Latasha M. Ford goes behind the scenes for our exclusive Awards Buzz interview to discuss Cortez Smith incredible journey as “Nuck” on The Chi. Smith brought such a refreshing energy to the conversation, especially sharing how playing a complex “bad guy” became a memorable “graduation moment” for his career during this entire journey. Cortez spoke about creative freedom he had with this project and how his roots on the West Side of Chicago helped ground the role in realism, even as the production led him to discover new cultural gems like the West Loop.
Cortez delved into how his character’s exit felt a bit premature to fans who wanted to see more of Nuck’s backstory and his emotional impact on Tiff, it is clear that this experience sparked immense professional growth.
Watch The Full Interview:
About ‘The Chi’ Season 8 Finale:
The final chapter explores heavy themes of legacy, joy, and conflict. Following Alicia’s shocking death in the Season 7 finale, Victor and Rashaad were arrested and must navigate a high-stakes police investigation while keeping their hands clean. Meanwhile, characters like Emmett, Kiesha, and Tiff face life-or-death decisions as their past actions catch up to them.
Emmett is reaching a new level of fatherhood as he manages his household while grieving the loss of his mother. He and Kiesha continue to fight for their relationship, with Kiesha challenging him to step up to the plate as they tackle hurdles together. Tiff, ever the boss, must handle the aftermath of the incidents from Season 7, including the news about Alicia. As they navigate the coldest winter yet on the South Side, the community faces the fundamental reality of their inherent nature in this emotionally riveting conclusion.
Where to Watch:
You can stream new episodes weekly on Fridays via the Paramount+ Premium Plan. The final season also airs on the Showtime cable network on Sunday nights.
Watch Official Trailer:
