Entertainment Extra

2 ENTERTAINMENT EXTRA By Kyla Brewer TV Media T elevision can be a great medi- um for storytelling, and the industry is finally embracing a more diverse range of subject matter. Some programs have even transcended entertainment to educate viewers on life reali- ties for various underrepresented communities. One such series, chronicling the lives of several people living in Chicago's South Side, is about to wrap up for the season. Neighbors in the primarily African American community have struggled to cope in the aftermath of an act of police bru- tality in the fourth season of "The Chi," which takes its final bow on Sunday, Aug. 1, on Showtime. The one-hour drama was created by Lena Waithe, an Emmy-winning performer, writer and producer who grew up on the South Side of Chicago. Waithe was the first Black woman to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her work on Netflix's "Master of None" in 2017, but "The Chi" marks a departure from comedy. The first three seasons of the drama have attracted a loyal fol- lowing and performed decently in the ratings. In fact, Season 3 doubled its audience on stream- ing platforms, so it came as no surprise when Showtime announced the Season 4 pickup in September 2020. Showtime executive Gary Levine praised Waithe and fellow writer/executive producer Justin Hillian ("Snowfall"), who also serves as showrunner for the series, saying, "Each season, 'The Chi's' authentic storytelling reso- nates more deeply with its devoted and growing audiences. Lena Waithe, together with Justin Hillian, explore[s] the joys and the heartbreak of life on the South Side in a way that is unique on television." Those stories of joy and heart- break range from romantic entanglements and family ties to violence and a series of difficult choices. It's a formula that has worked well for "The Chi" so far. "For us, we're never chasing a story, we're always just making sure to tell one," Waithe explained in a May interview with Deadline.com. Of course, a part of what makes those stories so compel- ling is the characters and the actors who play in them. Season 4 has featured a talented core cast who bring the tales to life. Jacob Latimore portrays Emmett Washington, a young father who tries to provide for his son. Latimore started out in the music industry before jump- ing into acting. Hailed as one of the Sundance Film Festival's most talented emerging artists after his appearance in the movie "Sleight" (2016), his other cred- its include "Black Nativity" (2014) and "The Maze Runner" (2014). Hannaha Hall plays Tiff, the mother of Emmett's baby. The actress has appeared in "Chicago Med" and previously worked with Waithe on an untitled TV movie project. Yolonda Ross stars as Emmett's mother, Jada, who encourages her son to do the right thing for himself and his child. Ross started her career in television in shows such as "New York Undercover" and "Third Watch" before landing the lead in the indie film "Stranger Inside" (2001). She went on to appear in "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" and "Treme." Young actor Alex Hibbert plays Kevin, a character who witnesses an act of police brutality involv- ing one of his friends in Season 4. The performer made his film debut in the Oscar-winning film "Moonlight" (2016) and also had a role in the 2018 blockbust- er Marvel hit "Black Panther." Michael Epps portrays Kevin's friend Jake, who is involved in an altercation with police this sea- son. A relative newcomer to the industry, he's appeared in "Chicago Fire" and "Empire." Epps also released his debut album, "Drip," in 2019. Shamon Brown Jr. is known as Papa in "The Chi," a confident young man who loves food and hanging out with his bes Kevin and Jake. A Chicag Brown began his career child actor and has appe "Chicago Fire" as well a Plain White T's music vid "American Nights." Birgundi Baker stars a Kevin's sister, who has b struggling with the decis keep the baby that resul her kidnapping and rape season. Baker is known f work in TV series such a Lightning," "Empire," "S 19" and "Chicago P.D." Luke James and Curtis were both promoted to s regulars for Season 4. James, who portrays older brother and local leader, Trig, can be seen "Star," "Insecure" and "Unsolved: The Murders Tupac and the Notoriou while Cook, who plays "Douda" Perry, the croo mayor in "The Chi," has appeared on Broadway Lion King" and "Miss S His television credits inc "Narcos," "Mayans, M. "House of Cards." YMCA 2 x 2" Pear Tree Gallery 3 x 2" On the Cover Genesis Denise Hale and Alex Hibbert as seen in Chi" 'The Chi' wraps up Season 4 Chase Center 3 x 2" American Legion Post 60 2 x 3" Thrifty Muffler 2 x 2.5"

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