'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUG/8QAHRAAAgICAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAwQGESEygf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUG/8QAHBEAAgICAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIAAxESQbGy/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwClpt6V7Dn47rSRRWhQlSfQHP2aaw4rWOTx2SehEQW1FLDI4HUs7GcsxLHOzejP/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Recent reports have confirmed season 8 of The Chi on Showtime to be the final season. Creator Lena Waithe confirmed the same while speaking with Entertainment Weekly, expressing that they reflected enough on the decision and it would be better to give the Chi family the ending they deserve in season 8. Waithe framed the ending as a way to preserve the integrity of the show and for the "sake of the story and characters."
The Chi became the longest-running Black drama on U.S. television, surpassing Empire, which ran for 6 seasons in 2024. The production of Season 8 is expected to hit the floors in 2026. Read on to know what the creator revealed about season 8 being the final one, and why.
Season 8 will be the final season for the longest-running Black American drama, The Chi
The Chi, after the premiere of season 7, was renewed for another season in May 2025. However, the recent reports and the creator's statement have confirmed that season 8 would be the final one, and this has been done to maintain the integrity of the story and the characters and to deliver a final season "the family deserves," as per Lena Waithe.
"After much reflection, we have decided 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 said to EW.
The show almost made history as the longest-running Black American drama in 2024, crossing the number of seasons Empire had. This show will be near other popular and longest-running series like Weeds, Dexter, and Homeland, while Shameless remains the longest-running one with 11 seasons.
Waithe also said how the series was less about making a TV show and more about claiming the narratives that belong to them.
"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 confirming season 8 would be the final one, she thanked the crew members who made the show great, and with their support, they have come this far.
"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. 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."
Trending
The show portrays Brandon, an aspiring chef; Emmet, a young father; Dauda, a local power broker and gang leader; and other women like Keisha and Jada, and their stories of motherhood. All of them became a part of the interconnected community, exploring both the struggles and joys of the South Side.
Reply
