'The Chi' Will End with Upcoming Eighth and Final Season, Lena Waithe Issues Heartfelt Statement

Fans of ‘The Chi’ were delivered some bittersweet news, that the series is officially coming to an end with it’s upcoming eighth season.

The Chicago-set drama series created by Lena Waithe will be its last on Paramount+ with Showtime. The decision comes ahead of the start of production on Season 8, slated for early next year, allowing the creative team to craft a proper ending.

“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. After much reflection, we have made the decision to end The Chi with season 8. 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.”

She continued:

“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 the longest-running Black drama on television is a huge honor, and it’s something I don’t take lightly.”

The most recent seventh season wrapped its run on Showtime Aug. 1. Its ensemble cast includes Jacob Latimore, Lynn Whitfield, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, and Luke James. Kadeem Hardison, Chris Lee, Brett Gray, Rotimi, Jackie Long, Charmin Lee, Jill Marie Jones and Daniel J. Watts returned to guest star, alongside Hannaha Hall, Jason Weaver, La La Anthony, Vic Mensa, Kandi Burruss, Tai Davis, Rolando Boyce, Ahmad Ferguson, Cortez Smith, Genesis Denise Hale, Joel Steingold, Judae’a Brown, Zaria Imani Primer, L’lerrét Jazelle and Brian Keys.