The Chi concludes its eight-season run after filming entirely in Chicago, leaving behind a lasting legacy for the city’s film community.
When Lena Waithe created The Chi, she wasn’t simply developing another television drama. The Chicago native was bringing the city’s South Side to audiences around the world through the people, neighborhoods and experiences that shaped her own life.
Now, as The Chi prepares to air its series finale on July 24, Chicago has an opportunity to say thank you.
Since premiering in 2018, The Chi has been filmed entirely in Chicago, becoming one of the city’s longest-running television productions. While viewers embraced its compelling characters and authentic storytelling, the series also became an important part of Chicago’s production community, providing years of work for local crew members, actors, production companies, equipment vendors, location owners, restaurants, hotels and the many businesses that support film and television production.
SEASON 8, EPISODE 10 – FINALE TRAILER
Waithe has often spoken about her desire to tell stories that reflect the real Chicago. Rather than defining the city through headlines or stereotypes, The Chi focused on the strength, resilience and complexity of families and neighborhoods on the South Side. That authenticity resonated with audiences and helped establish the series as one of Showtime’s signature dramas.
The show’s influence extended beyond what audiences saw on screen. Throughout its run, The Chi created opportunities for artists to expand their roles behind the camera, reflecting a collaborative culture that encouraged creative growth.
One example came during the final season when actress Yolonda Ross returned to direct an episode after her character, Jada Washington, concluded her story last season. In interviews promoting the series’ final episodes, Ross described the experience as a full-circle moment, reuniting with the women of The Chi from behind the camera after years of sharing scenes together on screen.
As the final episode approaches, viewers will say goodbye to Emmett, Kiesha, Victor, Papa, Jake and the many characters whose lives have unfolded over eight memorable seasons. Chicago’s film community will also be saying goodbye to a production that proudly called the city home.
Productions come and go. Few become part of a city’s identity.
For nearly a decade, The Chi showcased Chicago with honesty and heart while demonstrating that stories created here, filmed here and rooted in this city can resonate with audiences everywhere.
From all of us at Reel Chicago, thank you to Lena Waithe and the cast, crew and everyone who helped bring The Chi to life. Congratulations on eight remarkable seasons. Your place in Chicago television history is well deserved.
