Lena Waithe‘s Showtime series The Chi has had its best season yet with a surge in streaming viewership.
The Chi went up to a whopping 65 percent in streaming viewership, with more than 1.8 million total viewers watching the Season 6 premiere in its first seven days. With those metrics, it’s clear that this is the series’ most-watched season premiere ever.
Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks praised the series’ surge in streamed views, saying in a statement, “The Chi’s record-breaking performance validates our decision to integrate our streaming services with the new Paramount+ with Showtime. Exceptionally created by Lena Waithe, The Chi embodies the best of SHOWTIME with rich characters and compelling, layered storytelling that keeps viewers coming back for more.”
Paramount Streaming’s EVP and chief marketing officer, Domenic DiMeglio, also added, “As the first new season of a SHOWTIME scripted series to premiere on Paramount+, The Chi broke out with its largest premiere audience ever, showcasing the power of our new Paramount+ with Showtime plan. It gives all of us great pleasure to be able to continue to engage the loyal audience that this incredible show has built over the years while at the same time being able to introduce it to new audiences as part of Paramount+.”
The sixth season of Showtime’s hit drama sees dramatic ups and downs for the cast of characters as they face life, love, and tons of life-altering decisions.
Created and executive produced by Lena Waithe via her production company Hillman Grad and executive produced by Common, the series once again brings viewers back to Chicago’s south side as the characters have become part of each other’s lives continue to grow and experience change in the city they call home.
According to the official description:
This season, life in THE CHI reverberates between the highest highs and lowest lows. Big dreams are finally realized but at a cost and everyone will be tested in unimaginable ways as they calculate the risks and rewards of their next big move. Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Kiesha’s (Birgundi Baker) blissful blended union is tested by his insatiable drive to expand Smokey’s and a new perilous partnership, while Kiesha finally races toward a rewarding new career. Douda (Curtiss Cook) deals with the fallout of Q’s murder and its effect on the shifting loyalty of his inner circle. Victor’s (Luke James) bold declaration of love for both his new girlfriend and his beloved community will impact his political ambitions. Happily married Jada (Yolonda Ross) mentors Emmett and her besties as they navigate relationships. Kevin (Alex Hibbert) is becoming a brilliant master gamer but struggles with the youthful pitfalls of early independence. Jake (Michael V. Epps) launches a new business, and Papa (Shamon Brown Jr.) falls for an older woman while questioning his faith. What will become of their pursuits will be revealed over the course of this season’s sixteen jaw-dropping episodes.
ID8 Multimedia’s Justin Hillian, Jewel Coronel, Aaron Kaplan, Derek Dudley and Shelby Stone executive produce with Rick Famuyiwa and Hillman Grad CEO Rishi Rajani. Hillian and Coronel also serve as this season’s co-showrunners. Naomi Funabashi co-executive produces and oversees for Hillman Grad. Also executive producing are Resheida Brady and Sylvia Carrasco. Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield produce as well as direct multiple episodes.
Season 6 is now available for streaming on Paramount+.
