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All Episodes of City So Real

Browse all 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
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Season 1

  • Welcome to Chicago
    7.0/1015 votes
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    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

  • Blood Sport
    7.6/1012 votes
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    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

  • With All Due Respect to the Candidate
    7.4/1012 votes
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    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

  • If You Want to Break the Machine
    7.9/1012 votes
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    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

  • You Gotta Make It or You Gotta Take It
    7.6/1012 votes
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    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