The Chi
Seen it?2018 | 8 seasons | Drama
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong character drama. If you loved Boy Meets World, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- 8 seasons and 88 episodes: a long-haul commitment.
- What might put you off
- Rated TV-MA: meant for adults.
- A big time investment at 8 seasons.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.9 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
1 win and 7 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Ran for 8 seasons and reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 405K people sought it out in the past year
Season by season
The show overall is a Saturday Special. Here's how each season stacks up; Season 1 is the high point.
Season 12018 · 10 episodes · 4.6 out of 10Monday- Season 22019 · 10 episodes · 1.5 out of 10Monday
- Season 32020 · 10 episodes · 2.5 out of 10Monday
- Season 42021 · 10 episodes · 2.6 out of 10Monday
- Season 52022 · 10 episodes · 2.3 out of 10Monday
- Season 62023 · 16 episodes · 2.3 out of 10Monday
- Season 72025 · 12 episodes · 1.7 out of 10Monday
- Season 82026 · 10 episodes · 2.8 out of 10Monday
Trailer
More like this
Hanna
Weeknight WatchAnother coming-of-age drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Chicago Fire Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Bel-Air
Sunday Safe BetAnother drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Chicago P.D. Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Boy Meets World Saturday SpecialAnother coming-of-age drama, and a Saturday Special.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Created by Lena Waithe