The Chi is showing no signs of slowing down. The season seven premiere of Lena Waithe’s acclaimed series shattered viewership records, pulling in an impressive 2 million cross-platform viewers and officially becoming the most-watched season premiere in the show’s history.
According to Paramount Global, the premiere is also the #1 most-streamed episode of the series to date, up 2% on streaming compared to last season’s debut.
Premiering May 16 on SHOWTIME and streaming platforms, The Chi returned with more heat, tension, and raw emotion than ever before. With Alicia (played by NAACP Image Award winner Lynn Whitfield) now running things as the most powerful figure in the streets, the South Side is still simmering with danger and shifting loyalties.
Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Keisha (Birgundy Baker) are adjusting to their new family dynamic, but it’s far from smooth sailing. Meanwhile, Tiff (Hannaha Hall) is working through grief, and Victor (Luke James) is struggling to figure out his next move amid the changing tides.
“With the seventh season of The Chi, Lena Waithe raised the bar creatively and it shattered viewership records, becoming the most-watched season premiere in the show’s history,” said Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount Global and President of Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. “Lena’s storytelling defies convention and cuts through cliché, revealing the depth, power, and complexity of life on the South Side of Chicago with fearless honesty.”
Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe, The Chi has continued to bring the drama and relatable storylines season after season.
The series was recently nominated for a GLAAD Media Award, and Lynn Whitfield’s performance as Alicia earned her a NAACP Image Award.
The Chi airs weekly on Fridays with the Paramount+ Showtime plan.
With record-breaking numbers and a narrative that refuses to hold back, The Chi proves that real stories told with heart, grit, and unapologetic truth still matter—and audiences are showing up in record numbers to see it.
