The Chi Concludes with Season 8 on Showtime Lena Waithe Confirms It’s the Right Decision

The Chi to Conclude with Eighth Season on Paramount+ with Showtime
Production Details and Future Plans for ‘The Chi’
The critically acclaimed drama series “The Chi,” created by Lena Waithe, will end after its upcoming eighth season on Paramount+ with Showtime. This decision allows the show’s creative team to provide a fitting conclusion as production begins early next year. “The Chi” is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of life in Chicago’s South Side, as confirmed by Waithe in a statement to Emegypt.
Lena Waithe Reflects on ‘The Chi’s Legacy
Waithe expressed her deep appreciation for the show’s impact, stating, “Creating ‘The Chi’ was about more than just a show. It was about truthfully and thoughtfully telling our stories and showcasing the complexities of life on the South Side.” Waithe is committed to delivering a final season that honors the characters and the show’s legacy.
Series Milestones and Industry Impact
With its eight-season run, “The Chi” ties with “Dexter,” “Homeland,” and “Weeds” as Showtime’s second-longest-running series, surpassed only by “Shameless.” Notably, it holds the distinction of being the longest-running Black drama on premium cable/streaming. In a time when representation matters, “The Chi” has provided a crucial platform for Black narratives.
Behind-the-Scenes Contributions
Produced by 20th Television, “The Chi” features an ensemble cast including Jacob Latimore, Lynn Whitfield, and Yolonda Ross, among others. In its seventh season, which premiered on Showtime, the show set streaming records with prominent guest stars such as Vic Mensa and Kandi Burruss.
- Jacob Latimore
- Lynn Whitfield
- Yolonda Ross
- Vic Mensa
- Kandi Burruss
Creative Team and Future Endeavors
Executive producers, including Emmy winner Lena Waithe, Justin Hillian, and Jewel Coronel, have been pivotal to the show’s success. Under Waithe’s Hillman Grad banner, the show also benefits from the expertise of Common and Aaron Kaplan, among others. Supervising producers Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield directed several episodes of Season 7.
As “The Chi” approaches its conclusion, discussions are ongoing about Waithe’s continued collaboration with Paramount on future projects, signaling more compelling storytelling ahead.