The Chi

The Chi is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Kevin is the pre-teen who must step past shattered illusions and embrace the normal rites of childhood, while Brandon the dreamer makes his own nearly impossible leap of faith to succeed in life and love with girlfriend Jerrika. Emmett is the carefree teen is thrust into complex responsibility with guidance from his mother Jada, and Ronnie is the drifter whose struggle to love and be loved calls into question his every pursuit.
Main Cast

as Emmett Washington

as Jake Taylor

as Stanley 'Papa' Jackson

as Jada Washington

as Kiesha Williams

as Kevin Williams

as Victor "Trig" Taylor

as Otis "Douda" Perry

as Ronnie Davis

as Alicia

as Brandon Johnson

as Reg Taylor

as Detective Cruz

as Jerrika
Episode Guide
Season 1
- Episode 1: Pilot
Aired: Jan 7, 2018A 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.
- Episode 2: Alee
Aired: Jan 14, 2018Brandon 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.
- Episode 3: Ghosts
Aired: Jan 21, 2018Brandon 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.
- Episode 4: Quaking Grass
Aired: Jan 28, 2018Brandon 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.
- Episode 5: Today Was a Good Day
Aired: Feb 11, 2018A neighborhood block party brings Brandon, Ronnie, Emmett and Kevin together. Brandon has a confrontation with Ronnie and gets surprised by Jerrika.
- Episode 6: Penetrate a Fraud
Aired: Feb 18, 2018Brandon'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.
- Episode 7: The Whistle
Aired: Feb 25, 2018Brandon 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.
- Episode 8: Wallets
Aired: Mar 4, 2018Brandon 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.
- Episode 9: Namaste Muthafucka
Aired: Mar 11, 2018Brandon 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.
- Episode 10: Ease on Down the Road
Aired: Mar 18, 2018Ronnie 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.
Season 2
- Episode 1: Eruptions
Aired: Apr 7, 2019Brandon deals with an unfortunate turn of events that takes him back to Reg. Jada makes a decision that forces Emmett to grow up. Kevin, Jake and Papa hatch a plan to do a project for school. Ronnie takes an inmate under his wing
- Episode 2: Every Day I'm Hustlin'
Aired: Apr 14, 2019Brandon begrudgingly puts on a front to help Jerrika land a new client. Reg must answer to the leadership of the 63rd St. Mob. Ronnie reels from devastating news and makes a deal with an inmate. Emmett adjusts to his new living situation and starts another side hustle with Amir. Kevin is forced to make a difficult decision. New Detective Toussaint investigates a South Side home invasion.
- Episode 3: Past Due
Aired: Apr 21, 2019Brandon gets a new opportunity. Kevin and Maisha form an unlikely friendship. Emmett takes on more responsibility at work. Cruz deals with blowback from Ronnie's confession. Ronnie receives some shocking news. Toussaint gets a lead on her case.
- Episode 4: Showdown
Aired: Apr 28, 2019Brandon stresses over The After Taste Food Competition and makes a deal with Emmett, while an accident at Sonny's threatens Emmett's job. Kevin, Jake and Papa cause mayhem on picture day at school. Ronnie adjusts to a new life he didn't expect. Reg gets called on the carpet by Douda and a revelation comes to light.
- Episode 5: Feeling the Heat
Aired: May 5, 2019Brandon and Emmett come together for some Chicago summertime fun on one of the hottest days of the year. Kevin deals with a death in the family. Ronnie reconnects with Rafiq and gets some helpful advice. Toussaint and Cruz make a major move on the home invasion case. Reg and Douda form a plan to fix the gang's problem.
- Episode 6: A Leg Up
Aired: May 12, 2019Brandon competes in the finals of The After Taste Food Competition. Emmett tries to smooth things over with the women in his life. Kevin and Jake get into a fight, while Kevin's friendship with Maisha blossoms. Ronnie and Jada grow closer after a family secret comes to light.
- Episode 7: Blind Eye
Aired: May 26, 2019Detective Cruz is left to make a difficult choice. Brandon gets some insight into Douda's past, while Jerrika drops a bomb about her career. Emmett tries to figure out who Keisha is dating. Ronnie opens up to Jada, who helps him heal old wounds.
- Episode 8: Lean Into It
Aired: Jun 2, 2019Brandon takes a big step with Jerrika. A new opportunity forces Emmett's hand. Kevin makes a new friend and a fateful decision. Ronnie spirals out of control.
- Episode 9: Guilt, Viral Videos, and Ass Whuppings
Aired: Jun 9, 2019Brandon and Emmett hatch a plan. Emmett starts his new job. Ronnie deals with the consequences of his actions. Kevin gets into hot water with his mom. Detectives Toussaint and Cruz make an exciting discovery.
- Episode 10: The Scorpion and the Frog
Aired: Jun 16, 2019Brandon is faced with a life-altering decision. Emmett takes a step toward adulthood and Kevin tries out a new look. A trip down South leads Ronnie to confront his demons. Detectives Toussaint and Cruz make a big arrest.
Season 3
- Episode 1: Foe 'Nem
Aired: Jun 21, 2020A wedding alters Kevin and Kiesha's lives. Emmett juggles his business and his growing family. Ronnie struggles to find his way. Jake's estranged brother Trig lands back in town on a mission. Season premiere
- Episode 2: Brewfurd
Aired: Jun 28, 2020Kevin rallies Papa and Jake for help. Emmett finds a short-term solution to his food shortage problem. Jada samples the dating scene and a local trap kitchen run by Dom. Trig devises a plan to get custody of his brother Jake from Douda.
- Episode 3: Buss Down
Aired: Jul 5, 2020The Williams family goes into a tailspin. Emmett and Tiff devise a plan to move in with Jada while he gets his new business off the ground. Ronnie gets a not-so-friendly reminder that his neighborhood has a long memory of his past deeds.
- Episode 4: Gangway
Aired: Jul 12, 2020Ronnie finds a new calling in his bid for redemption; Emmett lets his dad, Darnell, and his insecurities get the best of him; Kevin is weighed down by a lie; the mayoral race heats up when candidates Douda and Camille Halloway face off.
- Episode 5: Terror Town
Aired: Jul 19, 2020Ronnie's memories threaten his progress. An unexpected visit threatens Trig's battle for custody of Jake. Kevin and his friend's adventure tests the limits of their fight-or-flight instincts. Emmett capitalizes on a predicament. Jada meets Tomas' family.
- Episode 6: Woo Woo Woo
Aired: Jul 26, 2020Kevin's birthday finds him in far from a celebrating mood. Ronnie takes his grandmother Ms. Ethel on a whirl back in time. Emmett goes on a cannabis run with Tiff. Douda's campaign hits another speed bump when a past wound draws fresh blood.
- Episode 7: A Stain
Aired: Aug 2, 2020Ronnie laments a loss. Emmett and Dom get help from landlord Zeke in their new effort. Kiesha is resigned to her fate but vows to fight. Jemma melts Kevin's heart. Politics pit Douda against Camille.
- Episode 8: Frunchroom
Aired: Aug 9, 2020Kiesha remains trapped in her own personal nightmare while Kevin, Nina and Dre worry about the future. Emmett and Jada bring comforting words and food to the Williams'. Ronnie hopes to be absolved of his past transgressions.
- Episode 9: Lackin'
Aired: Aug 16, 2020Ronnie is praised by his church community, while others won't let him forget his mistakes. Emmett and Dom prepare for their grand opening. Kevin tries to balance his relationships with his obligations.
- Episode 10: A Couple, Two, Three
Aired: Aug 23, 2020Ronnie finds absolution. Emmett and Tiff take a step toward their future. Trig plays his final card against Douda. Life events mature Kevin, Jake and Papa.
Season 4
- Episode 1: Soul Food
Aired: May 23, 2021Emmett's past threatens his new marriage. Kiesha wrestles with a decision that will affect the life of her unborn child. A run in with law enforcement leaves Kevin, Jake and Papa reeling. Douda tries to walk the line between gangster and mayor. Tiff and Dom go into business together. Marcus petitions to bring the Olympics to Chicago. Season premiere.
- Episode 2: Cooley High
Aired: May 30, 2021Emmett comes clean to Tiff. A college tour forces Kevin and Jake to consider their futures. Douda makes a decision that will change the face of Chicago. Jada gets some unexpected news. Papa starts a podcast. Trig reunites with an old friend.
- Episode 3: Native Son
Aired: Jun 6, 2021Tiff discovers a possible solution to her ongoing relationship woes with her new husband Emmett. Mayor Douda, Tracy and Trig decide it's time to take community protection into their own hands. Meanwhile, Kevin and Jemma hit a rough patch in their relationship.
- Episode 4: The Girl from Chicago
Aired: Jun 13, 2021Jake, Jemma and Kevin organize an on-campus protest. Emmett and Tiff set new boundaries for their relationship. Imani schemes to break a girl out of the 63rd St. Mob's trap house. Dre's frequent disappearances leave Nina suspicious. Jada gives Emmett some unexpected news.
- Episode 5: The Spook Who Sat by the Door
Aired: Jun 20, 2021Douda, Roselyn and Marcus prepare for the gala. Kiesha goes into labor. Kevin and Jemma's relationship reaches a breaking point. Trig and Shaad have a falling out.
- Episode 6: Candyman
Aired: Jun 27, 2021Kiesha adjusts to life after birth. Papa tries to broker peace between Kevin and Jake. Jada struggles under the weight of her condition. Nina's suspicion of Dre reaches a peak. Tiff and Dom get a business opportunity.
- Episode 7: ...Black Messiah
Aired: Jul 11, 2021Emmett and Tiff explore new things as a couple. Trig tries to counsel Jamal when he reaches his breaking point. Imani takes care of the trap house for good. Kevin journeys to the West Side with a new friend. Papa teaches Jake how to woo his lady. Nina and Dre throw Kiesha an impromptu party.
- Episode 8: Love Jones
Aired: Jul 18, 2021Kevin and Papa pull out all the stops to get their women back. Emmett treats Tiff to a night on the town. Kiesha and Christian get to know each other better.
- Episode 9: Southside with You
Aired: Jul 25, 2021Emmett and Darnell spend quality time with Jada. Jake and Jemma attend the spring formal. Tensions between Douda and Marcus rise. Kevin makes his move on Lynae. Trig gets caught up in a mess he didn't create.
- Episode 10: A Raisin in the Sun
Aired: Aug 1, 2021Emmett tells Tiff to make a decision. Imani and Shaad get a clean slate. Jake comes clean to Jemma. Trig gives Douda an ultimatum. Tracy throws a celebratory block party. Nina and Dre put their problems aside to help someone in need. Season finale.
Season 5
- Episode 1: Overnight Celebrity
Aired: Jun 26, 2022Emmett attempts to win Tiff back. Kiesha looks to start a new chapter for her and her son. Kevin takes his passion to a new level. Jake tries out for the basketball team. Papa's announcement at the school pep rally quickly takes a turn for the worse. Jada hits a roadblock in her relationship with Suede. Trig takes a major step while continuing his efforts to protect the community. Douda and an old face return to visit Tracy. Season premiere.
- Episode 2: Oh Girl
Aired: Jul 3, 2022Emmett's co-parenting struggles lead him to some questionable advice. Jake reconnects with someone from his past. Kiesha's college housing plans go awry. Tiff's relationship with Rob heats up. Kevin sets his sights on a new love interest while navigating his gaming club. Papa struggles with being cancelled. Jada reveals a secret to Suede. Trig considers a new role in the community.
- Episode 3: This Christmas
Aired: Jul 10, 2022Emmett and Kiesha bond over being single parents. A discovery prompts Jada to confront Suede. Trig and Jake enjoy Christmas morning with their family. Papa tries and fails to apologize. Tiff and Rob's relationship grows stronger after a holiday mishap. Douda delivers a Christmas miracle for the community.
- Episode 4: On Me
Aired: Jul 17, 2022Emmett helps Kiesha as she struggles with balancing motherhood and college. Trig and Shaad canvas the community. Jemma confronts Jake. Douda issues Tracy an ultimatum.
- Episode 5: We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off
Aired: Jul 24, 2022Kiesha and Emmett's relationship takes an unexpected turn. Jemma and Jake confront the truth. Kevin attends a cosplay party. Trig finds a surprising connection. Papa bonds with Bakari.
- Episode 6: Bring It on Home to Me
Aired: Jul 31, 2022Emmett comes clean. Darnell and Jada have a romantic date night. A big gaming win takes Kevin's life in a new direction. Jemma makes a decision. Trig struggles with maintaining his truth.
- Episode 7: Angels
Aired: Aug 7, 2022Emmett and Tiff must unite as co-parents after learning unexpected news about their son. Kiesha gets advice from her counselor. Kevin struggles to balance dating and his gaming competitions. A shocking event leaves Jemma, Papa and Jake to deal with the aftermath.
- Episode 8: Sweet Thing
Aired: Aug 14, 2022Valentine's Day brings unexpected developments. Trig and Shaad hit the town, while Jada and Darnell's plans are ruined. Emmett makes a mature decision. Jake and Jemma's day together ends in a confession. Kiesha and Tiff meet up.
- Episode 9: I'm Looking For a New Thing
Aired: Aug 28, 2022Emmett and Kiesha explore the day. Tiff opens up to Rob. Kevin is confronted by his parents after they find a shocking discovery. Jake and Papa's friendship is tested. Jada and Darnell make plans, while Douda makes a fateful decision.
- Episode 10: I Am the Blues
Aired: Sep 4, 2022Emmett supports Jada. Kiesha and Tiff come to a resolution. Pressure mounts on Douda. Trig makes a life-altering decision. Season finale.
Season 6
- Episode 1: New Chi City
Aired: Aug 4, 2023Emmett's new venture yields big results for his bottom line but strains his personal life. Kiesha and Jake chart exciting new career paths. Victor awaits the election results. Kevin's freedom comes at a cost. Papa falls for an older woman, while Jada advises her single friends. Douda makes a deal.
- Episode 2: Mo' Douda, Mo' Problems
Aired: Aug 11, 2023Emmett and Kiesha take a big leap while Shaad launches a new business with Deja's help. Jamal returns to town on a mission. Papa struggles with his faith and Pastor Stanley's interfering. Rob and Tiff make a potentially life-altering connection.
- Episode 3: House Party
Aired: Aug 18, 2023Emmett contends with an unexpected gift. Victor surprises Fatima. Lynae starts to doubt Bakari's intentions. Papa defends Kenya. Darnell issues a warning, while Rob looks for clues.
- Episode 4: Reup
Aired: Aug 25, 2023A welcome new development in Douda's life is complicated by some ominous news from Roselyn. The strains of their busy lives wear on Emmett and Kiesha. Tiff and Rob make strides with their business. Papa introduces Kenya to the crew, while Maisha questions Jemma's dedication. The men of The Chi turn to each other for support.
- Episode 5: One of Them Nights
Aired: Sep 1, 2023Kevin, Jake, Papa and the crew celebrate a major milestone. Emmett questions Douda. Kiesha asks for help. Jamal issues a warning to Bakari. Shaad makes a potentially life-altering decision.
- Episode 6: Boyz II Men
Aired: Sep 8, 2023Pressure mounts on Victor. Emmett makes Douda an offer. A defiant Papa tests his father Pastor Stanley's patience. Dre's actions spark doubt in Nina. Kevin celebrates a major achievement.
- Episode 7: Long Live
Aired: Sep 15, 2023The community reels at a loss. Jake's sage advice to Victor provides clarity. A past memory sparks a breakthrough for Kiesha. Bakari confronts Nuck. Nina makes a startling confession.
- Episode 8: Who Shot Ya?
Aired: Sep 22, 2023The aftermath of unexpected events ripples through the city. Darnell makes a bold offer. Alicia confronts Tiff.
- Episode 9: The Aftermath
Aired: May 10, 2024Victor and Emmett deal with the consequences of their decision to take on Douda. Kiesha worries about her family's safety, while Jada and Darnell make moves to keep everyone safe. Alicia cashes in a favor from Bianca.
- Episode 10: Want This Smoke
Aired: May 17, 2024Victor learns the value of compromise. Emmett and Kiesha's date night is interrupted. Shaad makes an unlikely connection. Professor Gardner's lecture inspires Bakari. The FBI finds more evidence linking to Q's murder.
- Episode 11: Saints & Sinners
Aired: May 24, 2024Emmett and Darnell's father-son time is interrupted by a revelation.
- Episode 12: City of Gold
Aired: May 31, 2024Emmett looks to a new partnership as a solution to all his problems.
- Episode 13: Legacy
Aired: Jun 7, 2024Douda's birthday sparks emotions. Emmett and Kiesha confront new problems.
- Episode 14: Smoke & Mirrors
Aired: Jun 14, 2024Jake plans to bring some people to Victor's house for a Halloween house party; Emmett, Nuck and Kiesha find the right balance as co-parents.
- Episode 15: Tower of Terror
Aired: Jun 21, 2024Emmett struggles with his new normal. Roselyn stresses over her own safety. Victor weighs his political career and life with Fatima. Tiff makes progress with Alicia. The city is on edge for what lies ahead.
- Episode 16: Thanksgiving
Aired: Jun 28, 2024Thanksgiving marks a time for reunions and revelations as families gather to celebrate. As jaw-dropping events unfold, loyalties will be tested, bonds will be broken, tears will be shed and some lives will be forever changed.
Season 7
- Episode 1: Black Friday
Aired: May 16, 2025Alicia, on a mission, starts her rampage. Season premiere.
- Episode 2: The Fall Out
Aired: May 23, 2025Tiff finds an unlikely partner in Victor – and a more unlikely connection with Nuck. Meanwhile, Jake inadvertently exposes his affair with Tatiana, triggering a scandal. Things come to a head when Emmett tries to juggle all the kids at work.
- Episode 3: More Life
Aired: May 30, 2025Jemma goes to Jake to discuss her next career move.
- Episode 4: Mother's Day
Aired: Jun 6, 2025Emmett hosts all his baby mamas in one place for Mother's Day.
- Episode 5: Safe Harbor
Aired: Jun 13, 2025Tensions run high as the tide as Nuck sets a daunting tone with the mob.
- Episode 6: Do the Chi Thing
Aired: Jun 20, 2025Emmett and Kiesha put their relationship and parenting skills to the test.
- Episode 7: Unfinished Business
Aired: Jun 27, 2025Jada is hit with devastating news. Emmett surprises Kiesha with an idea.
- Episode 8: A Bet Is a Bet
Aired: Jul 4, 2025Detective Toussaint proposes a tempting partnership to Nuck.
- Episode 9: Last Respects
Aired: Jul 11, 2025Nuck makes a house-call to an unsuspecting friend. Damien makes a promise.
- Episode 10: Tha Block Is Hot
Aired: Jul 18, 2025A harsh reality forces Emmett to reevaluate whats truly important; Pastor Zeke throws a block party to put the guns down, bringing him closer to Carolyn; meanwhile, Alicia tries to strike a deal with Detective Toussaint.
- Episode 11: Ready or Not
Aired: Jul 25, 2025Alicia turns up the heat in her personal revenge mission; Candice is recruited for a dangerous side job; Shaad takes his time with a new love interest while Papa presents Pastor Zeke with an idea to help his reputation; Bakari has a wake-up call.
- Episode 12: Rebirth
Aired: Aug 1, 2025A person from the past shakes up Nuck's world, further tangling his web of lies; Emmett grapples with emotional whiplash as Alicia's path of vengeance comes to a head, changing everything for everyone.