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.
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On Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT, Showtime premiered "Ease on Down the Road," the season finale of THE CHI. Ronnie faces his past crimes; Brandon's plan to finance his business goes awry; Kevin stars in the school play and attends a cast party with his friends; Emmett decides to fight for full custody. Seven weeks earlier -- on January 30 -- Showtime renewed THE CHI for a second season.