Episode 1
Pilot
A fateful event sends shockwaves through a community on the South Side of Chicago and connects the lives of Brandon, Ronnie, Emmett and Kevin in wholly unexpected ways.
Where to watch The Chi
TV series
The Chi
2018TV-MA8 seasons7.8 / 10
Love lives on.
A relevant, timely and distinctive coming-of-age story following a half dozen interrelated characters in the South Side of Chicago. The story centers on Brandon, an ambitious and confident young man who dreams about opening a restaurant of his own someday, but is conflicted between the promise of a new life and his responsibility to his mother and teenage brother back in the South Side.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
The Chi is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand, Paramount+, Paramount+ (Via Amazon Prime), Paramount+ (Via Apple TV), Spectrum On Demand, YouTube TV, and Fubo in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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Synopsis
A relevant, timely and distinctive coming-of-age story following a half dozen interrelated characters in the South Side of Chicago. The story centers on Brandon, an ambitious and confident young man who dreams about opening a restaurant of his own someday, but is conflicted between the promise of a new life and his responsibility to his mother and teenage brother back in the South Side.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 2
Alee
Brandon reels from a loss as Ronnie realizes he’s made a grave mistake. Meanwhile, Emmett’s carefree life is upended. Best friends Papa and Jake taunt Kevin over his school crush Andrea. Detective Cruz is shaken by conflicting clues in the investigation.
Where to watch The Chi
Episode 3
Ghosts
Brandon asks Kevin for help. Laverne and Greavy make a life-changing decision. Meanwhile, Amir looks to capitalize on Emmett's side gig while Quentin returns to town to launch his own investigation.
Where to watch The Chi
Episode 4
Quaking Grass
Brandon seeks refuge after Jerrika kicks him out. A physically and mentally ailing Ronnie runs into Rafiq. Meanwhile, Quentin takes a valued item from Trice while Kevin's quest ends with Brandon making a bad deal with Reg.
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Episode 5
Today was a Good Day
A neighborhood block party brings Brandon, Ronnie, Emmett and Kevin together. Brandon has a confrontation with Ronnie and gets surprised by Jerrika.
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Episode 6
Penetrate a Fraud
Brandon’s actions jeopardize his relationship with Jerrika. Ronnie uncovers secrets about his surrogate son’s past and gives a crucial piece of information to the police. Meanwhile, Emmett’s shoe hustle goes awry.
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Episode 7
The Whistle
Brandon compromises his employment by defending a co-worker. Emmett spends an eye-opening day with Quentin. At the roller rink, Kevin tries to get Andrea's attention.
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Episode 8
Wallets
Brandon branches out on his own, while Emmett searches for his son after Tiffany takes him away. Ronnie seeks redemption at a mosque where he meets Rafiq. Kevin tries to stop his best friend from going down a dark path.
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Episode 9
Namaste Muthafucka
Brandon attempts a reconciliation with Jerrika, but struggles to establish his business. Kevin realizes he can't stop Jake. Emmett reels when Jada is offered a job in another state.
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Episode 10
Ease On Down The Road
Ronnie faces his past crimes. Meanwhile, 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. Season finale.
Where to watch The ChiEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
More about The Chi
Cast
Jason MitchellBrandon
Ntare Guma Mbaho MwineRonnie Davis
Alex R. HibbertKevin
Yolonda RossJada
Michael EppsJake Taylor
Tiffany BooneJerrika
Birgundi BakerKiesha Williams
Armando RiescoDetective CruzCredits
- Created by
- Lena Waithe
- Written by
- Lena Waithe, Jewel Coronel, J. David Shanks, Mia A. Brumfield, Whitney Beckwith, Justin Hillian, Racquel Callahan, Patrik-Ian Polk, Elwood Reid, Marcus Gardley, Casallina Kisakye, Resheida Brady, Kelly Ota
Production details
- Status
- Returning Series
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 88
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
ShowtimeUnited States
Paramount+ with ShowtimeUnited States
Fox 21 Television StudiosUnited States
Showtime NetworksUnited States
Kapital EntertainmentUnited States
Hillman Grad ProductionsUnited States
Themes
absurdchicago, illinoisclichécoming of agedepressingintensemean spirited
