Lena Waithe & Phylicia Rashad on The Chi Season 7 | Personal Stories
Phylicia Rashad joins Lena Waithe’s “The Chi” for Season 7,a show celebrating its eighth season after record streaming numbers. This season dives deep into generational family dynamics, exploring the intricate relationships between three generations of Black women on Chicago’s South Side. Rashad brings her Emmy-winning talent too the role of Renee, a mother navigating complex family issues. Lena Waithe highlights the show’s dedication to authentically representing Chicago’s community, emphasizing the importance of relatable characters. Learn how News directory 3 stays connected to these impactful stories. Discover what’s next in the drama’s unfolding narrative.
Phylicia Rashad Joins “The Chi,” Exploring Generational Family Dynamics
updated june 6, 2025
Showtime’s “The Chi,” created by Lena waithe, has been renewed for an eighth season following its most-streamed season premiere. The drama series, set on Chicago’s South Side, will feature Phylicia Rashad exploring the complexities of love, family, and community through three generations of Black women.
Waithe, who serves as creator and executive producer, emphasized the show’s obligation to accurately portray Chicago. She said a loyal audience and relatable characters are key to the show’s success.
Rashad, a Tony, Emmy, and NAACP Image Award winner, plays Renee, a mother navigating family dynamics and her ex-husband’s attempts at reconciliation. The 76-year-old actress praised the welcoming atmosphere on set.
“Everybody was so bright and warm and welcoming,” Rashad said. “We had fun at that dinner table.”
Waithe said she created Rashad’s character to delve into generational perspectives on relationships and social issues, drawing from her own experiences growing up in a three-generation household. She noted the diffrent “languages” spoken across generations, reflecting diverse worldviews.
What’s next
“The Chi” airs Friday nights on Paramount+ with Showtime. The series is produced by Showtime, a division of Paramount Global.