Where to watch The Chi: a complete streaming guide for drama fans
If you are wondering where to watch The Chi, there are a few streaming options apart from its parent network, Paramount+ with Showtime. The Lena Waithe-created drama is one of the long-running series in the history of Showtime, alongside hit shows like Dexter, Homeland, and Shameless.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- The Chi is a coming-of-age drama set in the South Side of Chicago, which premiered in January 2018 on Showtime.
- The critically acclaimed series can be watched on several streaming platforms with the Paramount+ with Showtime add-on.
- The Chi was renewed by Paramount+ with Showtime for an 8th season, which premieres in 2026.
The Chi profile summary
| Genre | Drama |
| Premiere date | January 7, 2018 |
| Number of seasons | Seven (as of August 2025) |
| Number of episodes | 78 (as of August 2025) |
| Creator | Lena Waithe |
| Executive producers | Common, Derek Dudley, Rick Famuyiwa,Aaron Kaplan, Shelby Stone, Lena Waithe, Jewel Coronel |
How to watch all seasons of The Chi
The series has been on air since January 2018 and is currently in its seventh season. Fans can watch all the previous seasons and catch up on all the new episodes that drop weekly. The Chi streaming platforms and cable options include:
- Showtime (direct): The Chi episodes air on Showtime every Sunday at 9.00 p.m. ET for cable users in the United States.
- Paramount+ with Showtime: The primary streaming home for the series. All seasons are available for streaming, and new episodes often drop on Fridays. The platform costs $12.99 per month or $119 per year.
- Hulu: You can stream The Chi on Hulu by adding the Paramount+ with Showtime bundle to your plan for $12.99 per month.
- Disney+: This platform is available in some regions, like the US and the UK.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available to watch with the Paramount+ with Showtime add-on as an extra channel for $12.99 per month.
- Apple TV+: The platform supports Paramount+ with the Showtime add-on for full access to The Chi episodes.
- FuboTV: Available to users in the United States, Canada, and Spain
- Crave (Canada): The Chi fans in Canada can stream earlier seasons on Crave.
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Is The Chi on HBO Max?
The series is not available for streaming on HBO Max because it is a Showtime original. Showtime, which is now part of Paramount+, owns the exclusive streaming rights. The Chi is also not available on Netflix but can be watched on Hulu with the Showtime add-on.
How to watch The Chi for free
The Chi is a premium series, but you can legally access it for free by taking advantage of promotional offers and free trials from streaming platforms. Paramount+ with Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, and FuboTV currently have a one-week free trial for new subscribers, which may be a short time to binge-watch all seven seasons of the drama.
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The Chi has a rich plot with interconnected storylines
The Chi is a drama series created by Emmy-winning actress and filmmaker Lena Waithe. It follows the lives of the residents on the South Side of Chicago, a neighbourhood rich in culture but fraught with challenges. Showtime explains the plot as:
On the South Side of Chicago, an average day finds kids prepping for school as their parents head off to work, young adults trying to make a living, and the elders keeping an eye on things from their front porches. But in this tough neighbourhood, real dangers threaten daily to squelch dreams, and the simplest decisions can have life or death consequences.
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The Chi was renewed for season 8
In May 2025, Paramount+ with Showtime gave The Chi the greenlight to film an 8th season. Former Paramount Global co-CEO Chris McCarthy said at the time:
Following record-breaking viewership, we are thrilled to announce The Chi has been renewed for Season eight, joining the ranks of Showtime's most iconic series like Homeland and Dexter. Thanks to Lena Waithe and her incredible team, our talented cast and crew, and devoted fans — the South Side story continues!
The Chi season 8 renewal came after the success of season 7, which drew 2 million cross-platform viewers in the first seven days, according to Deadline. The series has shown a rare trend of audience growth, with its most recent seasons delivering strong viewership numbers.
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The Chi season 8 release date
The production for the show's season 8 is underway, but the official release date has not been revealed. It is expected to be sometime in mid-2026. The Chi's 7th season premiered on May 18, 2025, and aired its finale on Friday, August 1, on Paramount+ with Showtime and Sunday, August 3, on Showtime.
An emotionally charged season 7 finale ended with the deaths of Jada Washington (Yolonda Ross) and Alicia Daniels (Lynn Whitfield). You should expect to see the main cast members returning for the upcoming season, including:
- Jacob Latimore as Emmett Washington
- Shamon Brown Jr. as Stanley 'Papa' Jackson
- Michael V. Epps as Jake Taylor
- Cortez Smith as Nuck
- Birgundi Baker as Keisha Williams
- Luke James as Victor 'Trig' Taylor
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Wrapping up
Now that you know where to watch The Chi, you can keep up with the critically acclaimed drama. Catch up or binge-watch the interconnected lives of Emmett, Kevin, Jake, and the rest of the unforgettable residents of Chicago's South Side on your preferred platform.
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