Plot Synopsis

Executive produced by and guest starring Common, THE CHI is a one-hour scripted series, filmed entirely in Chicago, that explores the humanity behind the headlines sensationalizing the South Side of the Windy City. Brandon the dreamer makes his own nearly impossible leap of faith to succeed in life and love with girlfriend Jerrika; Emmett is the carefree teen thrust into complex responsibilities with guidance from his mother Jada; and Ronnie is the drifter whose struggle for reciprocal love calls into question his every pursuit. Pre-teen Kevin, an unwitting eyewitness, must step past shattered illusions to return to the normal rites and passages of a childhood interrupted. They're all under the watchful eye of law enforcement, but Detective Cruz, a good neighborhood cop, works every case with justice, not incarceration, as his end goal. Their collective yearning to make their lives worthwhile and to overcome the roadblocks society has laid out for them, as well as their own personal flaws.

Season 2 of THE CHI premiered on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 10pm ET/PT on Showtime. The second season spotlights the ambitious plan by Brandon to make his food truck a success, while navigating the class differences with his girlfriend Jerrika. Emmett will encounter a lot of bumps and bruises as he makes an effort to grow up and get custody of his son, guided by his mother Jada, who is discovering a new life of her own. Kevin reckons with the trauma of what he has experienced in his young life, as he strengthens the bonds with his buddies, Papa, and Jake, whose older brother Reg exposes Jake to twisted lessons in street survival. Lastly, an imprisoned Ronnie attempts to come to terms with killing Brandon's brother and reclaim his life, while Detective Cruz launches a new investigation. The season will also show the joys of living life on the Southside of Chicago. Guest stars for Season 2 include Carl Lumbly, Curtiss Cook, Crystal Dickinson and Kimberly Hebert Gregory. In the season opener, "Eruptions," Brandon deals with an unfortunate turn of events that takes him back to Reg. Jada makes a decision that forces Emmett to grow up. Kevin, Jake and Papa hatch a plan to do a project for school. Ronnie takes an inmate under his wing.
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THE CHI returned for its third season on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 9pm ET/PT on Showtime. In the season opener, "Foe 'Nem," a wedding alters Kevin and Kiesha's lives; Emmett juggles his business and his growing family; Ronnie struggles to find his way; Jake's estranged brother Trig lands back in town on a mission. Series creator Lena Waithe appears in a multi-episode arc as a Chicago mayoral candidate.