Reflecting on The Chi’s Season 6: Top Highlights & Future Speculations
***Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t wrapped up Season 6 of The Chi, stop reading now. Seriously, don't go any further LOL
“The Chi”, on Showtime, started in 2018 and follows the lives of friends and their families on the Southside of Chicago. Emmy Award Winner Lena Waithe, who also created “Twenties” and the film “Queen & Slim”, brought it to life and serves as an Executive Producer. After Season 6 Part Two aired, the announcement came that it was renewed for a seventh season. This renewal shows how loyal the viewers are and how much the stories and lessons resonate.
Season 6 continued its poignant storytelling with Jacob Lattimore as Emmitt, Birgundi Baker as Keisha, Luke James as Victor, Jason Weaver as Shaad, Curtis Cook as Douda, Shamon Brown Jr. as Papa, Michael V. Epps as Jake, Judaea Brown as Jemma, Hannah Hall as Tiff, Iman Shumpert as Rob, and Genesis Denise Hale as Maisha. This season guest actors such as Lynn Whitfield, Kandi Burress, Lala Anthony, Vic Mensa, and Da Brat also graced the screen. Of note, Lena Waithe, Co-Executive Producer Common, Hannah Hall, Jason Weaver, and Vic Mensa are all native Chicagoans.
Watching the season finale has left me with a sense of melancholy. The sudden halt after only four episodes since its return leaves one craving more. Only four episodes aired since the return of Part Two, causing a sense of incompleteness. Part one concluded in September 2023, leaving fans hanging. In April 2024, Showtime released a trailer confirming that the final four episodes would start airing in May 2024. Even as the final episode of Season 6 Part Two was released, I just wasn’t prepared for it to conclude. There was still so much to absorb and process.
Another reason I’m disappointed season six has finally ended, is the growing attachment I've felt for the storylines over the last six seasons. Over six seasons, viewers have forged deep connections with the characters and their intricate stories. This bond reminds me of the attachment formed with other iconic shows like "Insecure" and "The Game." More than just television, "The Chi" becomes a part of our emotional fabric.
*Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t wrapped up Season 6 of The Chi, stop reading now. Seriously, don't go on LOL*
Equal Representation
While waiting on Season 7, I will also miss the unique representation "The Chi" provides. “The Chi” is not only a coming-of-age story about friends and families on the Southside of Chicago but also the only African American show that displays members of the entire LGBTQ community as main characters. This season alone featured African American transgender women, lesbians, and gay men in a sex scene, which I believe is unprecedented in Urban media.
Exploring Life Beyond Traditional Paths
I also value how the show explores different paths beyond college after high school. Kevin moved to LA for a video gaming career, Jake pursued fashion, and Maisha turned to music and photography. Tiffany and Rob, though not recent college grads, have built a successful cannabis business and are looking into holistic wellness, including psychedelic mushrooms.
Families Redefined
Nontraditional and blended families have also been a significant theme, especially in Season 6, with the dynamics between Keisha, Tiff, Emmitt, and Rob taking center stage. This mirrors the reality for Millennials and Gen Z, whose family structures often differ from the Baby Boomer's nuclear family units.
In the early seasons, the focus on Keisha and Kevin’s family, led by two moms, stood out as an inner-city family led by same-sex parents. Such dynamics are becoming more common as family planning options(IVF/IUI/Private adoption/surrogacy) grow and become more affordable and accessible.
Telling stories of underrepresented groups holds great value, even if they don't mirror your own. The most remarkable aspect of "The Chi" is the ability for any viewer to feel understood in at least one of its storylines. This inclusivity is rare for shows that span over six-plus seasons, often telling stories from very focused viewpoints. But here, anyone—regardless of their background—can find something relatable.
That's the magic "The Chi" brings. Its diverse narratives create a sense of belonging and understanding, something many shows fail to achieve.
Season 6 Highlights
Emma’s journey of self-discovery regarding her sexuality, finding support/validation from Tierra
Jake, Emmitt, Rob, and Shaad weekly therapy meetings.
***Friendly reminders: Check-ins and safe places help Black men connect, understand each other, and offer mutual support are invaluable.
Keisha and Emmitt are expecting their first baby.
Douda's Demise and Execution.
#RIP Rob
Season 7 Predictions
Keisha and Emmitt aim to expand their family but run into problems with Tiff's jealousy after Rob’s death.
Papa uncovers the Pastor’s deceitful ways.
Keisha's mom regrets her trip with Laporsha (Da Brat).
Keisha, Emmitt, and Nuck face co-parenting hurdles after learning Nuck killed Rob.
Nuck becomes a bigger threat than Douda.
Easy Listening, And Viewing, The Urban Music Enthusiast.