Showtime has finally set a return date for its drama series The Chi.
The Chi season 6 release date
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Showtime announced that the first half of the 16-episode sixth season of The Chi will have its streaming premiere on Friday, August 4, 2023, on Paramount+ with Showtime and on-demand, before making its on-air debut on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 9 p.m. ET on the cable channel Showtime.
The premiere of The Chi‘s upcoming season comes 11 months after the fifth season of the series wrapped up. The Chi season 5 debuted on June 24, 2022, and ended on September 4, 2022. The second half of the show’s season 6 doesn’t have a release date yet.
Season 6 is a milestone for The Chi because it’s the first season of the show to have 16 episodes. The first five seasons of the series only have 10 episodes each. Showtime renewed The Chi for a 16-episode season 6 after the show reached a series high in streaming audiences for season 5.
“The Chi is Showtime at its best – complex characters and sophisticated storytelling that leave our viewers wanting more, which is why we’ve expanded this season to its biggest yet,” said Chris McCarthy, President/CEO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks, in a statement. “Lena [Waithe] is a gifted creator and we’re fortunate to collaborate with her on this iconic series – one of our biggest – as we continue to lean into diverse cultures, one of our key programming lanes, that you’ll see us build out as we gear up to launch Paramount+ with Showtime.”
What is The Chi about?
Described as a timely coming-of-age story, The Chi centers 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. It is created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe and her Hillman Grad banner, and executive produced by Academy Award and Emmy winner Common. Filmed entirely in its namesake city, the show is produced by 20th Television.
Along with Waithe and Common, the series is also executive produced by Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa, 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 6, with producers Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield set to direct multiple episodes in the new season.
What will happen in The Chi season 6?
According to the official synopsis for the next season, life in the city is full of extremes, with no shortage of ups and downs. Big dreams are finally realized but at a cost, and everyone will be challenged in ways they never thought possible as they weigh the pros and cons of their next major decision.
The synopsis reads: “Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Kiesha’s (Birgundi Baker) blissful blended union is tested by his insatiable drive to expand Smokey’s and a new perilous partnership, while Kiesha finally races toward a rewarding new career. Douda (Curtiss Cook) deals with the fallout of Q’s murder and its effect on the shifting loyalty of his inner circle. Victor’s (Luke James) bold declaration of love for both his new girlfriend and his beloved community will impact his political ambitions. Happily married Jada (Yolonda Ross) mentors Emmett and her besties as they navigate relationships. Kevin (Alex Hibbert) is becoming a brilliant master gamer but struggles with the youthful pitfalls of early independence. Jake (Michael V. Epps) launches a new business, and Papa (Shamon Brown Jr.) falls for an older woman while questioning his faith. What will become of their pursuits will be revealed over the course of this season’s sixteen jaw-dropping episodes.”
Who will be in The Chi season 6?
Main cast members Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Curtiss Cook are all confirmed to reprise their roles in the new season.
Completing the season 6’s acting ensemble is a bunch of guest stars that include Kandi Burruss, 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, among many others.
The Chi season 6 trailer
Showtime has yet to drop the official trailer for The Chi season 6, but the network previously released a minute-long teaser for the new batch of episodes. You can watch the promo video below:
