Black Lightning (TV series)

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Black Lightning

 Superhero
 Drama
Genre
 Action

Black Lightning
by
Based on
 Tony Isabella
 Trevor Von Eeden

Developed by Salim Akil

 Cress Williams
 China Anne McClain
 Nafessa Williams
 Christine Adams
 Marvin "Krondon"
Starring
Jones III
 Damon Gupton
 James Remar
 Jordan Calloway

Opening theme "Black Lightning" by Godholly

Composer(s) Kurt Farquhar
Country of origin United States
Original
English
language(s)
No. of seasons 3
No. of episodes 45 (list of episodes)
Production
  Sarah Schechter
 Greg Berlanti
 Mara Brock Akil
Executive
 Salim Akil
producer(s)
 Oz Scott
 Pascal Verschooris

Producer(s) Robert West

Production
Atlanta, Georgia
location(s)
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time 39–43 minutes
 Berlanti Productions
 Akil Productions
Production
 DC Entertainment
company(s)
 Warner Bros. Television

Warner Bros. Television

Distributor
Distribution
Release
Original network The CW
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
January 16, 2018 –
Original release
present
Chronology
Related shows Arrowverse
External links
Website
Production website

Black Lightning is an American superhero television drama series, developed by Salim Akil,
that premiered on The CW on January 16, 2018. It is based on the character of the same name,
created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, featured in publications of DC Comics. Cress
Williams stars as the titular character alongside China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams,
Christine Adams, Marvin Jones III, Damon Gupton, James Remar, and Jordan Calloway. The
series sees the retired Black Lightning return to his life as a superhero and follows the effects of
his vigilante activity on his professional and family life.

Originally in development at Fox, the project was given a pilot production commitment in
September 2016. In February 2017, Fox passed on the project and The CW subsequently picked
it up with an order for a new pilot script. The CW officially ordered Black Lightning to series in
May 2017. The first season premiered on January 16, 2018 and ran for 13 episodes. In April
2018, The CW renewed the series for a second season, which premiered on October 9, 2018 and
ran for 16 episodes. In January 2019, The CW renewed the series for a third season, which
premiered on October 7, 2019 and ran for 16 episodes. The third season features the series' first
tie-ins with the network's other DC Comics television series, known collectively as the
Arrowverse, leading into Williams' appearance as Black Lightning in their "Crisis on Infinite
Earths" crossover event, which results in the series' setting retroactively established as part of the
Arrowverse's new continuity. In January 2020, The CW renewed the series for a fourth season,
which is set to premiere in January 2021.

Contents
 1 Premise
 2 Cast and characters
 3 Episodes
 4 Production
o 4.1 Development
o 4.2 Writing
o 4.3 Casting
o 4.4 Design
o 4.5 Filming
o 4.6 Music
 5 Release
o 5.1 Broadcast
o 5.2 Home media
o 5.3 Marketing
 6 Reception
o 6.1 Ratings
o 6.2 Critical response
o 6.3 Analysis
o 6.4 Awards and nominations
 7 Arrowverse
 8 References
 9 External links

Premise
High school principal Jefferson Pierce, who retired from his superhero persona Black Lightning
nine years ago after seeing the effects it had on his family, is forced to become a vigilante again
when the rise of the local gang called The 100 led by Tobias Whale leads to increased crime and
corruption in his community of Freeland.[1]
Cast and characters
Main article: List of Black Lightning characters

 Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning:

The principal of a charter school and, secretly, a retired superhero with the ability to
harness and manipulate electricity. He returns to fighting crime as Black Lightning after
his daughters are kidnapped by a local gang.[1] Jefferson is later demoted to a teacher
from his role as principal of Garfield High School as a result of his double life as a
metahuman vigilante.[2][3] Kaden Washington Lewis portrays a young Jefferson Pierce.[4]
 China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce / Lightning:
Jefferson's younger daughter, "an independent, outspoken scholar-athlete with a wild
streak of her own" who is a student at Garfield High.[5][6] It is later revealed that she also
possesses powers of electrical manipulation, but unlike her father, Jennifer's cells can
additionally generate pure electricity.[7][8] She initially struggles with the revelation of her
abilities and her family's superhero legacy, but after undergoing metahuman therapy to
stabilize her powers and emotions, Jennifer eventually joins her father and sister as the
vigilante Lightning.[9][10] Fallyn Brown portrays a young Jennifer Pierce.[11]
 Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce / Thunder / Blackbird:
Jefferson's "passionate and quick-witted" elder daughter who is in medical school and
teaches part-time at Garfield High.[5] Also a metahuman, Anissa has the ability to
manipulate her density with her breathing, endowing herself with superhuman strength
and durability. She can also create powerful shockwaves and has an accelerated healing
factor.[7][8] Anissa later becomes the superhero Thunder and joins her father as his partner
in fighting crime. Discussing her character becoming the first black lesbian superhero on
television, Williams said, "I'm just really grateful to tell the story for young lesbians —
and black lesbians in particular. My hope is that when you watch Anissa, a young lesbian
is inspired to walk boldly as who she is and to love herself and to love herself exactly
how she looks."[12]
 Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart:
A neuroscientist focusing on metahuman studies and Jefferson's ex-wife who also serves
as his love interest. Initially the only family member who knows about his life as Black
Lightning, Lynn felt that Jefferson's first stint at vigilantism had become an addiction
and, out of concern for their family's safety, she divorced him amicably.[13][14] The mother
of Anissa and Jennifer, Lynn is "not one to be trifled with when it comes to family."[15]
 Marvin "Krondon" Jones III as Tobias Whale:
An African-American man with albinism and Black Lightning's nemesis. A former
politician who rose through the ranks of local government through corrupt and illegal
means, Tobias was eventually brought down by the reporting of Alvin Pierce, Jefferson's
father. After killing Alvin, Tobias went into hiding and became the leader of The 100,
Freeland's most feared gang.[16][17] Tobias uses a serum to obtain near immortality,
allowing him to age at an incredibly slow rate, and gifting him with super strength.[7]
 Damon Gupton as Bill Henderson (seasons 1–3):
A veteran inspector and the highest-ranking detective on the force who later becomes
deputy chief of the Freeland Police Department. His role in the community puts him at
odds with Black Lightning, but they soon become unlikely allies. Henderson eventually
 discovers that his lifelong friend Jefferson Pierce and the vigilante Black Lightning are
one and the same, resulting in their relationship becoming strained for a time.[18][19]
Eventually thought, Henderson becomes one of Black Lightning's closest allies, and
following the A.S.A.'s takeover of Freeland, secretly helps jumpstart the resistance while
putting on the façade of a subservient public servant. In January 2020, Gupton revealed
that Henderson was not in the plans for the fourth season and that the third season would
be his last as a series regular.[20] As such, in the third season finale, Henderson is fatally
shot with an anti-meta weapon while rescuing Jefferson and Jennifer from a Markovian
ambush and dies in Jefferson's arms.
 James Remar as Peter Gambi:
Jefferson's oldest friend who became a father figure and mentor to him following his
father's death.[18] Gambi makes the Pierce family's super suits, which are housed in the
secret headquarters under Gambi's tailor shop.[21] It is revealed that Gambi arrived in
Freeland 30 years ago as Peter Esposito, an employee of the A.S.A., the government
entity that inadvertently created metahumans. Gambi leaked the information of the
agency's misdeeds to Alvin Pierce, resulting in his murder.[22]
 Jordan Calloway as Khalil Payne / Painkiller (season 2–present; recurring, season 1):
A student at Garfield High and Jennifer's love interest who encourages her against her
more rebellious tendencies. He is an All-American track star with dreams of going to the
Olympics until a stray bullet severs his spine. In exchange for loyalty, Khalil accepts
Tobias' offer of being able to walk again and becomes Painkiller, Tobias' right-hand-man.
He receives cybernetic enhancements that make him meta-strong and able to generate an
anesthetic from his body that causes temporary paralysis when delivered through darts.[23]
[24]
Khalil comes to regret his alliance with Tobias, but while attempting to get out of it,
he is apparently murdered by the crime boss. Khalil later reappears inside one of the
A.S.A.'s metahuman pods.[25] It's eventually revealed that he has been resurrected by the
A.S.A. and rebuilt into a cybernetic assassin which the A.S.A. uses to carry out
assassinations of any who oppose them, including Khalil's own mother. Eventually,
Khalil breaks from the A.S.A's control and attempts to become an ally to the Pierces, but
his continuous struggle with his evil alter-ego leaves his relationships with them,
particularly Jennifer, very strained.

Episodes
Main article: List of Black Lightning episodes
Originally aired Average viewers
Season Episodes Rank
First aired Last aired (in millions)
1 13 January 16, 2018 April 17, 2018 160 2.73[26]
2 16 October 9, 2018 March 18, 2019 179 1.44[27]
3 16 October 7, 2019 March 9, 2020 TBA TBA

Production
Development
In September 2016, after going through several incarnations and various stages of development
for over a year, Mara Brock Akil, her husband Salim Akil, and perennial Warner Bros.
Television producer Greg Berlanti began pitching Black Lightning to television networks. The
Akils wrote the script while serving as executive producers alongside Berlanti and his frequent
collaborator Sarah Schechter.[28] A week later, the project landed at Fox with a pilot production
commitment.[29] In February 2017, Fox opted to not go forward with the pilot, deciding that it
was "not a good fit into its already crowded genre drama space" and the project was
subsequently shopped to other networks. As the home to several of Berlanti's other television
ventures, The CW emerged as the network that was likely to realize the series.[30] The following
day, The CW officially ordered a pilot for Black Lightning.[31] The original pilot script that had
been written for Fox was discarded and instead, a short presentation was shot ahead of the
network's final decisions regarding pickup orders.[32]

The CW officially ordered Black Lightning to series on May 10, 2017 with Salim Akil to serve
as showrunner.[33] On April 2, 2018, The CW renewed the series for a second season, which
premiered on October 9, 2018.[34][35] On January 31, 2019, The CW renewed the series for a third
season, which premiered on October 7, 2019.[36][37] On January 7, 2020, the series was renewed
for a fourth season, which is set to premiere in January 2021.[38][39]

Writing

In order to have an "authentic black voice" for its setting and characters, Black Lightning utilizes
a predominantly African-American writing staff.[40] Salim Akil shared that the writers are not all
African-American but "have either lived this life or know someone who has."[41][42] In writing the
first season, showrunner Akil stated that he was most inspired by the original run of Black
Lightning comic books and that Black Lightning being a black father who defies the "deadbeat
stereotype" was part of the reason for the Akils wanting to tell his story.[43][44] He described
Jefferson and his family as "the Obamas of the superhero world" and compared the duality of
Jefferson Pierce and his alter ego Black Lightning to the duality of Martin Luther King Jr. and
Malcolm X.[44] As a character-driven family drama, Black Lightning does not follow a villain of
the week format in order to better explore the characters, especially the villains. The Akils also
indicated that the writers would not be treating LGBTQ representation as a "special issue" but
that such characters would be included and depicted "the way anyone would be included in
life."[43] Salim Akil noted that topics such as the Black Lives Matter movement and other issues
concerning race relations and police brutality would be addressed, but stressed that, "This is an
American story, this is not a black story. We're going to be culturally specific, but universal in
our themes so everyone can see themselves in these stories."[44] The showrunner likened the
narrative of the first season to the real story of the Tuskegee experiment.[42]

The second season is organized into smaller arcs known as "books" to mimic the style of the
comic book source material, with "consequences" being the theme of the season's first book.
Specifically, Salim Akil said that the season would "deal with the consequences of having
discovered the pod children; the consequences of Green Light hitting the streets; and the
consequences of Jefferson's daughters discovering they have powers."[45][46] Furthering the
season's objective to "give a nod to comic books in a stronger way," the season introduces more
metahumans, though showrunner Akil commented, "I don't want to introduce too many villains. I
want us to settle in now that we know everyone [...] so now we can really tell some grounded
stories about our villains, our heroes, the people in Freeland." He said that there would
additionally be "other forces in Freeland and outside of Freeland" that would come into play as
sources of conflict.[47][48] Lead actor Cress Williams described the season as "harder hitting and a
little bit darker" than the series' debut outing.[49] On the relevant social issues that the season
would address, Akil stated, "I wanted to talk about black people and therapy. We don't believe in
that shit, but we're the number one people who need it."[45] Meanwhile, Nafessa Williams shared
that her character would continue to embrace her powers, elaborating that Anissa now "feels
confident navigating the superhero world without her father, and she feels fully confident and
able to do it on her own."[50]

The third season's narrative begins approximately a month and a half after the season two finale.
[51]
Cress Williams shared that the season would see the world of the series "getting bigger" in
terms of its setting and characters.[52][53] Salim Akil stated that, while everyday life in Freeland
would still be a focus of the season, "we want our stories to talk about concerns not just for black
folk but for people in general. We'll cover mental health and addiction issues that affect the
whole country."[54] Discussing Jennifer's ongoing struggle to control her newly-discovered
abilities, actress China Anne McClain noted that, "When the season starts, we see that Jennifer is
getting more powerful, stronger, and she's also getting more emotional. We can expect a
combination of all three of those this season."[51] Akil additionally disclosed that Jennifer being
stronger than both her father and her sister on account of her unique ability to generate her own
electricity would also raise the issue of who is ultimately in control amongst the three.[54]
Meanwhile, Nafessa Williams said of her character Anissa's journey, "Season one was about her
understanding and discovering her powers, in season two she is kind of starting to perfect them
and trust herself. Season three, [...] her ways of doing things and her mindset is different from
her father's."[55] Furthermore, Williams teased that Jefferson would be making "a really big
sacrifice" this season that would reveal "a little bit more of his angrier side" and "[propel] him at
the beginning of the season."[56]

Casting

On February 24, 2017, Cress Williams was announced in the lead role of Jefferson Pierce / Black
Lightning.[57] On March 2, China Anne McClain and Nafessa Williams were cast as Jefferson's
daughters, Jennifer Pierce and Anissa Pierce, respectively.[5] Later that same month on March 10,
it was reported that Christine Adams has been cast as Lynn Stewart, Jefferson's ex-wife.[15][58] At
the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con International on July 22, it was revealed that James Remar and
Damon Gupton had joined the main cast as Jefferson's oldest friend Peter Gambi and unlikely
ally Inspector William "Bill" Henderson, respectively.[18][59][60] On August 10, rapper Marvin
"Krondon" Jones III was added as a series regular, landing the role of main antagonist Tobias
Whale.[16] At the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con International on July 21, it was announced that
Jordan Calloway had been promoted to a series regular for the second season after previously
recurring during the first season as Khalil Payne / Painkiller.[23]

On September 26, 2017, it was announced that Kyanna Simone Simpson would recur as Kiesha,
Henderson's daughter and Jennifer's best friend.[61] On October 5, it was reported that Jill Scott
had booked a recurring role as the villainous Lady Eve.[62] Later that month on October 12,
Edwina Findley also joined the cast in a recurring capacity as Tori Whale, Tobias' younger sister.
[63]
Chantal Thuy was added to the recurring cast as Grace Choi that same month on October 30,
[64]
though she ultimately appeared in only two episodes of the series' first season.[65] On January
16, 2018, it was revealed that Skye P. Marshall had been cast in a recurring role as Kara Fowdy,
the vice principal of Garfield High School.[66][67]

On August 8, 2018, it was reported that Myles Truitt would play Issa Williams during the second
season in a recurring capacity.[68] On September 5, Sofia Vassilieva was announced in the role of
Looker, based on the DC Comics character of the same name.[69] On September 21, it was
reported that Kearran Giovanni would recur as Cutter, a British mercenary.[70] On October 4, it
was revealed that Erika Alexander had booked a three-episode recurring role as Jennifer's
telepathic therapist, Perenna,[71] though she ultimately appeared in a total of eight episodes.
Robert Townsend and Bill Duke were added as recurring characters Dr. Napier Frank and Agent
Percy Odell, respectively, on October 9.[72] On November 13, RJ Cyler was cast in the recurring
role of "gangly and awkward tech genius" Todd Green.[73] On January 21, 2019, it was
announced that Hosea Chanchez had been cast to recur as Marcus Bishop / Shakedown.[74]

On October 10, 2019, it was announced that Wayne Brady would recur during the third season as
Tyson Sykes / Gravedigger, a World War II-era "super soldier" and American-turned-Markovian
asset.[75] On January 19, 2020, Gupton revealed that he had been let go from the series and that
the third season would be his last as a series regular.[20]

Design

Black Lightning's costume was designed by Laura Jean Shannon.[76] While the suit's design is
meant to invoke protection from the character's vulnerabilities such as his age, and bullets in
particular, Salim Akil stated that there were "a lot of iterations" of the Black Lightning costume,
and that "at one point I had covered his face and his eyes, but what was more important to me
was the emotion, and you need to see that. You need to see his eyes when his daughters have a
gun pointed at them."[42][44] A number of journalists noted similarities between the first superhero
costume donned by Anissa Pierce, featuring a pink, purple, and blue color scheme with gold and
black accents and a blonde wig, and the Thunder costume of the 2003 Outsiders comic book run.
[77][78]
Shannon also designed the final Thunder costume, which was made from a sculpted armor
material in order to stretch to the performer's comfort and serves as an homage to the most recent
costume worn by Thunder in the comic books.[79] The second season introduces the first official
superhero costume for Jennifer Pierce as she takes on the moniker "Lightning" from the comic
book source material. The costume echoes that of Anissa Pierce, in that it is a black body suit
covered in yellow plating. However, the Lightning costume also features lightning-inspired
designs.[10] The third season features a new suit design for Jefferson Pierce as Black Lightning. In
place of the previous suit's glowing blue and gold bolts across the chest, a textured gold design
with blue and black weaving is featured throughout the torso, arms, and gloves. The mask is also
slightly redesigned with dark red-tinted lenses.[80] As Anissa Pierce officially takes on the name
"Blackbird" as a second secret identity, she also receives a new costume for the alter-ego that
consists of a black hood and a mask that covers the lower half of her face.[81]

Filming
Filming for the series takes place in Decatur, Georgia and the surrounding Atlanta area.[1][82][83]
The short presentation that was given to The CW was filmed in March 2017,[84] with production
for the series officially commencing on September 7, 2017.[85][86] Filming for the first season
concluded on March 3, 2018.[87][88] Production for the second season returned to Atlanta
beginning on June 26, 2018.[89][90] The back lot used during filming was the same one used by
The CW's previous Atlanta-based television series, The Vampire Diaries.[91] Filming for the
second season concluded on January 10, 2019.[92] Production for the third season began on July
9, 2019.[93] A week was carved out of the season's production for Williams to film his scenes for
the Arrowverse crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths" in Vancouver, British Columbia.[94]
Filming for the third season concluded on January 20, 2020.[95][96][97]

Music

Kurt Farquhar composes the score for the series and Kier Lehman, the music supervisor for
Black Lightning, selects the series' featured songs along with the Akils.[98] The rapper Godholly,
who is the son of showrunner Akil, has provided original music for the series, including tracks
such as "Black Lightning" from the main title sequence.[99][100]

Release
Broadcast

Black Lightning began airing on The CW in the United States on January 16, 2018 during the
2017–18 television season.[101] The first season, consisting of 13 episodes, ran until April 17,
2018.[102] The second season premiered on The CW in the United States on October 9, 2018.[35] In
November, it was announced that the series would move to airing on Mondays for the second
half of the season after previously airing on Tuesdays since its debut.[103] The 16th and final
episode of the second season aired on March 18, 2019.[104] The third season premiered on
October 7, 2019.[37] The 16th and final episode of the third season aired on March 9, 2020.[105][106]

Home media

Having acquired the international distribution and streaming rights for Black Lightning, Netflix
aired new episodes of the first two seasons weekly in regions outside of the United States,
including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, most of mainland
Europe, and South America.[107][108][109] However, following the expiration of the deal between the
streamer and the network, the third season will be added to Netflix internationally at a later date.
[110]
In the United States, the first season was released on Netflix in its entirety a week after the
season finale aired on The CW.[111] The second season was similarly released in its entirety on
Netflix in the United States two weeks after the season finale aired on The CW.[112] The third
season will be released in its entirety on Netflix in the United States in 2020, after the season
finale airs on The CW.[110]

The complete first season of Black Lightning was released on Blu-ray and DVD by Warner
Home Entertainment in Region 1 on June 26, 2018,[113] in Region 2 on January 28, 2019,[114] and
in Region 4 in 2018.[115] The set also features extra content including the series' 2017 San Diego
Comic-Con panel, new featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel.[116] The complete second
season was made available as a manufacture-on-demand DVD through the Warner Archive
Collection on October 8, 2019.[117][118]

Marketing

On March 29, 2017, The CW released the first promotional image of Cress Williams as Jefferson
Pierce in his official Black Lightning superhero costume.[84] On May 18, the first trailer for the
series was released.[119] The main cast that were confirmed at the time, as well as executive
producers Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil attended the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con
International on July 22 to promote the season.[120][121] On December 12, The CW released key art
for the series in the form of the season's first promotional poster featuring Williams, China Anne
McClain, and Nafessa Williams as their characters.[122] On January 4, 2018, The CW and Warner
Bros Television released the first look at Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce in her official
Thunder superhero costume.[123][124] On March 25, the producers and writers of the season
attended the 2018 WonderCon and screened the episode "Sins of the Father: The Book of
Redemption" at their panel ahead of its official debut on The CW.[125] The main cast of the
second season as well as the Akils attended San Diego Comic-Con International on July 21 to
promote the season.[23][126] The first trailer of the season was released on September 6.[127] On
December 13, The CW released the first promotional image of China Anne McClain as Jennifer
Pierce in her official Lightning superhero costume.[10][128][129] Several of the main cast members of
the third season attended San Diego Comic-Con International on July 20, 2019 to promote the
season.[130] The first trailer of the season was released on September 24.[131]

Reception
Ratings

First aired Last aired Avg. 18– Avg.

TV Viewershi
Seaso Timeslo Episode Viewers Viewers viewers 49 18–49
seaso p
n t (ET) s Date (million Date (million (million ran ratin
n rank
s) s) s) k g
Januar April
Tuesday 2017–
1 13 y 16, 2.31[132] 17, 1.69[133] 160 2.73 109 1.0[26]
9:00 pm 18
2018 2018
Tuesday
9:00 pm
Octobe Marc
(1–9) 2018–
2 16 r 9, 1.20[134] h 18, 0.85[135] 179 1.44 147 0.5[27]
Monday 19
2018 2019
9:00 pm
(10–16)
Octobe Marc
Monday 2019–
3 16 r 7, 0.89[136] h 9, TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
9:00 pm 20
2019 2020
The series premiere of Black Lightning debuted to strong numbers on The CW, according to
Nielsen overnight data. Airing in the 9:00pm time slot, Black Lightning's pilot episode drew 2.3
million viewers in the United States and a 0.8 rating in the key demographic of adults 18–49. It
retained all of its lead-in in the key demographic and more than 90% in total viewers from The
Flash. It was The CW's highest rated original series premiere in two years since the launch of
Legends of Tomorrow in 2016.[137][138] Black Lightning's second season debuted to series lows in
viewers 18–49. The second season premiere drew 1.2 million viewers and a 0.4 rating, down
from its first season premiere, average, and finale, as well as from the premiere of Legends of
Tomorrow in the time slot the previous fall. In viewers 18–34, however, Black Lightning
improved by 10% from its freshman finale and was even with the debut of Legends of Tomorrow
from the previous season.[139] With an 0.3 rating and 0.9 million viewers, the third season
premiere of Black Lightning was down more than 20% across the board from the previous
season's finale.[140]

Critical response

Season Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic

1 96% (51 reviews)[141] 79% (25 reviews)[142]

2 91% (10 reviews)[143] N/A

3 100% (6 reviews)[144] N/A

Black Lightning has received generally positive reviews from professional critics. On the review
aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 95% approval rating.[145] The first season
debuted to critical acclaim.[146][147][148]

Reviewing for Entertainment Weekly, Dana Schwartz gave the series premiere an "A-" grade,
writing, "The Pierce family dynamic is so compelling that even if Jefferson Pierce had no powers
beyond great motivational speeches, this show would be a worthwhile watch. Black Lightning
balances humor with all-too-necessary social commentary [...] to make a refreshing addition to
the superhero TV pantheon."[149] Reviewing the first two episodes of the season, Daniel Fienberg
of The Hollywood Reporter commended the series for its "solid action scenes, bass-pumping
soundtrack, stylish treatment of Black Lightning's sizzling powers and character pragmatism."
He praised the series' ability to "stand alone in welcome ways" and described the premiere
episode as "smart and relevant and full of an attitude that's all its own."[150] Reviewing the first
four episodes of the series, The Atlantic's Pilot Viruet wrote, "There's an authenticity to the series
—it's neither too pulpy nor too preachy—that's heightened by the strong performances from its
predominantly black cast, particularly from [Cress] Williams, who anchors the show's many
conflicts."[151] Nafessa Williams' portrayal of Anissa Pierce, Black Lightning's eldest daughter
who becomes the superhero Thunder, also drew attention and praise from critics. As the first
black lesbian superhero on television, critics applauded the character's social activism and action
scenes, as well as for being a "complex" and "fully realized" character outside of her superhero
identity.[152][153][154][155] Reviewing for The A.V. Club, Kyle Fowle gave the finale an "A" grade,
writing that the episode was "tonally bold, easily moving between being funny and politically
poignant," while also setting up "plenty of intrigue" for next season. Fowle concluded that the
episode was a "confident, compelling, moving end to a season that boasted all those same
qualities throughout."[156] Jesse Schedeen of IGN noted that the series' reduced episode count,
focus on older superheroes and social issues, limited cast, and preservation of the main villain at
the end of the season positively distinguished the series from other superhero programming.[157]

The A.V. Club's Fowle gave the second season premiere an "A-" grade, adding, "One of the
reasons the first season was so compelling was that the show made the political personal. That's
once again evident here, as there's a wonderful sense of the larger community throughout the
premiere."[158] Kayti Burt of Den of Geek! gave the episode a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. She
explained, "There's a lack of thematic cohesiveness in this season premiere that is probably a
result of trying to reintroduce so many characters and storylines at once, but the energy and
potential for a strong second season is definitely there. Black Lightning continues to be one of
the best, most important shows on television."[159] In her review for Collider, Allison Keene gave
the season's early storylines 4 stars out of 5, writing, "Black Lightning is not without its own
flaws, including occasionally disjointed or abrupt storytelling, but its clear desire to educate and
inspire through compelling family drama continues to make it a show of consequence."[160] Burt
and Syfy Wire contributor Stephanie Williams praised the season for its efforts to de-stigmatize
mental health care, especially for black women. Burt called Jennifer's therapy storyline "a
powerful, vital representation of mental health issues—not only within the superhero genre, but
anywhere on TV."[161] Again reviewing for The A.V. Club, Fowle gave the season finale a "C+"
grade. He named Jennifer's journey as "undoubtedly" the best part of the season, but felt that the
second season as a whole "struggled to reach the heights of its first season" and that "storylines
were introduced with full force before petering out, [...] stumbling towards lackluster
conclusions."[162] Dan Ashby of Cultured Vultures gave the whole season a rating of 7.5 out of
10, writing, "Season two of Black Lightning has some interesting storylines, a number of good
fight scenes, a catchy soundtrack, and some important messages. Unfortunately, it all seems
slightly uncoordinated and messy in its execution."[163] In a more positive account from
Entertainment Weekly, Christian Holub gave the season finale a "B" grade, adding, "Season 2's
penultimate installment was all over the place, but tonight's season finale did a good job of
bringing enough of the threads together that I'm now satisfied to wait for season 3."[164]

Reviewing the third season premiere for Entertainment Weekly, Holub gave the episode a "B+"
grade, writing, "Black Lightning has been able to do a really good job of showcasing real-life
racial dynamics and structural inequities through its comic-flavored storytelling. And in season
3, the show is aiming directly at our real-life crisis of family separation and putting kids in cages.
[...] After a bit of a sophomore slump, I'm excited to see where Black Lightning goes from
here."[165] Nicole Hill of Den of Geek! assigned the premiere episode a rating of 4 out of 5. She
opined that, "Black Lightning does a good job of playing with these different concepts of power
and showing how they interact, overlap, and cancel each other out. [...] I hope this season
maintains focus and doesn't find itself branching out too far away from its central conflicts. If the
following episodes consistently operate at this level, this will be an exciting season to watch."[166]
The A.V. Club's Fowle gave the premiere a "B+" grade and added that, "The first episode of the
third season is just as politically charged as previous episodes, but this time around things feel
more relevant, more attuned to this specific time and place. Black Lightning has nodded towards
real life events before, but this premiere, centered around kids being rounded up, separated from
their families, and locked in detention camps with no idea of when they'll get out or what they
did wrong, feels particularly pointed."[167]

Analysis

Tai Gooden of Syfy Wire wrote, "The usage of religion, specifically Christianity, in Black
Lighting strikes a fascinating balance between the science-centered A.S.A. organization and the
fantasy element of metahumans whose powers essentially make them gods among men." Gooden
pointed out that the each episode title contains religious references, particularly the second
season's multi-episode chapters named after themes frequently explored in religious texts, such
as consequences, blood, and rebellion. Additionally, she highlighted the role of Reverend Holt in
the series, whose sermons "are often interspersed with scenes that either complement or
counteract a character's current struggle with faith and making the right decisions." She
compared Khalil's arc to that of one who has lost their faith, and likened Tobias to a Devil that
offers temptations. "The primary characters and community members tackle their personal and
collective plights with bold protests, prayers, vigilante justice, and rogue missions, all of which
are threaded together through overt and subtle religious references."[168]

Several journalists drew parallels between some of the series's storylines, particularly those
involving police brutality and institutional racism, and events that have taken place in real life.
[158][159][160][169][170]
Christina Radish of Collider and Charles Pulliam-Moore of io9 felt that the
character Issa Williams, a black teen who is held in a fatal chokehold by police as bystanders
record the incident and plead for his life, was "reminiscent" of the 2014 death of Eric Garner.
Pulliam-Moore also noted that, "The families of Freeland who are fighting to get their children
back [from government custody] clearly call to mind all of the undocumented children who've
been separated from their families, are being held in detention centers, and may very well never
see their loved ones again."[45][171] Additionally, Entertainment Weekly's Christian Holub
compared Anissa's Robin Hood-esque crime-fighting philosophy and alternative costume, a
black hoodie and mouth cover, to the philosophies and costumes of Antifa members.[172][173]

While applauding Jennifer's therapy arc and the series's portrayal of mental health care, Kayti
Burt of Den of Geek! cited the scene in the second season premiere episode in which Jefferson
brushes off Lynn's suggestion that he should see a therapist as an example of double standards
regarding age and gender. She commented, "The depiction of Jennifer's mental health treatment
is so important, but, as a teen girl, Jennifer is allowed a degree of emotional vulnerability that
adult men are not." Burt felt that this apparent point of hypocrisy intentionally served as a subject
for the story to reflect upon. She said, "Black Lightning isn't ignorant to the many reasons for
avoiding shows of emotional vulnerability, of the potential consequences of asking for help in a
world that so often equates emotional vulnerability with weakness. It just also chooses to tell the
other side of that story: the potential consequences of not acknowledging and actively working
on your emotional and mental health issues."[161]

Awards and nominations

 Recipient(s) and
Year Award Category Result Ref.
nominee(s)
People's Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show of [174]
Black Lightning Shortlisted
Award 2018
Best Superhero Television [175]
Saturn Award Black Lightning Nominated
Series
[176]
Outstanding Drama Series Black Lightning Won
Outstanding Actor, Drama
Cress Williams Nominated
Series
Black Reel
2018 Outstanding Directing,
Award for Salim Akil ("The Resurrection") Nominated
Drama Series [177]
Television
Outstanding Guest
Jill Scott Nominated
Actress, Drama Series
Outstanding Music Kier Lehman Nominated
Choice Breakout TV
Teen Choice Black Lightning Nominated
Show [178]
Award
Choice Breakout TV Star Nafessa Williams Nominated
Outstanding Writing in a Patrick Joseph Charles ("Sins
of the Father: The Book of Nominated
Drama Series Redemption")
NAACP Image [179]
Award Outstanding Guest Erika Alexander ("The Book of
Performance in a Comedy Consequences: Chapter Three: Nominated
or Drama Series Master Lowery")
[180]
GLAAD Award Outstanding Drama Series Black Lightning Nominated
2019 Outstanding Drama Series Black Lightning Nominated
Black Reel Outstanding Directing, Salim Akil ("The Book of the
Apocalypse: Chapter Two: The Nominated [181]
Award for Drama Series Omega")
Television
Outstanding Guest
Erika Alexander Nominated
Actress, Drama Series
Best Superhero Television [182]
Saturn Award Black Lightning Nominated
Series

Arrowverse
Further information: Arrowverse

In January 2017, when the series was still in development at Fox, executive producer Greg
Berlanti stated that Black Lightning would not crossover with his other DC Comics television
properties on The CW, nor would it exist in their shared universe, known as the Arrowverse.[183]
Despite Black Lightning's move to The CW, the network's president Mark Pedowitz said in May
2017 that the series "at this time, is not part of the Arrowverse. It is a separate situation."[1]
Showrunners Salim Akil later clarified that they were not ruling out eventual crossovers, but
wanted to establish the series and its own world first.[43] In August 2017, Pedowitz added, "If [the
showrunners] wish to bring it in, that is their call. We had a long discussion with the studio,
Mara, Salim, and myself. We were fine with them making it separate from the Arrowverse, they
have a different point of view. If they end up wanting to go that way, that will be their
decision."[184] Salim Akil explained that the first season's references to the DC Comics characters
Vixen and Supergirl, who are also featured in the Arrowverse, were simply a "fun" way "to tease
the fans" and stressed that Black Lightning exists on a separate Earth from the Arrowverse series,
such as Earth-1 from Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow and Earth-38 from Supergirl.
Additionally, he stated that any future crossover would involve the heroes of the other series
visiting the Earth that is associated with Black Lightning.[185]

Discussing a potential Black Lightning crossover with the Arrowverse in July 2019, Cress
Williams revealed that "there's been lots of talk [...] nothing official, but at this point, I wouldn't
be surprised."[186] Two weeks later in August, Williams confirmed reports that Black Lightning
would be involved in the Arrowverse's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover event.[187][188] By the
end of the event, the multiverse was rebooted and Earth-Prime was formed, which saw Black
Lightning's Earth merged with the former Earth-1 and Earth-38, creating a universe where all of
The CW series exist together.[189] Jefferson also earns a seat at a table of heroes consisting of
Barry Allen / The Flash, Kara Zor-El / Kara Danvers / Supergirl, Sara Lance / White Canary,
Kate Kane / Batwoman, J'onn J'onzz / Martian Manhunter, and Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman,
as well as a seat for the late Oliver Queen / Green Arrow, who sacrificed himself in order to
reboot the multiverse.[190]

Black Lightning (TV series)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Black Lightning

 Superhero
 Drama
Genre
 Action

Black Lightning
by
Based on
 Tony Isabella
 Trevor Von Eeden
 Developed by Salim Akil
 Cress Williams
 China Anne McClain
 Nafessa Williams
 Christine Adams
 Marvin "Krondon"
Starring
Jones III
 Damon Gupton
 James Remar
 Jordan Calloway

Opening theme "Black Lightning" by Godholly

Composer(s) Kurt Farquhar
Country of origin United States
Original
English
language(s)
No. of seasons 3
No. of episodes 45 (list of episodes)
Production
 Sarah Schechter
 Greg Berlanti
 Mara Brock Akil
Executive
 Salim Akil
producer(s)
 Oz Scott
 Pascal Verschooris

Producer(s) Robert West

Production
Atlanta, Georgia
location(s)
Camera setup Single-camera
Running time 39–43 minutes
 Berlanti Productions
 Akil Productions
Production
 DC Entertainment
company(s)
 Warner Bros. Television

Warner Bros. Television

Distributor
Distribution
Release
Original network The CW
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
Original release January 16, 2018 –
 present
Chronology
Related shows Arrowverse
External links
Website
Production website

Black Lightning is an American superhero television drama series, developed by Salim Akil,
that premiered on The CW on January 16, 2018. It is based on the character of the same name,
created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, featured in publications of DC Comics. Cress
Williams stars as the titular character alongside China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams,
Christine Adams, Marvin Jones III, Damon Gupton, James Remar, and Jordan Calloway. The
series sees the retired Black Lightning return to his life as a superhero and follows the effects of
his vigilante activity on his professional and family life.

Originally in development at Fox, the project was given a pilot production commitment in
September 2016. In February 2017, Fox passed on the project and The CW subsequently picked
it up with an order for a new pilot script. The CW officially ordered Black Lightning to series in
May 2017. The first season premiered on January 16, 2018 and ran for 13 episodes. In April
2018, The CW renewed the series for a second season, which premiered on October 9, 2018 and
ran for 16 episodes. In January 2019, The CW renewed the series for a third season, which
premiered on October 7, 2019 and ran for 16 episodes. The third season features the series' first
tie-ins with the network's other DC Comics television series, known collectively as the
Arrowverse, leading into Williams' appearance as Black Lightning in their "Crisis on Infinite
Earths" crossover event, which results in the series' setting retroactively established as part of the
Arrowverse's new continuity. In January 2020, The CW renewed the series for a fourth season,
which is set to premiere in January 2021.

Contents
 1 Premise
 2 Cast and characters
 3 Episodes
 4 Production
o 4.1 Development
o 4.2 Writing
o 4.3 Casting
o 4.4 Design
o 4.5 Filming
o 4.6 Music
 5 Release
 o 5.1 Broadcast
o 5.2 Home media
o 5.3 Marketing
 6 Reception
o 6.1 Ratings
o 6.2 Critical response
o 6.3 Analysis
o 6.4 Awards and nominations
 7 Arrowverse
 8 References
 9 External links

Premise
High school principal Jefferson Pierce, who retired from his superhero persona Black Lightning
nine years ago after seeing the effects it had on his family, is forced to become a vigilante again
when the rise of the local gang called The 100 led by Tobias Whale leads to increased crime and
corruption in his community of Freeland.[1]

Cast and characters

Main article: List of Black Lightning characters

 Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning:

The principal of a charter school and, secretly, a retired superhero with the ability to
harness and manipulate electricity. He returns to fighting crime as Black Lightning after
his daughters are kidnapped by a local gang.[1] Jefferson is later demoted to a teacher
from his role as principal of Garfield High School as a result of his double life as a
metahuman vigilante.[2][3] Kaden Washington Lewis portrays a young Jefferson Pierce.[4]
 China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce / Lightning:
Jefferson's younger daughter, "an independent, outspoken scholar-athlete with a wild
streak of her own" who is a student at Garfield High.[5][6] It is later revealed that she also
possesses powers of electrical manipulation, but unlike her father, Jennifer's cells can
additionally generate pure electricity.[7][8] She initially struggles with the revelation of her
abilities and her family's superhero legacy, but after undergoing metahuman therapy to
stabilize her powers and emotions, Jennifer eventually joins her father and sister as the
vigilante Lightning.[9][10] Fallyn Brown portrays a young Jennifer Pierce.[11]
 Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce / Thunder / Blackbird:
Jefferson's "passionate and quick-witted" elder daughter who is in medical school and
teaches part-time at Garfield High.[5] Also a metahuman, Anissa has the ability to
manipulate her density with her breathing, endowing herself with superhuman strength
and durability. She can also create powerful shockwaves and has an accelerated healing
factor.[7][8] Anissa later becomes the superhero Thunder and joins her father as his partner
in fighting crime. Discussing her character becoming the first black lesbian superhero on
 television, Williams said, "I'm just really grateful to tell the story for young lesbians —
and black lesbians in particular. My hope is that when you watch Anissa, a young lesbian
is inspired to walk boldly as who she is and to love herself and to love herself exactly
how she looks."[12]
 Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart:
A neuroscientist focusing on metahuman studies and Jefferson's ex-wife who also serves
as his love interest. Initially the only family member who knows about his life as Black
Lightning, Lynn felt that Jefferson's first stint at vigilantism had become an addiction
and, out of concern for their family's safety, she divorced him amicably.[13][14] The mother
of Anissa and Jennifer, Lynn is "not one to be trifled with when it comes to family."[15]
 Marvin "Krondon" Jones III as Tobias Whale:
An African-American man with albinism and Black Lightning's nemesis. A former
politician who rose through the ranks of local government through corrupt and illegal
means, Tobias was eventually brought down by the reporting of Alvin Pierce, Jefferson's
father. After killing Alvin, Tobias went into hiding and became the leader of The 100,
Freeland's most feared gang.[16][17] Tobias uses a serum to obtain near immortality,
allowing him to age at an incredibly slow rate, and gifting him with super strength.[7]
 Damon Gupton as Bill Henderson (seasons 1–3):
A veteran inspector and the highest-ranking detective on the force who later becomes
deputy chief of the Freeland Police Department. His role in the community puts him at
odds with Black Lightning, but they soon become unlikely allies. Henderson eventually
discovers that his lifelong friend Jefferson Pierce and the vigilante Black Lightning are
one and the same, resulting in their relationship becoming strained for a time.[18][19]
Eventually thought, Henderson becomes one of Black Lightning's closest allies, and
following the A.S.A.'s takeover of Freeland, secretly helps jumpstart the resistance while
putting on the façade of a subservient public servant. In January 2020, Gupton revealed
that Henderson was not in the plans for the fourth season and that the third season would
be his last as a series regular.[20] As such, in the third season finale, Henderson is fatally
shot with an anti-meta weapon while rescuing Jefferson and Jennifer from a Markovian
ambush and dies in Jefferson's arms.
 James Remar as Peter Gambi:
Jefferson's oldest friend who became a father figure and mentor to him following his
father's death.[18] Gambi makes the Pierce family's super suits, which are housed in the
secret headquarters under Gambi's tailor shop.[21] It is revealed that Gambi arrived in
Freeland 30 years ago as Peter Esposito, an employee of the A.S.A., the government
entity that inadvertently created metahumans. Gambi leaked the information of the
agency's misdeeds to Alvin Pierce, resulting in his murder.[22]
 Jordan Calloway as Khalil Payne / Painkiller (season 2–present; recurring, season 1):
A student at Garfield High and Jennifer's love interest who encourages her against her
more rebellious tendencies. He is an All-American track star with dreams of going to the
Olympics until a stray bullet severs his spine. In exchange for loyalty, Khalil accepts
Tobias' offer of being able to walk again and becomes Painkiller, Tobias' right-hand-man.
He receives cybernetic enhancements that make him meta-strong and able to generate an
anesthetic from his body that causes temporary paralysis when delivered through darts.[23]
[24]
Khalil comes to regret his alliance with Tobias, but while attempting to get out of it,
he is apparently murdered by the crime boss. Khalil later reappears inside one of the
 A.S.A.'s metahuman pods.[25] It's eventually revealed that he has been resurrected by the
A.S.A. and rebuilt into a cybernetic assassin which the A.S.A. uses to carry out
assassinations of any who oppose them, including Khalil's own mother. Eventually,
Khalil breaks from the A.S.A's control and attempts to become an ally to the Pierces, but
his continuous struggle with his evil alter-ego leaves his relationships with them,
particularly Jennifer, very strained.

Episodes
Main article: List of Black Lightning episodes
Originally aired Average viewers
Season Episodes Rank
First aired Last aired (in millions)
1 13 January 16, 2018 April 17, 2018 160 2.73[26]
2 16 October 9, 2018 March 18, 2019 179 1.44[27]
3 16 October 7, 2019 March 9, 2020 TBA TBA

Production
Development

In September 2016, after going through several incarnations and various stages of development
for over a year, Mara Brock Akil, her husband Salim Akil, and perennial Warner Bros.
Television producer Greg Berlanti began pitching Black Lightning to television networks. The
Akils wrote the script while serving as executive producers alongside Berlanti and his frequent
collaborator Sarah Schechter.[28] A week later, the project landed at Fox with a pilot production
commitment.[29] In February 2017, Fox opted to not go forward with the pilot, deciding that it
was "not a good fit into its already crowded genre drama space" and the project was
subsequently shopped to other networks. As the home to several of Berlanti's other television
ventures, The CW emerged as the network that was likely to realize the series.[30] The following
day, The CW officially ordered a pilot for Black Lightning.[31] The original pilot script that had
been written for Fox was discarded and instead, a short presentation was shot ahead of the
network's final decisions regarding pickup orders.[32]

The CW officially ordered Black Lightning to series on May 10, 2017 with Salim Akil to serve
as showrunner.[33] On April 2, 2018, The CW renewed the series for a second season, which
premiered on October 9, 2018.[34][35] On January 31, 2019, The CW renewed the series for a third
season, which premiered on October 7, 2019.[36][37] On January 7, 2020, the series was renewed
for a fourth season, which is set to premiere in January 2021.[38][39]

Writing

In order to have an "authentic black voice" for its setting and characters, Black Lightning utilizes
a predominantly African-American writing staff.[40] Salim Akil shared that the writers are not all
African-American but "have either lived this life or know someone who has."[41][42] In writing the
first season, showrunner Akil stated that he was most inspired by the original run of Black
Lightning comic books and that Black Lightning being a black father who defies the "deadbeat
stereotype" was part of the reason for the Akils wanting to tell his story.[43][44] He described
Jefferson and his family as "the Obamas of the superhero world" and compared the duality of
Jefferson Pierce and his alter ego Black Lightning to the duality of Martin Luther King Jr. and
Malcolm X.[44] As a character-driven family drama, Black Lightning does not follow a villain of
the week format in order to better explore the characters, especially the villains. The Akils also
indicated that the writers would not be treating LGBTQ representation as a "special issue" but
that such characters would be included and depicted "the way anyone would be included in
life."[43] Salim Akil noted that topics such as the Black Lives Matter movement and other issues
concerning race relations and police brutality would be addressed, but stressed that, "This is an
American story, this is not a black story. We're going to be culturally specific, but universal in
our themes so everyone can see themselves in these stories."[44] The showrunner likened the
narrative of the first season to the real story of the Tuskegee experiment.[42]

The second season is organized into smaller arcs known as "books" to mimic the style of the
comic book source material, with "consequences" being the theme of the season's first book.
Specifically, Salim Akil said that the season would "deal with the consequences of having
discovered the pod children; the consequences of Green Light hitting the streets; and the
consequences of Jefferson's daughters discovering they have powers."[45][46] Furthering the
season's objective to "give a nod to comic books in a stronger way," the season introduces more
metahumans, though showrunner Akil commented, "I don't want to introduce too many villains. I
want us to settle in now that we know everyone [...] so now we can really tell some grounded
stories about our villains, our heroes, the people in Freeland." He said that there would
additionally be "other forces in Freeland and outside of Freeland" that would come into play as
sources of conflict.[47][48] Lead actor Cress Williams described the season as "harder hitting and a
little bit darker" than the series' debut outing.[49] On the relevant social issues that the season
would address, Akil stated, "I wanted to talk about black people and therapy. We don't believe in
that shit, but we're the number one people who need it."[45] Meanwhile, Nafessa Williams shared
that her character would continue to embrace her powers, elaborating that Anissa now "feels
confident navigating the superhero world without her father, and she feels fully confident and
able to do it on her own."[50]

The third season's narrative begins approximately a month and a half after the season two finale.
[51]
Cress Williams shared that the season would see the world of the series "getting bigger" in
terms of its setting and characters.[52][53] Salim Akil stated that, while everyday life in Freeland
would still be a focus of the season, "we want our stories to talk about concerns not just for black
folk but for people in general. We'll cover mental health and addiction issues that affect the
whole country."[54] Discussing Jennifer's ongoing struggle to control her newly-discovered
abilities, actress China Anne McClain noted that, "When the season starts, we see that Jennifer is
getting more powerful, stronger, and she's also getting more emotional. We can expect a
combination of all three of those this season."[51] Akil additionally disclosed that Jennifer being
stronger than both her father and her sister on account of her unique ability to generate her own
electricity would also raise the issue of who is ultimately in control amongst the three.[54]
Meanwhile, Nafessa Williams said of her character Anissa's journey, "Season one was about her
understanding and discovering her powers, in season two she is kind of starting to perfect them
and trust herself. Season three, [...] her ways of doing things and her mindset is different from
her father's."[55] Furthermore, Williams teased that Jefferson would be making "a really big
sacrifice" this season that would reveal "a little bit more of his angrier side" and "[propel] him at
the beginning of the season."[56]

Casting

On February 24, 2017, Cress Williams was announced in the lead role of Jefferson Pierce / Black
Lightning.[57] On March 2, China Anne McClain and Nafessa Williams were cast as Jefferson's
daughters, Jennifer Pierce and Anissa Pierce, respectively.[5] Later that same month on March 10,
it was reported that Christine Adams has been cast as Lynn Stewart, Jefferson's ex-wife.[15][58] At
the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con International on July 22, it was revealed that James Remar and
Damon Gupton had joined the main cast as Jefferson's oldest friend Peter Gambi and unlikely
ally Inspector William "Bill" Henderson, respectively.[18][59][60] On August 10, rapper Marvin
"Krondon" Jones III was added as a series regular, landing the role of main antagonist Tobias
Whale.[16] At the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con International on July 21, it was announced that
Jordan Calloway had been promoted to a series regular for the second season after previously
recurring during the first season as Khalil Payne / Painkiller.[23]

On September 26, 2017, it was announced that Kyanna Simone Simpson would recur as Kiesha,
Henderson's daughter and Jennifer's best friend.[61] On October 5, it was reported that Jill Scott
had booked a recurring role as the villainous Lady Eve.[62] Later that month on October 12,
Edwina Findley also joined the cast in a recurring capacity as Tori Whale, Tobias' younger sister.
[63]
Chantal Thuy was added to the recurring cast as Grace Choi that same month on October 30,
[64]
though she ultimately appeared in only two episodes of the series' first season.[65] On January
16, 2018, it was revealed that Skye P. Marshall had been cast in a recurring role as Kara Fowdy,
the vice principal of Garfield High School.[66][67]

On August 8, 2018, it was reported that Myles Truitt would play Issa Williams during the second
season in a recurring capacity.[68] On September 5, Sofia Vassilieva was announced in the role of
Looker, based on the DC Comics character of the same name.[69] On September 21, it was
reported that Kearran Giovanni would recur as Cutter, a British mercenary.[70] On October 4, it
was revealed that Erika Alexander had booked a three-episode recurring role as Jennifer's
telepathic therapist, Perenna,[71] though she ultimately appeared in a total of eight episodes.
Robert Townsend and Bill Duke were added as recurring characters Dr. Napier Frank and Agent
Percy Odell, respectively, on October 9.[72] On November 13, RJ Cyler was cast in the recurring
role of "gangly and awkward tech genius" Todd Green.[73] On January 21, 2019, it was
announced that Hosea Chanchez had been cast to recur as Marcus Bishop / Shakedown.[74]

On October 10, 2019, it was announced that Wayne Brady would recur during the third season as
Tyson Sykes / Gravedigger, a World War II-era "super soldier" and American-turned-Markovian
asset.[75] On January 19, 2020, Gupton revealed that he had been let go from the series and that
the third season would be his last as a series regular.[20]

Design
Black Lightning's costume was designed by Laura Jean Shannon.[76] While the suit's design is
meant to invoke protection from the character's vulnerabilities such as his age, and bullets in
particular, Salim Akil stated that there were "a lot of iterations" of the Black Lightning costume,
and that "at one point I had covered his face and his eyes, but what was more important to me
was the emotion, and you need to see that. You need to see his eyes when his daughters have a
gun pointed at them."[42][44] A number of journalists noted similarities between the first superhero
costume donned by Anissa Pierce, featuring a pink, purple, and blue color scheme with gold and
black accents and a blonde wig, and the Thunder costume of the 2003 Outsiders comic book run.
[77][78]
Shannon also designed the final Thunder costume, which was made from a sculpted armor
material in order to stretch to the performer's comfort and serves as an homage to the most recent
costume worn by Thunder in the comic books.[79] The second season introduces the first official
superhero costume for Jennifer Pierce as she takes on the moniker "Lightning" from the comic
book source material. The costume echoes that of Anissa Pierce, in that it is a black body suit
covered in yellow plating. However, the Lightning costume also features lightning-inspired
designs.[10] The third season features a new suit design for Jefferson Pierce as Black Lightning. In
place of the previous suit's glowing blue and gold bolts across the chest, a textured gold design
with blue and black weaving is featured throughout the torso, arms, and gloves. The mask is also
slightly redesigned with dark red-tinted lenses.[80] As Anissa Pierce officially takes on the name
"Blackbird" as a second secret identity, she also receives a new costume for the alter-ego that
consists of a black hood and a mask that covers the lower half of her face.[81]

Filming

Filming for the series takes place in Decatur, Georgia and the surrounding Atlanta area.[1][82][83]
The short presentation that was given to The CW was filmed in March 2017,[84] with production
for the series officially commencing on September 7, 2017.[85][86] Filming for the first season
concluded on March 3, 2018.[87][88] Production for the second season returned to Atlanta
beginning on June 26, 2018.[89][90] The back lot used during filming was the same one used by
The CW's previous Atlanta-based television series, The Vampire Diaries.[91] Filming for the
second season concluded on January 10, 2019.[92] Production for the third season began on July
9, 2019.[93] A week was carved out of the season's production for Williams to film his scenes for
the Arrowverse crossover event "Crisis on Infinite Earths" in Vancouver, British Columbia.[94]
Filming for the third season concluded on January 20, 2020.[95][96][97]

Music

Kurt Farquhar composes the score for the series and Kier Lehman, the music supervisor for
Black Lightning, selects the series' featured songs along with the Akils.[98] The rapper Godholly,
who is the son of showrunner Akil, has provided original music for the series, including tracks
such as "Black Lightning" from the main title sequence.[99][100]

Release
Broadcast
Black Lightning began airing on The CW in the United States on January 16, 2018 during the
2017–18 television season.[101] The first season, consisting of 13 episodes, ran until April 17,
2018.[102] The second season premiered on The CW in the United States on October 9, 2018.[35] In
November, it was announced that the series would move to airing on Mondays for the second
half of the season after previously airing on Tuesdays since its debut.[103] The 16th and final
episode of the second season aired on March 18, 2019.[104] The third season premiered on
October 7, 2019.[37] The 16th and final episode of the third season aired on March 9, 2020.[105][106]

Home media

Having acquired the international distribution and streaming rights for Black Lightning, Netflix
aired new episodes of the first two seasons weekly in regions outside of the United States,
including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, most of mainland
Europe, and South America.[107][108][109] However, following the expiration of the deal between the
streamer and the network, the third season will be added to Netflix internationally at a later date.
[110]
In the United States, the first season was released on Netflix in its entirety a week after the
season finale aired on The CW.[111] The second season was similarly released in its entirety on
Netflix in the United States two weeks after the season finale aired on The CW.[112] The third
season will be released in its entirety on Netflix in the United States in 2020, after the season
finale airs on The CW.[110]

The complete first season of Black Lightning was released on Blu-ray and DVD by Warner
Home Entertainment in Region 1 on June 26, 2018,[113] in Region 2 on January 28, 2019,[114] and
in Region 4 in 2018.[115] The set also features extra content including the series' 2017 San Diego
Comic-Con panel, new featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel.[116] The complete second
season was made available as a manufacture-on-demand DVD through the Warner Archive
Collection on October 8, 2019.[117][118]

Marketing

On March 29, 2017, The CW released the first promotional image of Cress Williams as Jefferson
Pierce in his official Black Lightning superhero costume.[84] On May 18, the first trailer for the
series was released.[119] The main cast that were confirmed at the time, as well as executive
producers Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil attended the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con
International on July 22 to promote the season.[120][121] On December 12, The CW released key art
for the series in the form of the season's first promotional poster featuring Williams, China Anne
McClain, and Nafessa Williams as their characters.[122] On January 4, 2018, The CW and Warner
Bros Television released the first look at Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce in her official
Thunder superhero costume.[123][124] On March 25, the producers and writers of the season
attended the 2018 WonderCon and screened the episode "Sins of the Father: The Book of
Redemption" at their panel ahead of its official debut on The CW.[125] The main cast of the
second season as well as the Akils attended San Diego Comic-Con International on July 21 to
promote the season.[23][126] The first trailer of the season was released on September 6.[127] On
December 13, The CW released the first promotional image of China Anne McClain as Jennifer
Pierce in her official Lightning superhero costume.[10][128][129] Several of the main cast members of
the third season attended San Diego Comic-Con International on July 20, 2019 to promote the
season.[130] The first trailer of the season was released on September 24.[131]

Reception
Ratings

First aired Last aired Avg. 18– Avg.

TV Viewershi
Seaso Timeslo Episode Viewers Viewers viewers 49 18–49
seaso p
n t (ET) s Date (million Date (million (million ran ratin
n rank
s) s) s) k g
Januar April
Tuesday 2017–
1 13 y 16, 2.31[132] 17, 1.69[133] 160 2.73 109 1.0[26]
9:00 pm 18
2018 2018
Tuesday
9:00 pm
Octobe Marc
(1–9) 2018–
2 16 r 9, 1.20[134] h 18, 0.85[135] 179 1.44 147 0.5[27]
Monday 19
2018 2019
9:00 pm
(10–16)
Octobe Marc
Monday 2019–
3 16 r 7, 0.89[136] h 9, TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
9:00 pm 20
2019 2020

The series premiere of Black Lightning debuted to strong numbers on The CW, according to
Nielsen overnight data. Airing in the 9:00pm time slot, Black Lightning's pilot episode drew 2.3
million viewers in the United States and a 0.8 rating in the key demographic of adults 18–49. It
retained all of its lead-in in the key demographic and more than 90% in total viewers from The
Flash. It was The CW's highest rated original series premiere in two years since the launch of
Legends of Tomorrow in 2016.[137][138] Black Lightning's second season debuted to series lows in
viewers 18–49. The second season premiere drew 1.2 million viewers and a 0.4 rating, down
from its first season premiere, average, and finale, as well as from the premiere of Legends of
Tomorrow in the time slot the previous fall. In viewers 18–34, however, Black Lightning
improved by 10% from its freshman finale and was even with the debut of Legends of Tomorrow
from the previous season.[139] With an 0.3 rating and 0.9 million viewers, the third season
premiere of Black Lightning was down more than 20% across the board from the previous
season's finale.[140]

Critical response

Season Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic

1 96% (51 reviews)[141] 79% (25 reviews)[142]

 2 91% (10 reviews)[143] N/A

3 100% (6 reviews)[144] N/A

Black Lightning has received generally positive reviews from professional critics. On the review
aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 95% approval rating.[145] The first season
debuted to critical acclaim.[146][147][148]

Reviewing for Entertainment Weekly, Dana Schwartz gave the series premiere an "A-" grade,
writing, "The Pierce family dynamic is so compelling that even if Jefferson Pierce had no powers
beyond great motivational speeches, this show would be a worthwhile watch. Black Lightning
balances humor with all-too-necessary social commentary [...] to make a refreshing addition to
the superhero TV pantheon."[149] Reviewing the first two episodes of the season, Daniel Fienberg
of The Hollywood Reporter commended the series for its "solid action scenes, bass-pumping
soundtrack, stylish treatment of Black Lightning's sizzling powers and character pragmatism."
He praised the series' ability to "stand alone in welcome ways" and described the premiere
episode as "smart and relevant and full of an attitude that's all its own."[150] Reviewing the first
four episodes of the series, The Atlantic's Pilot Viruet wrote, "There's an authenticity to the series
—it's neither too pulpy nor too preachy—that's heightened by the strong performances from its
predominantly black cast, particularly from [Cress] Williams, who anchors the show's many
conflicts."[151] Nafessa Williams' portrayal of Anissa Pierce, Black Lightning's eldest daughter
who becomes the superhero Thunder, also drew attention and praise from critics. As the first
black lesbian superhero on television, critics applauded the character's social activism and action
scenes, as well as for being a "complex" and "fully realized" character outside of her superhero
identity.[152][153][154][155] Reviewing for The A.V. Club, Kyle Fowle gave the finale an "A" grade,
writing that the episode was "tonally bold, easily moving between being funny and politically
poignant," while also setting up "plenty of intrigue" for next season. Fowle concluded that the
episode was a "confident, compelling, moving end to a season that boasted all those same
qualities throughout."[156] Jesse Schedeen of IGN noted that the series' reduced episode count,
focus on older superheroes and social issues, limited cast, and preservation of the main villain at
the end of the season positively distinguished the series from other superhero programming.[157]

The A.V. Club's Fowle gave the second season premiere an "A-" grade, adding, "One of the
reasons the first season was so compelling was that the show made the political personal. That's
once again evident here, as there's a wonderful sense of the larger community throughout the
premiere."[158] Kayti Burt of Den of Geek! gave the episode a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. She
explained, "There's a lack of thematic cohesiveness in this season premiere that is probably a
result of trying to reintroduce so many characters and storylines at once, but the energy and
potential for a strong second season is definitely there. Black Lightning continues to be one of
the best, most important shows on television."[159] In her review for Collider, Allison Keene gave
the season's early storylines 4 stars out of 5, writing, "Black Lightning is not without its own
flaws, including occasionally disjointed or abrupt storytelling, but its clear desire to educate and
inspire through compelling family drama continues to make it a show of consequence."[160] Burt
and Syfy Wire contributor Stephanie Williams praised the season for its efforts to de-stigmatize
mental health care, especially for black women. Burt called Jennifer's therapy storyline "a
powerful, vital representation of mental health issues—not only within the superhero genre, but
anywhere on TV."[161] Again reviewing for The A.V. Club, Fowle gave the season finale a "C+"
grade. He named Jennifer's journey as "undoubtedly" the best part of the season, but felt that the
second season as a whole "struggled to reach the heights of its first season" and that "storylines
were introduced with full force before petering out, [...] stumbling towards lackluster
conclusions."[162] Dan Ashby of Cultured Vultures gave the whole season a rating of 7.5 out of
10, writing, "Season two of Black Lightning has some interesting storylines, a number of good
fight scenes, a catchy soundtrack, and some important messages. Unfortunately, it all seems
slightly uncoordinated and messy in its execution."[163] In a more positive account from
Entertainment Weekly, Christian Holub gave the season finale a "B" grade, adding, "Season 2's
penultimate installment was all over the place, but tonight's season finale did a good job of
bringing enough of the threads together that I'm now satisfied to wait for season 3."[164]

Reviewing the third season premiere for Entertainment Weekly, Holub gave the episode a "B+"
grade, writing, "Black Lightning has been able to do a really good job of showcasing real-life
racial dynamics and structural inequities through its comic-flavored storytelling. And in season
3, the show is aiming directly at our real-life crisis of family separation and putting kids in cages.
[...] After a bit of a sophomore slump, I'm excited to see where Black Lightning goes from
here."[165] Nicole Hill of Den of Geek! assigned the premiere episode a rating of 4 out of 5. She
opined that, "Black Lightning does a good job of playing with these different concepts of power
and showing how they interact, overlap, and cancel each other out. [...] I hope this season
maintains focus and doesn't find itself branching out too far away from its central conflicts. If the
following episodes consistently operate at this level, this will be an exciting season to watch."[166]
The A.V. Club's Fowle gave the premiere a "B+" grade and added that, "The first episode of the
third season is just as politically charged as previous episodes, but this time around things feel
more relevant, more attuned to this specific time and place. Black Lightning has nodded towards
real life events before, but this premiere, centered around kids being rounded up, separated from
their families, and locked in detention camps with no idea of when they'll get out or what they
did wrong, feels particularly pointed."[167]

Analysis

Tai Gooden of Syfy Wire wrote, "The usage of religion, specifically Christianity, in Black
Lighting strikes a fascinating balance between the science-centered A.S.A. organization and the
fantasy element of metahumans whose powers essentially make them gods among men." Gooden
pointed out that the each episode title contains religious references, particularly the second
season's multi-episode chapters named after themes frequently explored in religious texts, such
as consequences, blood, and rebellion. Additionally, she highlighted the role of Reverend Holt in
the series, whose sermons "are often interspersed with scenes that either complement or
counteract a character's current struggle with faith and making the right decisions." She
compared Khalil's arc to that of one who has lost their faith, and likened Tobias to a Devil that
offers temptations. "The primary characters and community members tackle their personal and
collective plights with bold protests, prayers, vigilante justice, and rogue missions, all of which
are threaded together through overt and subtle religious references."[168]
Several journalists drew parallels between some of the series's storylines, particularly those
involving police brutality and institutional racism, and events that have taken place in real life.
[158][159][160][169][170]
Christina Radish of Collider and Charles Pulliam-Moore of io9 felt that the
character Issa Williams, a black teen who is held in a fatal chokehold by police as bystanders
record the incident and plead for his life, was "reminiscent" of the 2014 death of Eric Garner.
Pulliam-Moore also noted that, "The families of Freeland who are fighting to get their children
back [from government custody] clearly call to mind all of the undocumented children who've
been separated from their families, are being held in detention centers, and may very well never
see their loved ones again."[45][171] Additionally, Entertainment Weekly's Christian Holub
compared Anissa's Robin Hood-esque crime-fighting philosophy and alternative costume, a
black hoodie and mouth cover, to the philosophies and costumes of Antifa members.[172][173]

While applauding Jennifer's therapy arc and the series's portrayal of mental health care, Kayti
Burt of Den of Geek! cited the scene in the second season premiere episode in which Jefferson
brushes off Lynn's suggestion that he should see a therapist as an example of double standards
regarding age and gender. She commented, "The depiction of Jennifer's mental health treatment
is so important, but, as a teen girl, Jennifer is allowed a degree of emotional vulnerability that
adult men are not." Burt felt that this apparent point of hypocrisy intentionally served as a subject
for the story to reflect upon. She said, "Black Lightning isn't ignorant to the many reasons for
avoiding shows of emotional vulnerability, of the potential consequences of asking for help in a
world that so often equates emotional vulnerability with weakness. It just also chooses to tell the
other side of that story: the potential consequences of not acknowledging and actively working
on your emotional and mental health issues."[161]

Awards and nominations

Recipient(s) and
Year Award Category Result Ref.
nominee(s)
People's Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show of [174]
Black Lightning Shortlisted
Award 2018
Best Superhero Television [175]
Saturn Award Black Lightning Nominated
Series
[176]
Outstanding Drama Series Black Lightning Won
Outstanding Actor, Drama
Cress Williams Nominated
Series
Black Reel
2018 Outstanding Directing,
Award for Salim Akil ("The Resurrection") Nominated
Drama Series [177]
Television
Outstanding Guest
Jill Scott Nominated
Actress, Drama Series
Outstanding Music Kier Lehman Nominated
Choice Breakout TV
Teen Choice Black Lightning Nominated
Show [178]
Award
Choice Breakout TV Star Nafessa Williams Nominated
[179]
2019 NAACP Image Outstanding Writing in a Patrick Joseph Charles ("Sins Nominated
Award Drama Series of the Father: The Book of
 Recipient(s) and
Year Award Category Result Ref.
nominee(s)
Redemption")
Outstanding Guest Erika Alexander ("The Book of
Performance in a Comedy Consequences: Chapter Three: Nominated
or Drama Series Master Lowery")
[180]
GLAAD Award Outstanding Drama Series Black Lightning Nominated
Outstanding Drama Series Black Lightning Nominated
Black Reel Outstanding Directing, Salim Akil ("The Book of the
Apocalypse: Chapter Two: The Nominated [181]
Award for Drama Series Omega")
Television
Outstanding Guest
Erika Alexander Nominated
Actress, Drama Series
Best Superhero Television [182]
Saturn Award Black Lightning Nominated
Series

Arrowverse
Further information: Arrowverse

In January 2017, when the series was still in development at Fox, executive producer Greg
Berlanti stated that Black Lightning would not crossover with his other DC Comics television
properties on The CW, nor would it exist in their shared universe, known as the Arrowverse.[183]
Despite Black Lightning's move to The CW, the network's president Mark Pedowitz said in May
2017 that the series "at this time, is not part of the Arrowverse. It is a separate situation."[1]
Showrunners Salim Akil later clarified that they were not ruling out eventual crossovers, but
wanted to establish the series and its own world first.[43] In August 2017, Pedowitz added, "If [the
showrunners] wish to bring it in, that is their call. We had a long discussion with the studio,
Mara, Salim, and myself. We were fine with them making it separate from the Arrowverse, they
have a different point of view. If they end up wanting to go that way, that will be their
decision."[184] Salim Akil explained that the first season's references to the DC Comics characters
Vixen and Supergirl, who are also featured in the Arrowverse, were simply a "fun" way "to tease
the fans" and stressed that Black Lightning exists on a separate Earth from the Arrowverse series,
such as Earth-1 from Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow and Earth-38 from Supergirl.
Additionally, he stated that any future crossover would involve the heroes of the other series
visiting the Earth that is associated with Black Lightning.[185]

Discussing a potential Black Lightning crossover with the Arrowverse in July 2019, Cress
Williams revealed that "there's been lots of talk [...] nothing official, but at this point, I wouldn't
be surprised."[186] Two weeks later in August, Williams confirmed reports that Black Lightning
would be involved in the Arrowverse's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover event.[187][188] By the
end of the event, the multiverse was rebooted and Earth-Prime was formed, which saw Black
Lightning's Earth merged with the former Earth-1 and Earth-38, creating a universe where all of
The CW series exist together.[189] Jefferson also earns a seat at a table of heroes consisting of
Barry Allen / The Flash, Kara Zor-El / Kara Danvers / Supergirl, Sara Lance / White Canary,
Kate Kane / Batwoman, J'onn J'onzz / Martian Manhunter, and Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman,
as well as a seat for the late Oliver Queen / Green Arrow, who sacrificed himself in order to
reboot the multiverse.[190]