12 Best TV Shows Like The Chi – Indian Rupee Forecast

Debuting on Showtime in 2018, “The Chi” is a compelling drama series that unfolds in the city of Chicago, delving deeply into a particular community as it navigates through hardships, victories, and all the complexities in between. Over the course of its seven seasons, the cast has seen some changes, but there’s a central group of around a dozen characters whose stories and experiences form the backbone of the show.

Since creator Lena Waithe hails from Chicago and rapper/actor Common serves as an executive producer on “The Chi,” it’s only natural that the show reflects the culture of its hometown. To find other shows similar to “The Chi,” we should look for those based in Chicago. However, there are also productions that share a strong affection for their own urban settings, much like how “The Chi” does for Chicago. These shows deserve consideration too.

In addition, enthusiasts of “The Chi” may find it worthwhile to explore other TV series boasting mainly African-American actors. These shows delve into the struggles experienced by Black communities as well as their remarkable ability to unite during critical times.

All-American

The CW’s show “All-American,” inspired by the life experiences of NFL player Spencer Paysinger during his high school football days, garnered positive responses from critics when it premiered in the fall of 2018. In the series, Spencer (played by Daniel Ezra) is a student and football player at a South Los Angeles high school who receives an opportunity to attend and play for Beverly Hills High School. As he adjusts to life in a new environment filled with unfamiliar people and neighborhoods, Spencer strives to maintain focus on his dream of playing in the NFL while avoiding distractions.

Regarding the feelings of Spencer Paysinger, the retired linebacker who served as inspiration for the show “All-American,” he takes great pride in the series and its positive reception. He notes that every so often, a television program centered around a high school phenomenon emerges, and considers “All-American” to be the latest instance of this genre. In a brief review for TV Insider, Matt Roush commented, “Unlike many of his CW peers, Spencer is not a superhero, but he’s definitely someone you’ll want to cheer for.” (In this version, I have aimed to maintain the original meaning while making the language more conversational and easier to read.)

Currently, the series “All-American” has completed seven seasons and is set for an eighth. A spin-off titled “All-American: Homecoming,” which spanned over three seasons (from 2022 to 2024), followed some secondary characters from the original show as they pursued their education at a college in Atlanta.

The Red Line

If you’ve ever pondered about Noah Wyle’s whereabouts between “ER” and “The Pitt,” let me tell you that the actor eventually went back to Chicago – the very city where “ER” was both set and partially filmed – for the 2019 miniseries “The Red Line.” In this series, Wylie portrays the spouse of a Black man who is tragically shot by a white police officer under false pretenses, leaving him to raise their child alone. This unfortunate event brings together three families who must navigate the racial and socioeconomic tensions that usually keep them apart as they strive to heal individually and collectively.

Initially advertised as a single season series, “The Red Line” had the potential to return for another installment due to its open-ended conclusion. However, such hopes were shattered when viewership for the first season fell short of expectations. Despite this, the show remains worth watching, and its finale offered a conclusive ending for the major characters in terms of Season 1’s events. There could have been additional stories explored for these characters, but the current narrative provided a satisfying resolution.

Shameless

One key distinction between Showtime’s “Shameless” and its original counterpart lies in the setting: the former is set in Chicago instead of Manchester, England. This shift isn’t merely cosmetic; Chicago, particularly the Back of the Yards neighborhood on the city’s south side, plays a pivotal role in the series, effectively becoming another character. The environment where shady character Frank Gallagher (played by William H. Macy) has been maneuvering for decades is intrinsically linked to his schemes, as shown by how easily he gets into trouble whenever he strays too far from his familiar territory.

Frank, the frequently absent head of their family, includes Fiona (Emmy Rossum), Lip (Jeremy Allen White), Carl (Ethan Cutkosky), Debbie (Emma Kenney), and Liam (Christian Isaiah). With little support from their father, who often becomes more of a hindrance than help when he does appear, the siblings are left to take care of each other and manage on their own. Despite facing tough circumstances and not having an ideal environment, the Gallagher kids band together and find ways to make things work.

In their close-knit community, it’s clear that the Gallagher family and those around them rely on each other deeply, as outsiders seem indifferent to their circumstances. Consequently, they stand united and care for one another selflessly.

Treme

Although Hurricane Katrina was a major event in 2005 that impacted countless lives and continues to do so, very few films or TV shows have addressed the topic extensively. What sets HBO’s “Treme” apart is its dedication to exploring life in New Orleans post-Katrina, focusing on various residents as they strive to rebuild not just their individual lives, but the city’s culture and essence as a whole, three months after the storm.

Despite its distinctiveness, “Treme” would have remained an engaging and recommendable series if it were one among several shows focusing on post-Katrina New Orleans. Remarkably, The Times-Picayune, a local newspaper of New Orleans, not only applauded the show’s portrayal of Katrina’s aftermath but also its authentic representation of the city, stating that it was “the screen depiction that New Orleans deserves, has long yearned for, but has been denied.

Although no city can boast about suffering the most, very few have experienced turmoil on par with Hurricane Katrina. Remarkably, the people of New Orleans managed not just to rebuild their city, but also to laugh, celebrate, and make music once more – a clear demonstration of how strong and resilient a community’s spirit can be. The TV show “Treme” beautifully captures this revival.

The Wire

1) “The TV series ‘The Wire’ is frequently hailed as one of the greatest shows ever made. Whether it resembles other programs or not, it’s worth watching. The show’s narrative resonates with people from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities of color across various major American cities. However, it’s essential to note that ‘The Wire’ is predominantly set in Baltimore. David Simon, the show’s creator, was a Baltimore journalist who specialized in crime reporting and writing about the city’s police department. He even spent time working closely with Baltimore Police Department’s homicide unit.

The book he penned, detailing his personal experiences, formed the foundation for the NBC series “Homicide: Life on the Street.” However, Simon played a more significant role in developing, scripting, and executing “The Wire.” It’s clear that “The Wire” has a stronger emphasis on crime and its intricate connection with law enforcement compared to “The Chi,” but both shows display striking similarities in this aspect. One of the most noticeable parallels is the importance given to whether a community can unite and uplift each other, despite their individual choices not always being ideal.

Dear White People

It’s not just beneficial for Black viewers to watch shows focusing on Black communities; these series can also enlighten non-Black audiences, providing insights into worlds they may not frequently encounter. For instance, “The Chi” offers white viewers a unique perspective, showing them an unfiltered view from within these communities as they look outwards. Similarly, “Dear White People,” produced by Netflix, explicitly communicates this message in its title, telling the story of Black students striving to improve race relations and foster a more inclusive culture at an Ivy League university.

Among all the shows listed, ‘Dear White People’ shares a stronger bond with ‘The Chi,’ particularly due to their common creator, Lena Waithe. The show was born from a film of the same name that she produced. Moreover, she appeared as a recurring character named P. Ninny in ‘Dear White People,’ and portrayed Camille Hallaway in two episodes of ‘The Chi.’ Besides these shows, Waithe has also created series such as ‘Boomerang’ and ‘Twenties,’ and received an Emmy for her writing work on ‘Master of None.’

The Bear

Apart from “The Chi” and the series within NBC’s One Chicago universe, nothing on television this decade might more authentically represent Chicago than “The Bear.” Beyond the dialect, colloquialisms, and iconic Chicago cuisine—Italian beef sandwiches—that are central to the eatery featured in the show, “The Bear” effectively portrays the city’s strong sense of community and how Chicagoans value food preparation and social sharing.

Chicago stands out due to its unique blend, where small, greasy eateries and high-end restaurants harmoniously share space, frequently managed by the same individuals. This interplay forms the heart of “The Bear,” as characters Carm (Jeremy Allen White) and Syd (Ayo Edebiri) strive to transform a struggling neighborhood sandwich shop into a trendy spot while preserving its original charm and customer base. The continuity in employing the same local staff from the previous version suggests their commitment, despite frequent cultural disagreements that arise.

Although Carm is the primary character, some viewers believe that “The Bear” works better without him, given the events of Season 3. However, this might be more indicative of the show’s impressive ensemble cast as a whole rather than suggesting that Carm is a poorly developed or unnecessary character.

Snowfall

If you enjoy “The Chi,” you might find “Snowfall” a compelling watch as well, given its similarities to two other shows previously mentioned. Similar to “Treme,” “Snowfall” offers a retrospective view of a past era, specifically the 1980s crack epidemic that devastated Black communities in Los Angeles. On the other hand, much like “The Wire,” “Snowfall” delves into the criminal underworld but also acknowledges that the decision to engage in illegal activities can be complex and influenced by systemic racism and challenging circumstances.

In the TV series “Snowfall”, there are several significant characters. These include the local drug dealers and their clients, the cartel members who supply them, the police officers striving to exert authority, and families whose lives are impacted by these actions. The show has a notable history, being one of the first television productions jointly created by John Singleton, a director renowned for his role in launching the “hood” film genre in Los Angeles with movies like “Boyz n the Hood”, “Poetic Justice”, and “Baby Boy”.

Atlanta

Following his successful stint as Troy on “Community” and under the musical alias Childish Gambino, Donald Glover elevated his creative endeavors by creating the dramedy series “Atlanta.” Originally, the show centered around aspiring rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), with Glover portraying Paper Boi’s cousin and manager, Earn. However, it quickly became apparent that “Atlanta” was not just about these characters — it was unafraid to be eccentric. In fact, the show grew increasingly surreal and thought-provoking by its fourth and final season, leading fans to draw comparisons between the series finale and the film “Inception.” Interestingly enough, Atlanta itself became irrelevant in the grand scheme of things after a certain point.

Fundamentally, “Atlanta” has consistently focused on the lives of Black individuals and the challenges they face in a society that often appears determined to hinder their success, particularly when Black people are no longer providing financial gain or adhering to white societal norms. Donald Glover didn’t shy away from critiquing the sacrosanct aspects of his own community, as evidenced by an entire episode that served as a critique of Michael Jackson and some of his more unconventional behaviors – although the show wisely avoided explicitly naming Jackson as the subject of criticism.

Soul Food

Despite the fact that the “Soul Food” movie is more renowned than the “Soul Food” TV series, with this distinction growing over time, it’s important to acknowledge that the show is a hidden gem in its own right. As another series set in Chicago, which adds value to this specific list, it ran for four seasons on Showtime from 2000 to 2004. The TV show continues the storyline of the film, but viewing or recalling the movie isn’t crucial for enjoying the show independently.

To truly savor the essence of “Soul Food,” it’s crucial to appreciate its deep connection to family bonding, particularly within Black communities where sharing meals together is more than just a casual occasion – it’s a cherished tradition that transcends holidays and mourning. Families come together in the kitchen as dishes are being prepared, dine around a spacious table, and then unwind in the living room with satisfied tummies, all while exchanging tales, voicing concerns, and maintaining those vital channels of heartfelt communication. “Soul Food” stands as a stunning portrayal of this time-honored practice, making it a timeless series that continues to be worth watching even after many years have passed.

Power

So far, many shows on this list have had a certain depth, similar to “The Chi”. However, unlike “The Chi”, “Power” isn’t just about hidden messages and lessons – sometimes it’s simply meant for pure entertainment. For those seeking a break from thinking too much and wanting to enjoy some action and drama that never strays far from the standard popcorn fare, “Power” is an ideal choice. As Variety put it in its review, “Power” offers uncomplicated escape with all the expected premium TV features.

James St. Patrick, portrayed by Omari Hardwick, is attempting to shift from the illicit drug trade to managing nightclubs, but finding it difficult to relinquish the wealth and allure of his past career. His professional and personal lives are intricate, as shown by his romantic involvement with a former flame (Lela Loren), who also happens to be a federal prosecutor. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson appears in a minor role, yet his influence and promotion of “Power” significantly contributed to its popularity, leading to six seasons, three spin-offs, and ongoing productions.

Abbott Elementary

Among all these suggestions I’ve shared, let me emphasize one that truly stood out for me – “Abbott Elementary”. As a fan, I must confess it’s the only sitcom here, but don’t underestimate its charm! While half-hour network sitcoms and hourlong cable dramas are usually worlds apart in terms of creativity, there’s an intriguing similarity between “Abbott Elementary” and “The Chi”. If you delve deeper, you might find they share some common ground.

Initially, “Abbott” shares similarities with “The Chi” in its deep affection for Philadelphia and its Black communities, much like how “The Chi” reflects Chicago and its demographic. The main characters in “Abbott” are primarily teachers and other school staff members, yet the students and the larger community are always a significant part of the narrative’s backdrop. While it may seem like a workplace comedy in the vein of “The Office” or “Parks and Recreation,” it can be argued that it’s more accurately described as the tale of an underfunded school in a struggling area, populated by individuals who are passionately committed to helping their students overcome the obstacles they encounter on their journey.

A significant factor that contributes to the success of “Abbott Elementary” is due to some sincere inspiration behind it. The creator, Quinta Brunson, drew from her mother’s experiences as a teacher in Philadelphia to create the show, and she even named the main school after one of her own childhood teachers, Mrs. Abbott.

2025-06-19 00:31