The acclaimed drama series *The Chi* is set to conclude its impressive run with the eighth season finale, which will premiere on Paramount+ on July 24. Leading up to this final moment, cast members have reflected on their time with the series and the emotional scenes that brought their characters to life.
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Jacob Latimore, who portrays Emmett Washington, spoke candidly about his most challenging scene during an interview at the season eight premiere in New York City. Latimore highlighted the emotional weight of the scene from the seventh season finale in which his character loses his mother, Jada, to cancer. He described filming it as “the toughest thing I’ve ever done.”
The young actor shared his deep connection to the role and the personal impact of this storyline. “I’m really close with my mum,” he said. “I only had about 10 to 15 minutes to pour out all that emotion. It took me all day, maybe all week, to get to that level of performance.” Latimore noted how the tight filming schedule made the experience more intense. Recalling the moment, he stated, “It was a very fragile moment, and I think the first take, I just let loose. I felt so good afterward.”
Despite the emotional toll, Latimore also reminisced about a lighter scene that he enjoyed shooting. He described a lively house party scene from season six, where Emmett and his partner, Kiesha, celebrate moving into their new home. The atmosphere turned celebratory, as friends came together for a night filled with dancing and a dash of drama, showcasing the dynamics that have made the show resonate with audiences.
*The Chi* follows the lives of South Side Chicago residents whose lives intertwine through shared experiences of tragedy, love, and ambition. Created by Lena Waithe, the series has received acclaim for its raw and authentic storytelling, tackling important themes within the African American community. As it approaches its conclusion, Latimore expressed his feelings about saying goodbye to a project that has been a significant part of his life for nearly a decade.
Reflecting on the series finale and the finality of filming, Latimore commented, “This week feels really good, and it makes it feel real. I’ve been hearing the voices of my castmates in my head. I’m missing those voices all the time.” He added that there has been a lot of emotion among the cast, saying, “We’ve been crying. It’s bittersweet, but we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Jason Weaver, who joined the cast as Rashaad “Shaad” Marshall in the fourth season, echoed Latimore’s sentiments, sharing his thoughts on the finale. “I think this really puts the cherry on top of this beautiful cake that we’ve baked throughout the course of season eight and the whole series,” Weaver stated. He reflected on the connections he has developed with his castmates, saying, “These amazing people that I’ve been blessed and fortunate to work with truly mean something to me.”
As the series reaches its conclusion, viewers can look forward to new episodes being released every Friday until the finale airs on July 24. Each episode continues to explore the complex lives of its characters and the community they represent.
Fans of *The Chi* can also anticipate an emotional farewell, as the cast and crew prepare to say goodbye to a project that has made a lasting impact on the television landscape. With its honest portrayal of life on the South Side, the series has carved a significant place in the hearts of many.
For audiences keen to catch up on the series, all episodes of *The Chi* are currently available for streaming on Paramount+. As the finale approaches, both cast and viewers are left to reflect on the stories shared over the years and the legacy that *The Chi* will leave behind.