‘The Chi’ Series Finale: Lena Waithe Reflects on a Farewell Rarely Granted to Black Shows
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, after eight remarkable seasons, the hit series The Chi (produced by Showtime and Paramount+) has reached its conclusion, airing its final episode. For creator and writer Lena Waithe, making the show was a deeply personal journey. When the series first premiered in January 2018, the city of Chicago—and particularly its South Side—was primarily defined in the news by stories of street violence. However, Waithe set out to present a more authentic, human, and vibrant portrait of the city’s Black community, rich with love and life.
Over its eight-season run, The Chi broke records to become the longest-running ensemble drama centered on Black life in premium television history. Despite numerous cast changes, guest appearances by high-profile stars like Common, Lynn Whitfield, and Karrueche Tran, and navigating production challenges, the series forged a distinct, beloved, and enduring identity.
In an exclusive interview following the series finale, Lena Waithe spoke about her reasons for ending the show, paying homage to classic cinema and television, and reflecting on her decade-long journey with the series.
Addressing why she chose not to continue for seasons nine and ten despite the network’s interest, Waithe explained: “The truth is, making this project took a decade of my life—from writing the initial draft and producing the pilot to where we are today. When the network offered to renew us through seasons eight and nine, I asked myself if I really wanted to commit another two years. For viewers, it was an eight-season journey, but for me, it would have been 12 years. That’s why I decided to wrap up the story on a high note and at the right time.”
Reflecting on the final episode’s surprises and its nods to iconic films like Menace II Society, she added: “The cinema of my childhood played a huge role in shaping my career path. I wanted to pay homage to those works, but at the same time, we flipped the narrative for our ending. Audiences know I’m not an artist who shies away from taking risks, but for the finale of this show, I wanted to give viewers a sense of closure, satisfaction, and a warm embrace.”
Waithe also touched on the stark contrast in how Black TV shows have historically concluded, noting: “Many iconic Black shows in the past were never given the chance to have a planned, proper finale and were abruptly canceled—from series like Girlfriends to A Different World. This finale is a tribute to all the creators of those shows, because our audience truly deserves to see a high-quality, lasting farewell.”
Concluding her thoughts, she highlighted the parallel growth between herself and the characters over the past decade: “The characters grew up alongside us. The core message of this final season is forgiveness, growth, and second chances for everyone. I hope audiences were able to see a reflection of real life, along with the beautiful potential of human nature, throughout this series.”
