Showtime’s acclaimed series “The Chi,” known as the network’s longest-running Black drama, is experiencing a noteworthy surge in viewership. The midseason episode of Season 7 attracted 1.78 million cross-platform viewers within just three days of its release, marking a significant 23% increase from the season-to-date average of 1.45 million viewers. This episode has also set a record as the most-streamed in the show’s history, showcasing its tremendous popularity.
The Season 7 premiere was particularly strong, drawing 2 million viewers in its initial week. The fact that the midseason episode approached that same number in a shorter timeframe emphasizes the series’ growing momentum and appeal. This trend is promising as Season 7 continues to show consistent growth, reflecting the show’s ability to resonate with its audience.
In a significant development, “The Chi” was renewed for an eighth season in May 2025, solidifying its place in Showtime’s lineup. It now shares the distinction of being the second-longest-running scripted series on the network alongside notable shows such as “Dexter,” “Homeland,” and “Weeds,” only trailing behind “Shameless,” which has run for 11 seasons.
“The Chi” recently achieved another milestone by surpassing “Soul Food” as the longest-running Black drama on premium cable, reaching its 75th episode on July 13. “Soul Food” originally aired for 74 episodes from 2000 to 2004 and significantly contributed to the representation of Black narratives on cable television.
Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s South Side, the series weaves together the lives of its residents, illustrating their connections through chance encounters and a shared sense of community. The show features a talented cast, including Jacob Latimore, Lynn Whitfield, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, and Luke James.
Created by Lena Waithe, who also serves as executive producer, “The Chi” includes a robust team of producers such as Common, Justin Hillian, and others. Supervising producers Deondray and Quincy LeNear Gossfield contributed to directing several episodes this season.
As “The Chi” continues to thrive despite the intense competition in the streaming landscape, it signals not just a success story but also a promising future, indicative of its sustained impact and significance in contemporary storytelling.