The Chi’s Hannaha Hall on Why Black Women Deserve the Spotlight

It’s been a decade since the first pilot for The Chi was shot, and Hannaha Hall can still remember how excited she was to audition. Hall, who has played the hard-hustling Tiff for the show’s seven seasons, recalls how rare it was to see auditions specifically for Black women characters.

But The Chi has always been—and continues to be—unapologetic in centering Black people and stories in mainstream media. Hall is proud to be a part of that.

“Being able to be in this space and have the privilege and responsibility to tell Black stories is just otherworldly,” Hall shared. “SHOWTIME. Black show. Seven seasons . . . we’ve made such progress to showcase our narratives at high levels of the industry.”

Created and produced by Emmy Award-winner Lena Waithe, The Chi is well on its way to becoming one of the longest-running Black TV dramas. And for good reason. Its first six seasons have delivered explosive storylines and jaw-dropping twists while exploring Black experiences with honesty and nuance that keep audiences hooked.

Hall, who is reprising her role as Tiff, says the new season, which premieres May 16 on Paramount+, will be just as powerful.

Season 7 puts the Black women of The Chi front and center. As the women navigate loss, betrayal, heartbreak, and many other challenges, this season promises to highlight their strength, honor their vulnerability, and celebrate their joys, growth, and impact.

“To some people, it may seem like these are Black women’s typical problems, so we just know how to navigate through certain burdens and weights of life. But the way that we tell these stories, we’re peeling back layers to help you better understand our effort and accredit us properly,” Hall said.

Hall knows that fans of the show are especially eager to see how Tiff will cope with the shocking loss of Rob, her partner in life and business. This season, Hall noted, she worked hard to show the vulnerability and maturity that can emerge when a woman faces that kind of trauma and grief.

“I got so many messages from men and women checking up. People message me as Tiff. They think she’s a real person. So, it makes me want to really tell this story as well as I can,” Hall said.

Thankfully, Hall is part of a seasoned cast who have helped her bring her character to life, even through the toughest storylines. Hall stars alongside show regular Lynn Whitfield (Alicia), who she describes as a generous and supportive scene partner.

“Lynn is one of the best co-stars you can have for an emotional scene because she will give you what you need,” Hall shared.

Season 7 boasts other legendary cast members as well. Jill Marie Jones is back as Bianca, and guest stars like Phylicia Rashad and Wendy Raquel Robinson were also on set. For Hall, working alongside these women has been transformative.

“It’s obviously a blessing to grow up watching these people on television, and now you have the opportunity to work alongside them. But it’s also a learning experience. They share stories, and they drop nuggets that we’re taking in,” Hall said.

One thing is clear about The Chi—the magic that shows up on screen is possible because of the passion poured into the production. And that makes Hall as big a fan of the show as any of us. She says it’s set a very high bar for her work in media, not just in the storytelling but in how things work behind the scenes.

“You hear these stories about the industry, and they can be alarming. But we have good people in this environment, and they create a space for us to feel heard, loved, and respected,” Hall said.

And it seems that the love and respect extend to the fans, too. Hall is excited for viewers to experience what the writers and cast are delivering this season, hinting at some fan service.

“Lena does a good job of listening to the fans. We see the comments, and I feel like the writers’ room, they take that, and they filter it through and apply it to the show. So, I think the fans are going to know we’re listening to them,” Hall revealed.

Be the first to catch the Season 7 premiere of The Chi, streaming Friday, May 16, on Paramount+. Or tune in on Sunday, May 18, for the on-air debut.