Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe Instagram – 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. The Chi has become the longest-running Black drama in premium cable history, surpassing the series Soul Food, which I watched and loved.
 
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. #TheChi | @ShoTheChi | Posted on 02/Oct/2025 00:01:15