Later this week, the hit original series The Chi returns for the second half of its sixth season, and Paramount has announced that it has renewed the show for a seventh season, which will go into production in Chicago later this month.

The series is set on Chicago’s south side, where, on an average day, kids prep for school as their parents head off to work, young adults try to make a living, and the elders keep an eye on things from their front porches. But in this tough neighbourhood, real dangers threaten daily to squelch dreams, and the simplest decisions can have life-or-death consequences. The Chi is a powerful coming-of-age drama series about an interconnected group of working-class African-Americans who remind us that no matter what, the human spirit is strong, and hope never dies.

The second half of season six will return in the United States on Friday 10th May 2024 on Paramount+ with Showtime, before making its on-air debut on Sunday, May 12, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.  The previous seasons are also available to stream now on Paramount+.  This latest season is currently the most watched on streaming, with views nearly 25 per cent higher than season five’s.

The show is created by Disney’s 20th Television and since the show was commissioned prior to the purchase of 20th Century Fox by Disney in 2019, Showtime will still have the contract in place to decide if they want to continue their deal, plus 20th Television will still be paid for creating the show.  

The previous seasons are also available to stream on Disney+ in many countries, including the United Kingdom and Australia.  However, no international release information for the latest season has been announced.

Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer, SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks said in a statement regarding the renewal:

“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering a powerful lens into both the complexities of life in Chicago as well as the Black experience in America.  On the heels of a record-breaking season and ahead of this week’s return, we’re excited to provide fans with the promise of more – ensuring that they can continue to enjoy the raw, emotional stories and unforgettable characters that have made this seminal series a resounding success for Showtime.”

“The Chi” stars Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James and Curtiss Cook. Emmy winner Lynn Whitfield, Jill Marie Jones, Kadeem Hardison, Leon, Brett Gray and Daniel J. Watts join fellow season six guest stars 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.

Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe (Twenties, Master of None) under her Hillman Grad banner and executive produced by Academy Award and Emmy winner Common (Selma), “The Chi” is a timely coming-of-age story centring on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.

Along with Waithe and Common, the series is executive produced by Aaron Kaplan (A Million Little Things, The Neighborhood), Rick Famuyiwa (Dope), Derek Dudley and Shelby Stone of ID8 Multimedia, and Rishi Rajani, CEO of Hillman Grad. Executive Producers Justin Hillian and Jewel Coronel are co-showrunners for season six. Co-executive producers include Naomi Funabashi, who oversees for Hillman Grad, and Resheida Brady. Producers Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield directed multiple episodes in season six.

Roger’s POV:  It’s certainly great to see an established show returning for a seventh season, though it’s a shame it’s still on Paramount+ (sorry!).  This is one of the latest scripted drama series that 20th Television is making for other channels, but it’s also a way of Disney to make money from their television division.

Are you looking forward to the return of “The Chi”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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