The Chi
Here's what we found in The Chi. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Chi
The Chi (2018) is a drama series created by Lena Waithe, set on the South Side of Chicago, offering a relevant and timely coming-of-age story. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of a diverse group of interconnected characters, exploring their daily struggles, aspirations, and the profound impact of their decisions in a challenging urban environment. The series delves into themes of familial relationships, love, community, and the persistent dangers that threaten to derail dreams and lead to life-or-death consequences. It is known for its gritty storytelling and authentic portrayal of urban life. The show has been airing since 2018 and has accumulated multiple seasons, attracting an audience interested in thought-provoking and emotionally gripping narratives. It is rated TV-MA, indicating that it is intended for mature audiences and contains content that parents may find unsuitable for younger children, including violence, sexual content, and strong language. The series aims to explore the complexities of human existence, relationships, and society through its characters' journeys, emphasizing the need for connection and redemption amidst adversity.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series includes prominent Black queer characters, with specific mention of a recurring transgender character named Fatima. The show's creator, Lena Waithe, is an openly queer Black woman who actively champions LGBTQIA representation in her projects.
The Chi features prominent Black queer characters. L'lerrét Jazelle, a queer, Black, transgender woman, plays the recurring character Fatima in The Chi, underscoring significant transgender representation. Lena Waithe, the creator of the series, is an openly queer Black woman who focuses on recruiting people of color and queer artists for her film and television projects.
Violence
The series is set in a tough neighborhood where 'real dangers threaten daily' and 'life or death consequences' are central to the plot. Recurring themes include 'street violence' and 'death,' indicating frequent and impactful violent content.
Profanity
The TV-MA rating strongly indicates the frequent use of explicit and offensive language. The show's 'gritty storytelling and authentic portrayal of urban life' often correlates with strong profanity.
Scary & Intense Content
The plot description emphasizes 'real dangers,' 'life or death consequences,' 'trauma,' and 'death' as central and recurring themes, indicating a consistently intense and potentially disturbing viewing experience.
Would these 4 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 17+ due to the TV-MA rating, which indicates mature content including pervasive violence, strong sexual content, extensive profanity, and themes of substance abuse and intense situations. The series frequently portrays the harsh realities of urban life and its consequences, requiring a mature understanding of complex social issues.
Good to Know
The series deals with mature and challenging themes inherent to its urban setting, including the complexities of survival, systemic issues, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. Parents should be prepared for a realistic and often harsh portrayal of life in the South Side of Chicago. The show's focus on diverse representation, including LGBTQ+ characters, is a significant aspect of its storytelling. The show has an audience rating of 6.5 out of 10 on Plex and 7.8 out of 10 on Rating Graph, reflecting generally positive reception for its dramatic content.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families