Los Angeles Times

For fans of 'The Chi,' these actors 'steal the show.' No shock: They grew up on it

LOS ANGELES — Life has never been easy in "The Chi." The Showtime drama about a bustling Black neighborhood on the south side of Chicago is filled with characters trying to realize their dreams, keenly aware of the numerous obstacles — economic hardship, police corruption, violence — that might stand in their way. It's not only grown-ups trying to do their best; the kids of "The Chi" also are ...
From left, Michael Epps, Alex Hibbert and Shamon Brown Jr. attend the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022, in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES — Life has never been easy in "The Chi."

The Showtime drama about a bustling Black neighborhood on the south side of Chicago is filled with characters trying to realize their dreams, keenly aware of the numerous obstacles — economic hardship, police corruption, violence — that might stand in their way.

It's not only grown-ups trying to do their best; the kids of "The Chi" also are facing challenges. In the pilot episode, which premiered in 2018, a posse of three boys debate about auditioning for a student production of "The Wiz" and deal awkwardly with girls. By the end of the episode, one witnesses a murder and fears for his life when the shooter spots him.

Having been compared at times to HBO's "The Wire"

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