7.9/1012 votesLoading...#1 - If You Want to Break the Machine
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/29/2020
No clear front-runner emerges in the historic mayoral race. Over a dozen candidates intensify attacks on each other and jockey for votes, culminating in a surprising and historic outcome that promises to profoundly shape the city’s uncertain future.
Director: Steve James
Writer: N/A
- 7.6/1012 votesLoading...
#2 - Blood Sport
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 10/29/2020
The Laquan McDonald trial unfolds and dominates media attention. With Rahm Emanuel now out of the race, a record 21 mayoral candidates submit their petitions to replace him. They must navigate the highly politicized and contentious petition challenge process to make the ballot. Chicago is famous for its rough- and-tumble politics that is considered a “blood sport.”
Director: Steve James
Writer: N/A
- 7.6/1012 votesLoading...
#3 - You Gotta Make It or You Gotta Take It
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 10/29/2020
One year after the mayoral election, the mayor and city residents must grapple with both the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread social upheaval following the police killing of George Floyd. An already fractured city is further divided as police clash with protesters, giving rise to a generational moment that promises to change the city forever.
Director: Steve James
Writer: N/A
- 7.4/1012 votesLoading...
#4 - With All Due Respect to the Candidate
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/29/2020
During a bitterly cold Chicago winter, the petition process results in a mayoral ballot with a record 14 candidates. A historic verdict is reached in the Laquan McDonald murder trial, and the longest-tenured city alderman in Chicago history is federally indicted on corruption charges.
Director: Steve James
Writer: N/A
- 7.0/1015 votesLoading...
#5 - Welcome to Chicago
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 10/29/2020
Facing a growing chorus of activists, incumbent Rahm Emanuel must choose whether to run for reelection against a large and diverse field of candidates in the most contested mayor’s race in Chicago history. Influencing his decision is the beginning of the high-profile trial for the murder of Laquan McDonald by a white police officer.
Director: Steve James
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of City So Real
Every episode of City So Real ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of City So Real!
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Steve James’ fascinating and complex portrait of contemporary Chicago delivers a deep, multifaceted look into the soul of a quintessentially American city,...
Genre:Documentary
Network:National Geographic
Best Episodes Summary
"If You Want to Break the Machine" is the best rated episode of "City So Real". It scored 7.9/10 based on 12 votes. Directed by Steve James and written by N/A, it aired on 10/29/2020. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "Blood Sport".