Lena Waithe’s groundbreaking series “The Chi” is bidding farewell. Showtime has confirmed that the upcoming eighth season will be the last for the beloved Chicago-based drama.
“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 shared with Deadline. “It was about showing the soul of the South Side.”
The show premiered in 2018 and quickly became a cultural force. With eight seasons, it ties “Dexter,” “Homeland,” and “Weeds” as Showtime’s second-longest-running series and holds the title of longest-running Black drama on premium cable.
“After much reflection, we have made the decision to end ‘The Chi‘ with season 8,” Waithe continued. “I am committed to delivering a final season that our Chi Family deserves.”
Season 7 recently became the most-streamed premiere in the show’s history. The cast includes Jacob Latimore, Lynn Whitfield, Yolonda Ross, and more. The series was executive produced by Waithe, Common, Justin Hillian, and Jewel Coronel.
“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,” said Waithe. “I’m deeply grateful to every single person who helped build this world.”
“As for what the future holds, I still plan on telling stories, continuing to build community, and making space for us all to be seen.”
Where to Watch “The Chi”
1. Paramount+ with Showtime
2. Hulu (with Showtime add-on)
3. Amazon Prime Video (with Paramount+ or Showtime add-on)
4. Apple TV (with Paramount+ channel)
5. FuboTV (with Showtime add-on)
6. Roku Channel (via Paramount+ or Showtime subscription)
