“The Chi” To End After 8 Seasons
Earlier this summer, Paramount confirmed it had renewed the hit drama series, “The Chi” for an eighth season, which has recently gone into production ahead of its release in 2026.
“The Chi” is a timely coming-of-age story centring on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption. Created entirely in its namesake city, the show is produced by Disney’s 20th Television for Paramount’s Showtime. The show is also released on Disney+ in many countries around the world.
It has been revealed that the show will come to an end after its eighth season, allowing the creative team to craft a proper finale. The show’s creator, Lena Waithe, shared an update on social media about the show coming to an end:
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.
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’s something I don’t take lightly.
I’m deeply grateful to every single person who helped build this world—our writers, actors and crew who give so much of themselves to make this show what it is. The Chi has become the longest-running Black drama in premium cable history, surpassing the series Soul Food, which I watched and loved.
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.
The show was created and executive-produced by Emmy winner Lena Waithe (Twenties, Master of None) under her Hillman Grad banner. The series is executive produced by co-showrunners Justin Hillian (Hillianaire Productions) and Jewel Coronel (Uncut Gems) as well as by Academy Award and Emmy winner Common (Selma).
No release details, nor plot details for the final season have been announced yet, but the previous seasons are available to stream now on Paramount+ in the United States, on Crave in Canada and on Disney+ in the United Kingdom.
Roger’s Take: Eight seasons for a drama series is very respectable and I think its even better that the creators are able to bring the show to a natural close with a decision made in advance, plus its better for the actors and other crew members, who can plan accordingly, rather than just being left to wait to see if the show was renewed. With the new owners at Paramount, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to see them wrapping up some long standing shows, especially those being made by an outside studio like 20th Television.
What do you think of “The Chi” coming to an end? Let me know on social media!
