Brace yourselves for the rollercoaster ride of emotions as The Chi returns with its second half of season six, promising an even more gripping experience. With a lineup of special guest stars and captivating story arcs, it's no wonder the show continues to dominate conversations.

This season, we witness Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Kiesha(Birgundi Baker)'s once-harmonious relationship put to the ultimate test by Emmett's risky alliance with Douda(Curtiss Cook). Meanwhile, Victor(Luke James)  grapples with the shadows of his past, casting a shadow over his newfound position as a city councilman.

In an exclusive chat with BET, Latimore and James delve into the intricate paths their characters tread this season, shedding light on the pivotal decisions that shape their futures, an impassioned speech on modern family dynamics, and how James is embracing the fruits of his labor as he continues to soar amidst his successes this year.

BET.com: There’s a lot at stake for both Victor and Emmett in this season of ‘The Chi,’ and it seems the recurring theme for season six is risk and sacrifice. What pivotal choices will Victor and Emmett make as they navigate the intricate web of risk and sacrifice in the second half of Season 6 of 'The Chi,' and how will these decisions shape their futures and the lives of those around them?

Jacob Latimore: Emmett is trying to protect his family and remain true to his character amid street politics. It’s a line he's trying to walk because he's not the tough guy he tries to be, but he is a businessman. He has value, and we’ll see that in the second half. We'll see him negotiating, being strategic, and building alliances – doing it his way instead of being the young man who will pick up a gun and shoot. It will be an interesting angle, and I was excited to play. However, it's managing that, maintaining the romance of Emmett and Keisha's life together, being a great father while holding down the household, and protecting our household. We'll see so many different ranges from Emmett this season.

Luke James: I think Victor is wearing a hat that doesn't quite fit yet, but it's a new chapter. He’s been on a mission to make a change in his life, heal the things that heal the pains that he's caused, be a better influence, and make a better life for his family, his little brother, and his love. At the same time, there's a void, and the streets are pulling him, and he feels this sense of duality that he may have to put on that. Viewers will get a chance to watch that struggle. 

BET.com: Lynn Whitfield’s character, Alicia, speaks about traditional family values and lifestyles from how she was raised after hearing about the modern dynamics between Emmett, Tiffany, and Keisha. How do you think her impassioned speech on traditional family values reflects broader societal debates on the changing nature of family structures and values? Also, how might Alicia's perspective challenge viewers to reconsider their own beliefs and attitudes toward modern relationships and family life? 

Latimore: It's definitely gonna strike a chord. I remember feeling weird in the scene because she’s gonna create a lot of conversation. I think it'll bridge the gap from that generation to this generation of just values and morals and how we should be raising our families, but also picking the pieces that we have and putting them back together in loving ways and coming together and being family through love and connection. In the show, we can see how Emmett is doing that. We see him make mistakes when he is younger and mending everything from his relationship with his father to his relationship with his baby's mothers, ultimately becoming cool with them. We're seeing so much growth, a new shedding of skin.

BET.com:  Luke, this year marks a significant breakthrough for you as an actor, with compelling performances in both The Chi and Them captivating audiences. Amidst this whirlwind of success, what fuels your dedication to bringing depth and authenticity to your characters, particularly in roles that challenge societal norms and amplify underrepresented voices? And how do you see your contributions shaping the television landscape and paving the way for more inclusive storytelling?

James: I've always wanted to be an artist who could shake the world, and I've always asked God to be a part of things. I’ve always wanted to be a part of art that also stretches my experience in the human experience, deepens my well of empathy, and be a vessel that would help the world be a better place. To have the opportunity to be aligned with shows like The Chi and Them that can go skin deep into some of our concepts, traumas, and struggles that we all deal with as a humanity, but also as a people, as Black people. In a way, I feel like a messenger – it's interesting to decenter myself and to take on characters that are so nuanced and different from who I am but are real people. I think the overall thing for both shows for me, is the importance of holding space for people and grace – to see everyone where they are and to hold space where they can feel protected and safe. In some ways, that will break through and help them move through like a village through the traumas that plague us.

You can stream "The Chi" on  Paramount+ with your Showtime plan.