Watch Chicago Tribune Originals

Chicago Tribune Originals is an Emmy-nominated series produced by the Chicago Tribune. The series presents unique stories that are relevant to the people of Chicago and other viewers. The show delves into the inner workings of the city, both in terms of the news and the undiscovered aspects of daily life. The series is broadcasted on WGN-TV -- a CW-affiliated television network— in the Chicagoland area every Sunday.

Chicago Tribune Originals is dedicated to producing powerful and informative stories that showcase the heart and soul of Chicago. Each episode is an in-depth exploration of the people, places and issues that make Chicago the vibrant metropolis. The show's team of award-winning journalists, writers and producers take viewers on a journey through the city, exploring everything beyond the usual news headlines, encompassing deep investigative reporting, feature pieces, and informative commentary.

The show features exclusive interviews, significant news stories from the local and national arenas, human interest pieces, culminating in a celebration of the people that make the city of Chicago stand apart from other urban centres. The writers and producers of the show draw from the rich, varied and colourful material that originates in the Chicago Tribune newspaper, one of the country's preeminent news sources.

The show opens to a tune that reflects the colorful, frenzied vibe of the city. The first episode follows investigative journalist Annie Sweeney, who has written over 2500 articles during her tenure at the Tribune, as she confronts the complexities of gang violence in the city. Another episode of the series delves into the world of boxing and the controversies surrounding the world-renowned Chicago Golden Gloves event. Each episode is editorially independent, with unique and compelling stories.

The show's creativity shines through in the attention to detail and the exceptional storytelling. The episodes resonate with viewers and echo the pulse of Chicago. In the episode "The Last Search for a Missing North Shore Teen," the show takes a deep dive into the disappearance of a 16-year old student. The case has remained unsolved for over 30 years, but the show's investigative team seeks out new evidence and interviews potential witnesses, trying to uncover the truth.

Chicago Tribune Originals has a strong editorial focus on social justice issues, and episodes have tackled topics such as urban farming in underserved communities, the struggles of the homeless and the shortfalls of Illinois' mental healthcare system. Each episode sheds light on the triumphs, flaws and complexities of the city, demonstrating a deep understanding of the people and institutions that shape the lives of Chicagoans.

The show draws heavily from the city's history, people, and architecture. In an episode titled “Chicago’s Wildest Summer”, the show recounts the turbulent year of 1968 and the civil unrest that accompanied it, including the Democratic National Convention protests. The episode takes viewers on a journey through Chicago's ethnic neighbourhoods, exploring how the diverse immigrant population influences the city's culture and identity.

Chicago Tribune Originals has won several prestigious awards and has received critical acclaim from viewers, journalists and critics alike. The show has been nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Achievement in Public Affairs Programming – Series category, which is a testament to its high production values and engaging storytelling.

In summary, Chicago Tribune Originals is a compelling documentary series that showcases the many facets of life in Chicago. It is a show that tells the stories of the city, and its people through the eyes of world-class journalists. The series balances hard news stories and human interest pieces, giving viewers a unique perspective on the city's culture, history, and current events. The Chicago Tribune newspaper's extensive archive provides the writers and producers with a wealth of material to work with – they use this material to craft a portrait of a city that is never boring, and always fascinating. Chicago Tribune Originals is a must-watch for anyone interested in the City of Chicago or just in great storytelling.