Paramount’s Long-Running Series Officially Returns For Final Season Next Month

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The long-running Paramount series The Chi is returning for its final season next month.

I started watching The Chi when it first came out on Showtime back in January 2018. It stayed with me when Showtime and Paramount+ combined their streaming libraries in January 2024. I was really excited to hear in May 2025, right when season 7 started, that the show was getting renewed for an eighth season. But then, just a few months later in October, we found out that season 8 would be the last one. It’s sad to see it end, but I’m grateful for all the seasons we had!

Season 8 of The Chi will premiere on May 22nd, Paramount announced. The new season has 10 episodes and will be released weekly on Paramount+, but only for subscribers with the Premium Plan (formerly Paramount+ with Showtime). A teaser trailer revealed the release date, featuring clips from past and upcoming episodes, along with the voiceover: “Life comes at you fast, whether you’re ready for it or not. Everything has to come to an end.” You can find details about the release date below.

Created by Lena Waithe, The Chi is a series set in a Chicago neighborhood on the South Side. The upcoming eighth season will explore how the characters navigate a particularly harsh winter and make critical choices that have serious consequences. The show stars Jacob Latimore as Emmett Washington, Birgundi Baker as Kiesha Williams, Luke James as Victor “Trig” Taylor, Shamon Brown Jr. as Stanley “Papa” Jackson, Michael V. Epps as Jake Taylor, Hannaha Hall as Tiffany, and Jason Weaver as Rashaad “Shaad” Marshall.

Beyond lasting for eight seasons, The Chi is notable for being the longest-running Black drama ever on premium cable. When the show’s end after season eight was announced, creator Lena Waithe expressed how honored she was to have led such a groundbreaking series. She also explained that ending the show was the best decision for the story and characters, and she’s dedicated to making the final season satisfying for its devoted fans.

In addition to its long run, The Chi has been critically acclaimed and has received several awards. The first season earned an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews from 47 critics. The show has also won a Black Reel Award for directing (awarded to Rick Famuyia) and a Gracie Allen Award for writing (awarded to Laithe).

Lena Waithe created and often writes for the show The Chi, and also executive produces it through her Hillman Grad production company. Justin Hillian (Hillianaire Productions) and Jewel Coronel (Uncut Gems) co-showrun and executive produce alongside her. Additional executive producers include director/producer Famuyiwa, musician and actor Common, and Aaron Kaplan, known for his work on shows like A Million Little Things and The Neighborhood. Famuyiwa previously directed the film Dope and several episodes of The Mandalorian, and Common has won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Grammy, and Emmy Award.

The Chi season 8 debuts on Paramount+ with the Premium Plan on May 22.

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2026-04-23 18:58