Showtime scheduled the new drama "The Chi" at the beginning of January, co-produced by Lena Waithe, Elwood Reid, Common, Aaron Kaplan's Kapital Entertainment, and Fox 21 TV Studios; the pilot was filmed last year, but it was later re-shot before being ordered. The show premiered on January 7, 2018, in the U.S. The series is written by Lena Waithe and directed by Rick Famuyiwa, and tells the distinctive stories of six interconnected characters in the South Side of Chicago. The characters include Kevin (played by Alex R. Hibbert), a confident 13-year-old boy who can navigate a harsh environment. His life was simple: he had a crush on a girl in his class, a group of friends in the neighborhood, and hoped to leave the South Side one day. However, after witnessing a murder at the wrong place and time, his perspective on everyday life is changed. Brandon (played by Jason Mitchell) is an ambitious and confident young man who dreams of one day opening his own restaurant, but his commitment to a new life and responsibilities toward his mother and younger brother living in the South Side seem to be obstacles on the path to realizing that dream. Jerrika (played by Tiffany Boone) is Brandon's outspoken girlfriend who is working hard to gain acceptance from Brandon's mother, while her choice regarding Brandon seems wise. Working diligently as a restaurant manager, she is determined to help Brandon leave the streets and become a chef. Emmett and Jada feature Emmett, a reckless but charming son (played by Jacob Latimore), and his single mother Jada (played by Yolonda Ross), a full-time nurse; Emmett was originally with a female entrepreneur, but now has to raise his infant child alone. Jada, while being strict yet loving with the new father Emmett, explores her own adult troubles. Ronnie (played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine), a former soldier, is dragged down by life in the South Side of Chicago, often mingling with neighborhood friends or taking care of his grandmother. However, one day his ex-girlfriend (whom Ronnie sees as a mother to her son) drives him to seek revenge for a murder, leading Ronnie down a wrong path in an attempt to win her back.
