Showtime’s acclaimed Chicago drama The Chi is entering its eighth — and final — season with a major cast shake-up that centers two familiar faces more prominently than ever. Jason Weaver and Hannaha Hall have officially been promoted to series regulars as production begins on the upcoming season, marking a milestone in both actors’ journeys on the series.
In the announcement, the network confirmed that Weaver and Hall — who have played pivotal supporting roles since joining the ensemble — will now be part of the core cast for Season 8. Their characters, Rashaad “Shaad” Marshall (Weaver) and Tiffany “Tiff” Bryant (Hall), are set for expanded storylines as The Chi moves toward its conclusion.
From Recurring to Central Figures
Hannaha Hall has been with The Chi since its very beginning, portraying Tiff, a layered and resilient woman striving to balance motherhood, ambition, love, and personal identity amid the pressures and complexities of life on Chicago’s South Side. Across the first seven seasons, her compelling arc has made her one of the show’s most memorable and grounded characters.
Jason Weaver joined the cast in Season 4 as Shaad, a character defined by loyalty, streetwise smarts, and an unshakable will to survive. Over the past few seasons, audiences have seen Shaad navigate personal growth against the backdrop of community challenges, earning him both empathy and attention from fans.
Their promotions to series regulars signal that the upcoming season will lean more heavily into Tiff and Shaad’s personal journeys as part of the ensemble’s final chapter.
A Fitting Close to an Influential Run
The Chi has steadily built momentum over its run, with strong critical praise and record-setting viewership — including its most-streamed season premiere ever in Season 7. The series’ renewal for an eighth season followed this surge and, later, the decision to make it its final season, allowing creators to craft a deliberate and meaningful conclusion.
Joining Hall and Weaver in Season 8 are returning regulars such as Jacob Latimore, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, Shamon Brown Jr., and Michael V. Epps, forming a seasoned ensemble that has defined the show’s exploration of community, connection, and resilience.
What It Means for Fans
For longtime viewers, the elevation of Hall and Weaver represents both recognition of their contributions to the series and a hint at the emotional weight their characters may carry in the final narrative arc. As The Chi nears its finale, their expanded roles suggest deeper dives into character growth, unresolved conflicts, and the bonds that have kept audiences invested since the show’s debut.
With production underway and anticipation building, Season 8 promises to be a culmination of the rich storytelling that has made The Chi a defining drama of its era.
