Get ready to both celebrate and say a heartfelt goodbye, Chi Family. Showtime has officially announced that its landmark series, “The Chi,” will conclude with its upcoming eighth season. This marks the end of an era for one of television’s most authentic and enduring portraits of Black life in America.
The news, confirmed by multiple outlets, comes with a powerful and reflective statement from the show’s visionary creator, Lena Waithe. She framed the decision not as a cancellation, but as a deliberate and thoughtful choice to honor the story and its beloved characters.
“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. She emphasized her mission to showcase
After much reflection, the team decided that concluding the journey with The Chi Season 8 was the right path forward. “I know, for the sake of our story and our characters, it’s the right thing,” Waithe stated. “I am committed to delivering a final season that our Chi Family deserves.”
This final season cements the show’s incredible legacy. By the time it concludes, “The Chi” will stand tall as one of the longest-running series in Showtime’s history, tying with heavyweights like “Dexter,” “Homeland,” and “Weeds” at eight seasons each. Only “Shameless” with its 11-season run will have lasted longer.
More significantly, the series will retain its crown as the longest-running Black drama on premium cable and streaming television. Waithe called helming this record-breaking show “a huge honor and it’s something I don’t take lightly.”
Production for the final chapter is slated to begin in early 2026. The series, which has always been filmed on location in Chicago, is a timely coming-of-age story that follows a group of South Side residents linked by coincidence but bonded by their shared need for connection and redemption.
The ensemble cast, including Jacob Latimore, Lynn Whitfield, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, and Luke James, has been pivotal to the show’s success. The recently concluded seventh season delivered the series’ most-streamed premiere, proving the audience’s deep and growing connection to the community of “The Chi.”
As the curtain prepares to close, Waithe expressed profound gratitude for the team that brought the South Side to life. “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,” she said.
While this specific story is ending, Waithe’s voice is not going anywhere. She confirmed that she will continue telling stories and building community. According to reports, conversations are already underway about future projects with Paramount, ensuring that her unique perspective will continue to shape the entertainment landscape.
So, as we prepare for this final ride through the South Side, one thing is certain: Lena Waithe and her team are determined to give “The Chi” the powerful, respectful, and resonant conclusion its loyal fans and groundbreaking legacy truly deserve.
