The Chi, which is one among Showtime’s longest-running collection, is ending after eight seasons. The acclaimed drama created by Lena Waithe is a coming-of-age story set within the South Facet of Chicago. The present debuted in 2018 and The Chi season 7 led to August 2025.
The collection earned a season 8 renewal in Could, which tied it for being the second-longest-running present in Showtime’s historical past. It’s tied with Dexter, Homeland, and Weeds, all of which had eight seasons as properly, whereas the highest spot goes to Shameless and its 11 seasons. Nonetheless, The Chi is the longest-running Black drama on premium cable and streaming.
Waithe has now confirmed to Deadline that The Chi will probably be ending with season 8 on Paramount+ with Showtime. This determination is being made earlier than manufacturing begins in early 2026 and so the collection can finish in a satisfying method. Take a look at Waithe’s assertion under:
Once I created The Chi, it wasn’t nearly making a TV present — it was about proudly owning our narratives and telling our tales with reality, care, nuance and complexity. It was about exhibiting the soul of the South Facet — the sweetness, the ache, the grit, and the magic that lives in each block, and in each household. After a lot reflection, we’ve made the choice to finish The Chi with season 8. I do know, for the sake of our story and our characters, it’s the precise factor. I’m dedicated to delivering a ultimate season that our Chi Household deserves.
It’s been the distinction of my life to construct a platform for artists to shine — not simply in entrance of the digital camera, however behind the scenes as properly. To helm the longest-running Black drama on tv is a big honor and it’s one thing I don’t take calmly.
What This Means For The Chi
The Chi has not been canceled by Paramount+ with Showtime, as Waithe and her artistic crew are as an alternative deciding to finish the present on their very own phrases. Her assertion makes it clear that this was not a straightforward determination, however one which she and her colleagues really feel is finest for the characters and the story.
Waithe’s assertion additionally highlights how essential genuine illustration has been for The Chi in entrance of and behind the digital camera for the reason that starting. This authenticity will proceed to be on the coronary heart of the present within the ultimate season of the longest-running Black drama on premium cable and streaming.
The Chi has already cemented itself as one among Showtime‘s all-time finest collection, and now the ultimate season can additional strengthen that legacy with what’s poised to be a becoming ending for the characters and for the story.
Our Take On The Chi’s Cancellation
It’s uncommon for a lot of exhibits to final quite a lot of seasons now, not to mention to get eight of them. This longevity speaks to the present’s prime quality and nuance, together with how the drama and illustration has continued to resonate with audiences since debuting in 2018.
The Chi and its characters have finished extra for numerous illustration than any of the opposite longest-running Showtime collection, particularly compared with Homeland, which has been closely criticized for its problematic illustration.
As spectacular as The Chi has been, hopefully its document will probably be damaged within the not too distant future, as there must be range on tv and extra Black dramas that even have longevity.