The Chi is ending its run as one of the most culturally significant Black dramas on television. Created by Lena Waithe, the Showtime series has spent eight seasons telling grounded, complex stories rooted in the South Side of Chicago, exploring family, community, street life, love, and the conversations Black communities have always had but rarely seen reflected on screen. As the show heads into its final episodes, we sat down with two of its core cast members to talk about what the show has meant and what it means to be part of something bigger than entertainment.
Luke James, who plays Trig, and Jason Weaver, who plays Rashaad, spoke about the responsibility that comes with telling these stories, the cultural roots that connect Chicago and New Orleans, and what they hope audiences take away from the final season.