The Chi

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Season 1
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
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Critic Reviews

  1. RogerEbert.com
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Jan 5, 2018
    60
    It is a sometimes frustrating experience in that there’s a lot to like regarding ambition and ensemble, but the writing often strains to connect its multiple threads in a way that feels organic. The show’s examination of the cycle of violence in particular feels forced and doesn’t really get to the truth about the way crime intrinsically feeds on itself.
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Jan 8, 2018
    58
    Showtime’s The Chi floats like a worthy successor to “The Wire” and then descends into the sort of bathos of a Tyler Perry production.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Tim Goodman
    Jan 4, 2018
    50
    It's the writing that gets in the way of some of the believability issues in The Chi. Some of this might work out with more episodes as Waithe and her writing staff breathe more life into the characters. Several additional storylines aren't fleshed out enough yet to know if they'll become interesting. With barely half the stories and characters piquing interest early on, The Chi doesn't come out of the gate strong and will have to overcome structural weaknesses and acting issues to have any chance to succeed, so patience will be needed.

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best TV Season of 2018
69
#69 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 51
  3. Negative: 19 out of 51
  1. NavyBean
    Feb 8, 2018
    1
    I also really wanted to like this show. But it just doesn't work. At times over acted, most times poorly acted and badly contrivedI also really wanted to like this show. But it just doesn't work. At times over acted, most times poorly acted and badly contrived storytelling bring it down. Emotional beats don't land and the characters are wooden and not unique or compelling enough to inspire me to watch more than the first few episodes.… Full Review »
  2. dell221
    Jan 24, 2018
    5
    i really wanted to like this show but its plagued by some very bad acting. the kids are just terible in this show. i dont know who's idea iti really wanted to like this show but its plagued by some very bad acting. the kids are just terible in this show. i dont know who's idea it was for kids to do this much cursing and for them to take in adult commentary. i thought this would be between the wire and power but its neither of those shows. its far worse. the main character is always over act icing on small parts and trying to turn them into big ones for no reason. i watched every episode so far hoping that this show will get better but so far it hasn't… Full Review »
  3. binger55
    Feb 14, 2018
    2
    I gave this show a shot and was completely underwhelmed. It was formulaic and stereotypical. Did it bother anyone else that all of theI gave this show a shot and was completely underwhelmed. It was formulaic and stereotypical. Did it bother anyone else that all of the characters were wearing perfect outfits? Expensive, impeccably clean and pressed? It was like the wardrobe department didn't get the memo that the show was being set on Chicago's south side, where money would be tight. The swearing by the young kids seemed forced and unnecessary. Oh did I mention that every student had a brand new back pack? This lack of realism completely distracted me from the plot. One episode was enough for me.… Full Review »
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