In the aftermath of a countrywide economic collapse, Chicago faces the challenges of improving its schools, neighborhoods and safety. Can the city’s leaders, communities and residents come together or will differences pull them apart?

Tune in tonight 9:00 p.m. CT for the premiere of CNN’s newest original series, Chicagoland. Chronicling one year in this turbulent, heartland American city, the 8-episode series, executive produced by Robert Redford, explores “where policy meets real people’s lives” and takes a riveting, emotional look at the myriad challenges facing citizens and leaders alike. This multi-character documentary weaves together the dynamic stories of the people who are changing Chicago—the invested and outspoken teachers, the troubled yet passionate students, the energetic and controversial mayor, the burdened yet hopeful ordinary citizens, and the influential and dedicated local leaders—so that the saga becomes not just another bleak Chicago story, but a story that captures the complexity of the city and the diverse and powerful actors who are working to re-inscribe optimism into a urban area plagued by economic, safety, and educational woes.