The Big Apple played host to the farewell celebration for The Chi this week as cast members, creators, and longtime supporters gathered at The Paradise Club inside the Times Square EDITION ahead of the series’ eighth and final season. The Paramount+ event brought together many of the faces who helped build the Chicago-based drama into one of television’s longest-running portrayals of Black life over the past several years.

Creator Lena Waithe attended alongside stars Jacob Latimore, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, Jason Weaver, Hannaha Hall, Michael V. Epps, and Shamon Brown Jr., while executive producers Jewel Coronel and Justin Hillian also joined the celebration. Actor and executive producer Common appeared during the evening as additional guests from past and present seasons reunited on the red carpet before heading inside for the festivities.

Throughout the night, attendees reflected on the show’s impact since its 2018 debut and the stories explored across eight seasons. Waithe later joined Bevy Smith for a live conversation revisiting major moments from the series, discussing its evolution and the audience connection built over time. Guests also enjoyed live music and portrait sessions photographed by Lenny Santiago.

The final season of The Chi premieres May 22 on Paramount+, bringing the long-running drama to a close after nearly a decade on television.

The creator and cast of ‘The Chi.’

Lena Waithe and Luke James

Luke James, Lenny S., and Jacob Latimore

Larry Owens and Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe, Kyla Pratt, and Punkie Johnson

Luke James, Michael V. Epps, Barton Fitzpatrick, Ahmad Ferguson, and Shamon Brown Jr.

Lena Waithe and Bevy Smith speak onstage.

Cortez Smith and Jason Weaver

Luke James, Yolanda Ross Jacob Latimore, Shamon Brown Jr., Lena Waithe, Birgundi Baker, Hannaha Hall, Michael V. Epps, and Jason Weaver

Jacob Latimore and Birgundi Baker

Shamon Brown Jr., Yolonda Ross, Birgundi Baker, and Jacob Latimore