The cast of ‘The Chi’ celebrated their achievement as the longest running Black drama in TV history and teased what’s to come in the 8th and final season.
‘The Chi’ celebrated the upcoming premier of Season 8 at the sultry Paradise Club. While the series is coming to an end the cast promised there are many surprises left to come.
‘The Chi’ is simply iconic. Running since 2018, the drama centers around several families in the South Side of Chicago. Through the years they’ve tacled corruption, violence and personal struggles while living on the supposed wrong side of town. The night held a strong sentiment that the legacy of the series will continue well beyond the night the finale airs.
Stars Jacob Latimore (Emmett) and James Weaver (Rashaad) recounted time spent off-set with ‘The Chi’ family from birthday parties to watching fireworks on Lake Michigan. Weaver said those are the memories that he’ll, “Hold dear for the rest of my life.” Kayla Pratt (Angie) agreed saying she’ll never forget the laughs they’ve had together.
Following the carpet, creator Lena Waithe held a Q&A reflecting on the chaos and triumphs from ‘The Chi’s’ 7 seasons She shared notes on the writing and inspiration for the shows biggest moments.
Waithe said she wanted ‘The Chi‘ to have some, “Blood and guts,” meaning real depth and emotion to its characters. Those blood and guts were in every highlight clip featured. Attendees relived some of the series notable moments from Ronnie saving Keisha to Emmet’s growth as a father starting all the way back in Pilot.
(Courtesy The Knockturnal)
Ahead of Season 8, Latimore says Emmett is in a much better place as a father. He’s working hard to make it right after struggling with the role in earlier seasons. For Season 8 he teased there are some big conversations he has to have with his sons. Despite the difficult topics Emmet, “Wants his sons to do better than him.”
Following a clip of the irresponsible Emmett days, Waithe reinforced the point that ‘The Chi’ is based on real experiences in the real Chicago. While ‘The Chi’ has its unpredictable drama, the heart is based on real people. Waithe even shouted out her childhood friend who inspired Emmett. He has two children, both 18 years old, with two different mothers, “Which is fine,” she tacked on earning a chuckle all around.
Season 8 of ‘The Chi’ premiers on May 22.
