Paramount+ Announces Final Season for ‘The Chi’

CHICAGO, IL — The acclaimed series ‘The Chi‘ will conclude after its upcoming eighth season on Paramount+, the network confirmed Monday. This decision comes as production is set to begin in early 2026, allowing the cast and crew to prepare a fitting finale for the show’s loyal followers.

Created by Lena Waithe, ‘The Chi’ first aired in 2018 and chronicles the intertwining lives of residents on the South Side of Chicago. In a statement, Waithe emphasized the importance of the show and its narratives. “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 said.

The series has gained recognition as the longest-running Black drama on premium cable, tying with other Showtime hits like ‘Dexter‘ and ‘Homeland‘ for the second-longest running series in the network’s history, while only ‘Shameless‘ has aired longer.

“It’s been the honor of my life to build a platform for artists to shine,” Waithe added. “I’m committed to delivering a final season that our Chi Family deserves.”

The ensemble cast includes notable talents like Jacob Latimore, Lynn Whitfield, and Yolonda Ross. The show has been praised for its genuine storytelling and representation of Black experiences.

‘The Chi’ will join other Showtime series like ‘Dexter: Resurrection’ as programming undergoes changes under the network’s new regime.

As for the future, Waithe mentioned ongoing conversations about potential new projects with Paramount. She remains hopeful about storytelling opportunities beyond ‘The Chi’.

“I still plan on telling stories, continuing to build community, and making space for us all to be seen,” she concluded.