The Chi season 6 release date, release time, and everything we know

(L-R): Birgundi Baker as Kiesha and Jacob Latimore as Emmett in THE CHI, "New Chi City". Photo credit: Elizabeth Sisson/SHOWTIME.

One of the most successful series on Showtime is The Chi, a drama exploring the interconnected lives of characters living in the South Side of Chicago created by the talented, Emmy-winning Lena Waithe. Now going on its sixth season, the series explores the highs and lows of living in an economically struggling community. With captivating characters and compelling storylines, it’s not a surprise that the show is still thriving and fans cannot wait to see the next installment.

The Chi is known for its ensemble cast of fantastic actors, including Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Rolando Boyce, and more. The series has been widely applauded for its authentic portrayal of urban life and its inclusion of social issues like race and poverty. The thought-provoking storytelling keeps us coming back for more season after season.

The fifth season of The Chi concluded in Sept. 2022, and fans are growing impatient waiting to see what’ll happen next. The good news is we have a lot of information regarding The Chi season 6, which we’ve shared with you below!

Let’s get this out of the way — The Chi season 6 is definitely happening! The show was renewed in Aug. 2022. Showtime decided to give the show the green light for another installment before the fifth season even wrapped up. “We are beyond excited to continue to tell these stories and to watch these characters grow,” Waithe wrote on Instagram when sharing the renewal news. Fans are no doubt excited as well.

Jacob Latimore, who plays Emmett, took to Instagram to share the Deadline article confirming the renewal, while Birgundi Baker, who plays Kiesha, shared a video of the cast in time for the season 5 finale, writing: “Can’t stop, won’t stop. Season 6 here we come!”

A post shared by Lena Waithe (@lenawaithe)

Get ready, readers, because The Chi season 6 is just days away now! Showtime confirmed the series will return this August, with the Paramount+ streaming and on-demand premiere on Friday, Aug. 4, and the Showtime linear premiere that Sunday, Aug. 6.

We also know that the new season will be split into two parts, but at the time of this writing, Showtime has not confirmed when the second half will air. For now, at least we know when season 6 will begin!

Planning your watch party for the premiere of The Chi season 6 this weekend? Then you’ll need to know what time the episode comes out! If you’re catching the first episode on Paramount+ this Friday, Aug. 4, it’s expected to be available on the streaming service at 12:00 a.m. PT / 3:00 a.m. ET. But if you’re waiting to watch on the channel Showtime this Sunday, Aug. 6, the episode will air on linear TV at 9:00 p.m. ET that night.

Fortunately, we can expect most of the main cast to return for The Chi season 6, along with some exciting guest stars. Deadline shared the official list, which is as follows:

We have so much to look forward to in The Chi season 6, especially after that intense season 5 finale. Check out the official logline:

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.

In addition to the synopsis, Lena Waithe teased what’s to come in the series, telling Entertainment Tonight that season 6 is “unlike any other season of The Chi before.” She also hinted at one or more deaths coming up! Oh no.

“I feel like it’s probably one of the most emotional seasons. I know last season was very emotional, but this season’s even more emotional,” Waithe explained “And we heard from the fellas, they want a little bit more… grit, there is that as well. And, you know, it’s The Chi, everybody’s not gonna survive this season.” Get the tissues ready!

And if you’d like to take a closer look at what we can expect in the new season, we come bearing good news because an official teaser has been released! Everyone’s making moves this time around, and you’ve just got to see the preview with your own eyes to take it all in:

More recently, Showtime debuted the official length trailer for the sixth season, and it looks like one you won’t want to miss. Watch:

Those looking forward to watching The Chi season 6 will be happy to know that we’re getting a supersized installment! Though every previous season of the drama has included 10 episodes each, the sixth is a whopping 16 episodes total! That’s likely why Showtime is choosing to split the season into two parts.

The 16 episodes of season 6 will be split evenly, meaning part 1 will consist of eight episodes and part 2 another eight. We cannot wait to see what this extended season has in store for us!

At the time of this writing, The Chi has not been renewed past the sixth season. That said, despite the extended amount of episodes, it is not being billed as the final season. That means there’s always the possibility that Showtime will renew the series again for a seventh season.

Considering this is one of the network’s most-watched shows, we wouldn’t be surprised if the viewership for the sixth season warrants a seventh. But for now, nothing has been confirmed.

It’s almost time to start watching The Chi season 6!