Lena Waithe’s ‘The Chi’ Ending With Season 8 On Paramount+ With Showtime

Cast of “The Chi” celebrating the announcement of the show’s final season on Showtime

“The Chi” To End After 8 Seasons

It is official, Frens. After years of powerful storytelling and cultural impact, “The Chi” will officially end with its upcoming eighth season. 

Paramount+ with Showtime confirmed the news, noting that production for the final season is expected to begin early next year.

The timing gives the creative team space to deliver a meaningful conclusion to one of television’s most groundbreaking series.

Lena Waithe Reflects On “The Chi’s” Legacy

Series creator Lena Waithe shared a heartfelt statement about the purpose behind “The Chi”:

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.

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.

Lena explained that ending now is the right choice for the characters and story:

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 Chi’s” Place In Showtime History

With eight seasons, “The Chi” ties “Dexter,” “Homeland,” and “Weeds” as one of Showtime’s longest-running series, only behind “Shameless” which lasted 11 seasons.

Even more impressive, “The Chi” stands as the longest-running Black drama on premium television.

This milestone solidifies its importance not just for Showtime but also for television history.

The Cast And Season 7 Success

The most recent seventh season of “The Chi” wrapped on August 1 after delivering the series’ most-streamed premiere ever.

The cast included Jacob Latimore, Lynn Whitfield, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, and Luke James.

Recurring stars and guest appearances included Kadeem Hardison, Rotimi, Jason Weaver, La La Anthony, Kandi Burruss, and more.

Since its debut in 2018, “The Chi” has explored life on the South Side of Chicago with authenticity and heart, balancing the struggles of community life with stories of resilience, redemption, and connection.

What’s Next For Lena Waithe

Though “The Chi” is preparing to close its chapter, Lena Waithe is far from done.

The Emmy-winning writer and producer continues to develop projects under her Hillman Grad banner.

Reports suggest she is already in discussions with Paramount about future collaborations.

Waithe reflected on the show’s impact, saying:

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 is something I do not take lightly.

I still plan on telling stories, continuing to build community, and making space for us all to be seen.

Thoughts On “The Chi” Ending

As fans prepare to say goodbye, there is comfort in knowing that the series will end with the care and intention it deserves.

Season 8 of “The Chi” will serve as a proper sendoff to a show that has inspired, entertained, and uplifted viewers for nearly a decade.

More Scoop On ‘The Chi’

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