Common's 'The Chi' drama to debut on Showtime Jan. 7

Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Showtime has set a Jan. 7 premiere date for The Chi, a new drama executive produced by rapper and actor Common.

Set and filmed in Chicago, the show was created by Lena Waithe. Elwood Reid is executive producing and serving as showrunner.

The cable network described the series as "a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption."

The ensemble cast includes Jason Mitchell, Jacob Latimore, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Armando Riesco and Tiffany Boone.