Are you a diehard fan of Showtime’s “The Chi?” The gritty drama mixed with real-life issues is a recipe for TV gold. “The Chi” delivers gripping storylines that keep viewers glued to their screens. But when you’ve caught up with the latest episodes, what’s next? What are some shows like “The Chi?”
Why ‘The Chi’ Has Been So Successful
“The Chi” resonates with audiences because of its authenticity. It portrays real Black experiences without sugar-coating the harsh realities of life on Chicago’s South Side. The show depicts its characters’ joys, struggles, and heartbreaks, and creator Lena Waithe’s voice connects with viewers who see their own lives reflected in these stories. The relatable characters, like Emmett striving to be a better father or Kiesha navigating trauma, draw people in with their humanity and complexity.
The show’s willingness to tackle heavy issues like systemic racism, gun violence, and gentrification gives it a raw edge that speaks to today’s issues. It goes beyond drama, reflecting real-life struggles, which keeps viewers hooked season after season. These are just a few reasons why “The Chi” remains a top Black drama and continues pulling in loyal fans.
Here’s a lineup of must-watch series that brings the same intensity, drama, and authenticity.
Black TV Shows Like The Chi
Snowfall
“Snowfall” brings the heat just like “The Chi.” Set in 1980s Los Angeles and follows the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic and how it impacts the city’s Black community. Like “The Chi,” it examines how systemic issues shape individuals’ lives, with complex characters and heart-pounding drama. Fans can expect intense action, emotional depth, and a story highlighting the long-term effects of a broken system on Black communities. Plus, there are six seasons, which is perfect for an all-day marathon.
Power Book III: Raising Kanan
A prequel to “Power,” “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” follows Kanan Stark’s teenage years in 1990s New York, where he’s slowly drawn into the drug business. The show explores family loyalty, ambition, and survival, mirroring “The Chi’s” complex relationships and urban grittiness. It’s a gripping look at how Kanan became the character fans know from “Power.”
BMF
“BMF” (Black Mafia Family) follows their rise in the drug game and hip-hop scene during the 1980s. Like “The Chi,” it’s packed with drama, family dynamics, and the impact of systemic failures on Black communities. The show balances the highs of ambition with the lows of the criminal underworld, much like the complexity The Chi brings to life on screen.
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
“Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” has a different vibe but still brings the gritty, real-life drama with an all-star cast: Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, David Banner, Artrece Johnson and more. The series follows Hart as street hustler Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams. Chicken Man gets caught up in a high-stakes heist during the night of a major boxing match. With ruthless criminals closing in, Black detective JD Hudson steps in to help Chicken Man clear his name. Fast-paced and full of tension, this crime drama has streetwise characters and raw energy, just like “The Chi.”
There’s no shortage of excellent TV for shows like The Chi. These four shows should be at the top of your watch list. They bring the same complex characters, social issues, and dramatic storytelling, which is why so many love “The Chi.” With these shows, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained between seasons!
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