The Chi, the Showtime series from writer and director Lena Waithe, has returned for a sixth season. The captivating coming-of-age drama chronicles the lives of characters living on the South Side of Chicago that premiered on Jan. 7, 2018. After five seasons of drama, the sixth season of The Chi will consist of 16 episodes, much to the excitement of fans. However, it will be split into two parts, with each consisting of eight episodes.
When did season 6 start?
Part one launched on Aug. 6, 2023, marking the first time that a Showtime scripted series premiered on Paramount+. In June 2023, Paramount merged its streaming services Paramount+ and Showtime. In the first week of its premiere, the first episode drew more than 1.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched opening episode that the show has ever had.
Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment and Paramount Media Networks, commented on the massive success of the first half of the sixth season. Of the show, he said, according to Variety:
“The Chi’s record-breaking performance validates our decision to integrate our streaming services with the new Paramount+ with Showtime. Exceptionally created by Lena Waithe, The Chi embodies the best of Showtime with rich characters and compelling, layered storytelling that keeps viewers coming back for more.”
Variety also shared Paramount Streaming’s EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, Domenic DiMeglio, comment on the premiere:
“The Chi broke out with its largest premiere audience ever, showcasing the power of our new Paramount+ with Showtime plan. It gives all of us great pleasure to be able to continue to engage the loyal audience that this incredible show has built over the years while at the same time being able to introduce it to new audiences as part of Paramount+.”
In the days that followed, the series saw a 65% surge in streaming views, starting on Aug. 4 with the debut of part one of season 6, which included eight new episodes.
When does part two of season 6 return?
The midseason finale of part one was released on Sep. 22 2023. The episode, which focuses on character Kevin’s plans after high school graduation is available to watch on Showtime.
Part two of the season was delayed,likely due to complications resulting from the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The first half of season 6 was written and shot before the strike, but production on season 6 halted when the strike began.
Now that both strikes have concluded, production on the second half of season 6 has resumed. Now we have an official release date, as The Chi is confirmed to return on May 10, 2024.
What will season 6, part 2 of The Chi be about?
Kevin Williams and Pastor Stanley Jackson will not be in the second part of the sixth season of The Chi, as the two characters emotionally departed during part one. All of the rest of the characters are expected to be in the second part of the season.
The second part of season 6 of The Chi will likely pick up after Kevin’s departure and Pastor Jackson’s death, showing how Bakari and Papa navigate it. The season will likely explore Victor’s political career and his decision to retaliate against Douda. Hopefully, we also get more information on Bakari and Lynae’s relationship as well as Jemma and Jake’s.