UPDATED: The critically-acclaimed series The Chi is set to conclude its run on Paramount+ and Showtime with the upcoming eighth season, as confirmed by Variety.
Renewed for Season 8 in May following its Season 7 premiere, The Chi has cemented its place in television history. The series boasts a talented ensemble cast including Lynn Whitfield, Jacob Latimore, Yolonda Ross, Michael V. Epps, Shamon Brown Jr., Birgundi Baker, Luke James, and Wendy Raquel Robinson.
The eighth season will mark The Chi as one of Showtime’s longest-running offerings, joining the ranks of hit shows like Dexter, Homeland, and Weeds, each concluding after eight seasons on the network. Only Shameless holds the title for the longest-running series, finishing its run after 11 seasons in 2021. Production for Season 8 is anticipated to kick off in early 2026.
Created by Lena Waithe, The Chi is produced under her Hillman Grad Productions banner. The series sees Justin Hillian as co-showrunner and executive producer through Hillianaire Productions, with Jewel Coronel sharing showrunner duties and producing via Uncut Gems, Inc. Notable executive producers also include Common, Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa, Resheida Brady-Anderson, Derek Dudley, and Shelby Stone of ID8 Multimedia. Naomi Funabashi from Hillman Grad and Rishi Rajani, CEO of Hillman Grad, are involved in overseeing production. Furthermore, supervising producers Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield contributed as directors for multiple episodes in the seventh season while 20th Television serves as the studio behind the series.
In light of the show’s conclusion, Lena Waithe shared her sentiments, which can be found below.
With The Chi ending, Showtime’s remaining lineup includes The Agency, Yellowjackets, and Dexter: Resurrection. Notably, the prequel Dexter: Original Sin was recently canceled, despite an earlier announcement for a second season renewal, as reported exclusively by Variety.
Statement from Lena Waithe:
“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.
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.”
Deadline was the first outlet to report the series conclusion.
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