Showtime’s Hit Series to End After Eight Seasons

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The hit drama series The Chi on Showtime will finish with its next, eighth season. Created and produced by Lena Waithe, the show has been a long-running favorite on the network. The decision to end the series is being made now, before Season 8 starts filming, so the writers can create a satisfying conclusion to the story.

In a conversation with Deadline, Waithe shared her thoughts on the series and what it accomplished. “My goal with The Chi wasn’t simply to create a television show; it was about taking control of our own stories and telling them honestly, with sensitivity, depth, and complexity. I wanted to capture the essence of the South Side-its beauty, its struggles, its resilience, and the unique spirit found in every neighborhood and family,” she explained.

“We’ve carefully considered everything and decided to conclude The Chi after its eighth season. We believe this is the best way to finish the story and give our characters the endings they deserve.”

Waithe also stressed how important it was to her to provide a good ending for everyone involved – the actors, the team, and especially the viewers.

As a critic, I’ve been following Chi-Town for a while now, and I was really moved by the showrunner’s recent statement. They said they’re completely dedicated to giving the show the finale the Chi Family – that’s the fans, of course – truly deserves. It’s been an incredible journey for them, building a space where talent can flourish, not just the actors you see on screen, but everyone working behind the cameras too. They emphasized how much it means to lead the longest-running Black drama on television, and that it’s a responsibility they take very seriously. It’s clear they’re passionate about giving this show a send-off worthy of its legacy.

The Chi, a show centered around life in a South Side Chicago neighborhood, follows the lives of characters like Emmett, Brandon, Ronnie, and Kevin and how their stories connect within the community. It’s been recognized for its realistic and moving depiction of the struggles and successes of the people and place it portrays.

The show has received very positive reviews. Rotten Tomatoes reports an 87% approval rating for its first season. Critics agree that, “Similar to a hopeful counterpart to The Wire, The Chi delves into the intricate realities of life in Chicago’s South Side, portraying it with sensitivity and genuine fondness for its compelling characters.”

Metacritic gives the season a score of 73 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.

I was so thrilled to hear that The Chi was getting a seventh season back in May 2024! And it finally premiered in May 2025, which was amazing. Then, even better, they renewed it for an eighth season shortly after! However, it was later announced that this upcoming eighth season will be the final one. It’s sad to see it end, but I’m grateful for all the seasons we’ve had. I’ll definitely be watching! You can find more information about the show here.

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2025-10-02 20:14