South Side

South Side is a critically acclaimed comedy series that first aired on Comedy Central in 2019, running through 2022. The show is pegged as a humorous exploration of Chicago's South Side, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its multi-generational families and rich African American heritage. The series centers around themes of community, friendship, ambition, and the everyday struggles and triumphs of life in the urban landscape.

The concept of South Side originated from the creative minds of Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle, both former writers for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, along with Sultan Salahuddin. Inspired by their personal experiences growing up in the South Side of Chicago, the creators aimed to highlight the city's character in a refreshingly authentic and hilarious way.

At the core of the series is the story of two recent community college graduates, Simon James and Kareme Young, played by Sultan Salahuddin and Kareme Props respectively. The characters, strapped with dreams and aspirations, are in the throes of their early working lives, juggling their chances of success with the real-world hurdles of low-paying jobs, highRent, and other challenges common to young adults.

Simon and Kareme find themselves working at a run-down rental company, ‘Rent-T-Own', situated in the heart of the Englewood neighborhood. The show does a stellar job combining workplace comedy with local color, cleverly weaving various subplots involving eccentric customers, quirky coworkers, and the company's self-aggrandizing boss, Mookie (played by Bashir Salahuddin). As the series progresses, viewers get a humorously candid insight into the personal lives of this diverse cast of characters.

What sets South Side apart from other sitcoms is its dedication to authenticity. Rather than falling into stereotypes or focusing solely on the struggles that can occur in such neighborhoods, South Side laces comedic elements with elements of reality, painting a more comprehensive picture of life in the South Side of Chicago. It is defined by its quick-witted banter, its slyly satirical approach to racial and social themes, and its masterful balance between absurdity and verisimilitude.

The stories unfold across an array of charmingly peculiar yet familiar neighborhood scenes – from greasy take-out spots and bustling convenience stores to the more intimate settings of local homes and family-run businesses. The humor is derived from the everyday – ludicrous work situations, family dilemmas, friendship conundrums – and hinged on endearing and unapologetically flawed characters.

Equally noteworthy is the series' ensemble cast. They are a diverse group, interspersing established actors with raw, local talent. The supporting roles are more than just stereotype-fillers, adding depth and energy to the series, with characters that include quirky police officers, street-smart locals, and inventive entrepreneurs – all introduced to the viewers through their interactions with Simon, Kareme, and their Rent-T-Own family. This rich tapestry of recurring characters ensures that the series remains engaging and fresh.

South Side is distinguished by its heart and humor. It champions the city’s spirit, celebrates its ever-resilient residents, and finds comedy in their perseverance. Through the lens of hilarity, it also poses important social criticisms and embraces storytelling that is often underrepresented in mainstream media.

The creators' care for their hometown rings clear, from the location-based filming that adds a tangible cultural backdrop to each scene to the carefully crafted dialogue peppered with local terminologies and the inclusion of a variety of South Side residents.

Comedy Central's South Side is truly unique in its approach, delivering hearty laughter while remaining grounded in a profound sense of place and culture. It provides an entertaining, affectionate exploration of Chicago's South Side, offering a positive and inclusive depiction of inner-city life as experienced by its loveable residents. Whether you are a Chicago native, or someone wanting to appreciate the humor in everyday life, South Side offers a compelling watch that is equal parts inspiring, heartwarming and hysterically funny.