'The Chi' Scores Season 2 Renewal From Showtime, Gets New Showrunner
It's official: "The Chi" is coming back for a sophomore run.
On Tuesday, Showtime announced that "The Chi" has been renewed for a second season. News of the renewal comes after the show has aired four episodes out of its 10-episode pilot season.
Ayanna Floyd Davis also joined season 2 as executive producer and showrunner. Aside from writing the drama's third episode, Davis has also produced and written other notable programs including "Private Practice," "Hannibal" and "Empire."
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Entirely filmed in its namesake city, "The Chi" follows a group of residents who find themselves linked by coincidence. Despite their differences, the characters are bonded by their need for human connection as they seek redemption in the city.
Its stellar cast includes Jason Mitchell ("Straight Outta Compton"), Jacob Latimore ("Sleight"), Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine ("Queen of Katwe"), Alex Hibbert ("Moonlight"), Yolonda Ross ("The Get Down"), Armando Riesco ("Bull") and Tiffany Boone ("The Following"). Production on season 2 is scheduled to begin later this year in Chicago.
Reports note the series currently ranks as Showtime's best series premiere since "Billions" launched in 2016. The coming-of-age drama's audience continues to grow every week, with the network claiming episode 4 already performed better than the premiere by 41 percent.
"From viewers and critics alike, the response to 'The Chi' has been so enthusiastic from the very start that our decision to renew the series was an easy one," Gary Levine, Showtime's president of programming, said in a press release.
He added, "We love the vibrant characters and the nuanced world that Lena has created. Her vision for 'The Chi' has clearly struck a chord and we know she has many more moving, personal and resonant stories to tell about her beloved hometown."
Showtime has yet to announce an official release date for "The Chi" season 2.
