Watch Chicagoland

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.