It’s the end of an era for The Chi. Paramount+ with Showtime has confirmed that the Chicago-set drama series will conclude with its upcoming eighth season. Production is slated to begin early next year, giving the creative team the chance to craft a proper sendoff.
Created by Emmy winner Lena Waithe, The Chi premiered in 2018 and has grown into a landmark series. With eight seasons, it ties Dexter, Homeland, and Weeds as the second-longest running Showtime drama—behind only Shameless. It also holds the distinction of being the longest-running Black drama on premium cable/streaming.
“When I created The Chi, it wasn’t just about making a TV show — it was about owning our narratives and telling our stories with truth, care, nuance and complexity,” Waithe said in a statement. “It was about showing the soul of the South Side — the beauty, the pain, the grit, and the magic that lives in every block, and in every family. After much reflection, we have made the decision to end The Chi with season 8. I know, for the sake of our story and our characters, it’s the right thing. I am committed to delivering a final season that our Chi Family deserves.”
The series centers on a group of South Side residents whose lives intertwine as they search for connection, community, and redemption. Over its run, The Chi has become known for its authentic storytelling, layered characters, and willingness to explore both the challenges and joys of Chicago life.
The seventh season, which premiered earlier this year and delivered the show’s most-streamed debut, starred Jacob Latimore, Lynn Whitfield, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, and Luke James. Guest stars included Kadeem Hardison, Chris Lee, Brett Gray, Rotimi, Jill Marie Jones, Jason Weaver, La La Anthony, Vic Mensa, and more.
Executive produced by Waithe under her Hillman Grad banner alongside co-showrunners Justin Hillian and Jewel Coronel, The Chi also counts Common, Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa, and Shelby Stone among its producing team.
Reflecting on the legacy of the series, Waithe added: “It’s been the honor of my life to build a platform for artists to shine — not just in front of the camera, but behind the scenes as well. To helm the longest-running Black drama on television is a huge honor and it’s something I don’t take lightly. I’m deeply grateful to every single person who helped build this world — our writers, actors and crew who give so much of themselves to make this show what it is.”
While The Chi prepares its final chapter, conversations are already underway between Waithe and Paramount about extending their collaboration into new projects.