Watch Chicagoland

2014
1 Season

Chicagoland was a CNN documentary television series that premiered on March 6, 2014. The show was produced by Robert Redford and Laura Michalchyshyn of Sundance Productions and Mark Levin and Marc Benardout of Resonant TV. The series was set in Chicago and explored the political, social, and economic issues facing the city.

The show follows Mayor Rahm Emanuel as he tries to navigate the complex political landscape of Chicago. The first episode focuses on the mayor's efforts to improve the Chicago Public School system while fighting a budget deficit. The show also examines the rising violence in Chicago, particularly the high number of shootings that occur in certain neighborhoods. The first episode features a meeting between the mayor and a group of parents who have lost children to gun violence.

Other episodes of the show explore issues such as the closure of public housing, the revitalization of the Chicago River, and the role of the police department in combating crime. The show features interviews with a variety of Chicago residents, including politicians, activists, business leaders, and ordinary citizens. In one episode, the show follows a group of teenage boys from a violent neighborhood as they participate in a new mentoring program aimed at keeping them off the streets.

Chicagoland received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the show's gritty and realistic portrayal of life in Chicago. Others criticized the show for focusing too heavily on Rahm Emanuel and not giving enough attention to the city's diverse communities. Some also felt that the show lacked a clear narrative arc, making it difficult to stay engaged with the series.

Despite the mixed reviews, Chicagoland was watched by a significant number of viewers. The show drew an average of 355,000 viewers per episode during its first season. CNN renewed the show for a second season, but it was ultimately cancelled after just one episode due to low ratings.

Overall, Chicagoland was an ambitious attempt to explore the complex issues facing Chicago. While the show had its flaws, it was an important and timely reminder of the challenges facing urban communities across the United States.

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Seasons

8. City of the Future

April 24, 2014

Mayor Rahm Emanuel givs his annual budget address. Chicago Ideas Week gets underway and features appearances from Mario Batali and Hebru Brantley.

7. Back of the Yards

April 17, 2014

Mayor Rahm Emanuel attempts to improve the city's image but a mass shooting ends up making national headlines.

6. Broken Wings

April 10, 2014

The Mayor launches a series of new projects involving public works. Richard Daley meanwhile reflects at his time in office. The community leaders try and improve their neighborhoods. Fenger High School students come up against a potential gang war.

5. Safe Passage

April 3, 2014

All of Chicago is on edge as kids must walk across dangerous gang lines to get to their new schools; Fenger High School Principal Liz Dozier is anxious that kids will be too afraid to show up to school which will result in further budget cuts.

4. Me and My Mayor

March 27, 2014

Dwyane Wade, Common and Magic Johnson help Mayor Rahm Emanuel promote youth programs in Chicago. A promising young man is mentored by the mayor; a youth rapper makes a debut at Lollapalooza; a Fenger high-school student is released from prison.

3. Fireworks

March 20, 2014

Mayor Rahm Emanuel attends a naturalization ceremony for new citizens and talks about his experience with immigrant parents. An immigrant experience play is performed at the Albany Park Theater Project; chef Grant Achtaz meets a Fenger High culinary graduate; a series of 4th of July shootings cause chaos; a Cook County trauma surgeon tries to save a young gunshot victim's life.

2. The Champs

March 13, 2014

The residents of Chicago celebrate the Blackhawks' 2013 Stanley Cup win; Mayor Rahm Emanuel is faced with criticism because of his plans for the schools; Fenger Academy High School students organize a peace march when a shooting happens by the school; a police chief works to change the activity of gangs.

1. The New Boss (Pilot)

March 6, 2014

Mayor Rahm Emanuel plans school closings; South Side high school is affected by budget cuts; Michelle Obama speaks at the funeral of a murdered teenager; the Chicago Police Department works on lowering the crime rate in the city.

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