In Recasting". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  12. Petski, Denise (September 16, 2019). "'The Chi': Justin Hillian Named New Showrunner As Ayanna Floyd Davis Exits; Birgundi Baker Upped To Series Regular; Luke James, La La Anthony & Lil Rel Howery To Recur". Deadline. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  13. Swartz, Tracy (April 10, 2017). "Stars of Showtime drama 'The Chi' arrive in Chicago for filming". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  14. "The Chi, The Chi Showtime, The Chi Lena Waithe, The Chi Chicago: Meldrick: the psychic gangster". Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  15. Hale, Mike (April 5, 2019). "Review: 'The Chi' Returns to the South Side of Chicago". The New York Times. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  16. Petski, Denise (September 26, 2019). "'The Chi': Kandi Burruss To Recur In Season 3 Of Showtime Series". Deadline. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  17. Petski, Denise (September 27, 2019). "'Filthy Rich' Casts Rachel York; Miriam A. Hyman Joins 'The Chi'". Deadline. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  18. "Shows A-Z - the chi on showtime". The Futon Critic. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  19. Metcalf, Mitch (January 9, 2018). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.7.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  20. Metcalf, Mitch (January 17, 2018). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.14.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  21. Metcalf, Mitch (January 23, 2018). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.21.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  22. Metcalf, Mitch (January 30, 2018). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.28.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  23. Metcalf, Mitch (February 13, 2018). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.11.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  24. Metcalf, Mitch (February 21, 2018). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.18.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  25. Metcalf, Mitch (February 27, 2018). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.25.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  26. Metcalf, Mitch (March 6, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.4.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  27. Metcalf, Mitch (March 13, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.11.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  28. Metcalf, Mitch (March 20, 2018). "UPDATED: SHOWBUZZDAILY's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.18.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  29. Metcalf, Mitch (April 9, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.7.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
  30. Metcalf, Mitch (April 16, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.14.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  31. Metcalf, Mitch (April 23, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.21.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
  32. Metcalf, Mitch (April 30, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 4.28.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 30, 2019.
  33. Metcalf, Mitch (May 7, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.5.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
  34. Metcalf, Mitch (May 14, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.12.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
  35. Metcalf, Mitch (May 29, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 5.26.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  36. Metcalf, Mitch (June 4, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.2.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  37. Metcalf, Mitch (June 11, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.9.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 11, 2019.
  38. Metcalf, Mitch (June 18, 2019). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.16.2019". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
  39. Metcalf, Mitch (June 23, 2020). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Sunday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 6.21.2020". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  40. "S3, E3 Buss Down". Showtime. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  41. "S3, E4 Gangway". Showtime. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  42. "S3, E5 Terror Town". Showtime. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  43. "S3, E6 Woo Woo Woo". Showtime. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  44. "The Chi: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 21, 2020.
  45. "The Chi Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  46. "Black Reel Awards for Television (2018)". IMDb. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.