Introduction
“Black Lightning” is an American superhero drama television series created by Salim Akil. It made its debut on The CW on January 16, 2018, and concluded its run on May 24, 2021. The show is based on the DC Comics character of the same name, originally created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden. Cress Williams takes on the lead role as the titular character, and he is joined by an ensemble cast that includes China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin “Krondon” Jones III, Damon Gupton, James Remar, Jordan Calloway, and Chantal Thuy.
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Table of Contents
The series revolves around the story of Black Lightning, a retired superhero who decides to return to his crime-fighting life. It delves into the consequences of his vigilante activities on both his professional and family life.
Originally in development at Fox, the project received a pilot production commitment in September 2016. However, Fox ultimately decided not to move forward with the series. Subsequently, The CW picked up the project and ordered a new pilot script. In May 2017, The CW officially greenlit “Black Lightning” as a series. The first season premiered on January 16, 2018, and consisted of 13 episodes. The show’s success led to a renewal for a second season, which premiered on October 9, 2018, and ran for 16 episodes.
The third season of the series, which began on October 7, 2019, marked a significant milestone as it introduced tie-ins with other DC Comics television series on The CW, collectively known as the Arrowverse. This crossover event paved the way for Cress Williams’ portrayal of Black Lightning in the “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event, where the series’ setting merged with that of the other Arrowverse shows.
Finally, “Black Lightning” concluded its run with its fourth and final season, which premiered on February 8, 2021, and wrapped up on May 24, 2021. The series left an indelible mark on the world of superhero television, addressing important social issues while providing thrilling superhero action.
Black Lightning: A Series Overview
The series centers on Jefferson Pierce, the principal of Garfield High School in Freeland, Georgia. Nine years ago, he was the superhero known as Black Lightning but retired due to the strain it placed on his relationship with his ex-wife, Lynn Stewart, and their daughters, Anissa and Jennifer. However, Jefferson is compelled to return as Black Lightning when Freeland is threatened by The 100, a dangerous criminal gang led by Tobias Whale.
His return as Black Lightning is triggered when Anissa and Jennifer are captured by 100 members under the command of Latavius “Lala” Jackson. This incident leads to Anissa discovering her own metahuman abilities and becoming Thunder, while Jennifer begins developing her own electrical powers. Additionally, Jennifer’s boyfriend, Khalil Payne, becomes Painkiller after undergoing cybernetic enhancements following a sniper injury.
In a climactic showdown with A.S.A. member Martin Proctor, Jennifer emerges victorious, but Proctor is fatally shot by Gambi. Proctor’s briefcase contains valuable information, and Tobias gains access to its contents.
In the second season, Jennifer focuses on honing her powers while Tobias works on deciphering the contents of the briefcase. With Freeland Police Department’s Bill Henderson discovering the superhero identities of Jefferson and Anissa, the family continues their battle against The 100. Meanwhile, Lynn becomes involved with young metahumans in the pods left by Proctor, unaware that she is inadvertently aiding Tobias through her work. Khalil’s apparent death leads Jennifer to become Lightning to assist her father.
Tobias makes progress in translating the briefcase contents, gaining control over the Masters of Disaster. However, Jefferson and Jennifer ultimately defeat Tobias, who is incarcerated in the Pit, while Dr. Jace is captured by Instant and taken back to Markovia. Odell reveals knowledge of the Pierces’ secret identities and informs them of the impending Markovian threat.
In the third season, the A.S.A. imposes martial law in Freeland, masking it as a SARS outbreak. Suspected metahumans are detained in the A.S.A.’s facility, with Odell planning to weaponize their abilities. Jefferson, now equipped with a new suit from Odell, confronts Markovian forces, while Lynn continues her work with the pod kids and obtains bone marrow samples from the imprisoned Tobias. Jennifer encounters a geokinetic metahuman named Brandon.
A dimensional incident merges Jefferson’s Earth with Earth-1 and Earth-38. The Markovians abduct Lynn and Tobias to stabilize their metahumans, leading to a showdown involving Jefferson, Anissa, Jennifer, and others. Gravedigger, a powerful metahuman operative, arrives, but Jefferson defeats him, thwarting Odell and Tobias’ plans. The Pierces present evidence of the A.S.A.’s experiments to a congressional committee.
One year later in season four, Jefferson has retired as Black Lightning. The 100 faces off against the Kobra Cartel in a turf war. Tobias poses as a philanthropist, causing concern for the Pierces and Gambi. Following Henderson’s death, Ana Lopez becomes the new police chief. Tobias continues to trouble Jefferson and his allies, even orchestrating the murder of Mayor Black. Destiny of the Kobra Cartel employs the assassin Ishmael to eliminate Jefferson’s allies, aiming to gain entry into the League of Assassins by obtaining the remaining metahuman kills he needs.
Episode Summaries
| Season | Episodes | First Aired | Last Aired | Rank | Average Viewers (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 | January 16, 2018 | April 17, 2018 | 160 | 2.73 |
| 2 | 16 | October 9, 2018 | March 18, 2019 | 179 | 1.44 |
| 3 | 16 | October 7, 2019 | March 9, 2020 | 130 | 1.09 |
| 4 | 13 | February 8, 2021 | May 24, 2021 | 151 | 0.74 |
Character Roster: Meet the Cast
Let’s take a closer look at the incredible cast members who made this show a standout success.
1. Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning: Cress Williams took on the role of the titular character, Jefferson Pierce, aka Black Lightning. Williams’s portrayal of the retired superhero turned high school principal was nothing short of captivating. He skillfully portrayed a complex character juggling family responsibilities and a desire to protect his community. Williams brought depth and authenticity to the role, making Black Lightning a relatable and inspirational character.
2. China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce: China Anne McClain played the role of Jennifer Pierce, Jefferson’s youngest daughter, who later became the superhero Lightning. McClain’s performance was both powerful and heartfelt, showcasing the challenges of a young woman coming to terms with her newfound abilities. Her journey from a teenager struggling with her powers to a confident hero was a highlight of the series.
3. Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce/Thunder: Nafessa Williams portrayed Anissa Pierce, Jefferson’s older daughter, who transforms into the superhero Thunder. Williams brought a sense of determination and strength to the character, and her portrayal resonated with viewers as she stood up against injustice. Anissa’s journey as a lesbian superhero was groundbreaking for LGBTQ+ representation in the superhero genre.
4. Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart: Christine Adams played the role of Dr. Lynn Stewart, Jefferson’s ex-wife and a brilliant scientist. Adams’s portrayal added depth to the series as she navigated her complicated relationship with Jefferson and her commitment to her work. Lynn’s unwavering dedication to finding a cure for the metahuman condition added an essential layer to the show’s narrative.
5. Marvin “Krondon” Jones III as Tobias Whale: Marvin Jones III, also known as Krondon, delivered a standout performance as the main antagonist, Tobias Whale. His portrayal of the ruthless crime lord was chilling and compelling. Tobias Whale’s vendetta against Black Lightning and his desire for power made him a formidable foe and a memorable character in the series.
6. James Remar as Peter Gambi: James Remar played the role of Peter Gambi, a tailor and Black Lightning’s mentor. Remar brought wisdom and a fatherly presence to the series, serving as a guiding force for Jefferson. Gambi’s mysterious past and his role in the metahuman world added intrigue to the show.
7. Jordan Calloway as Khalil Payne/Painkiller: Jordan Calloway portrayed Khalil Payne, who initially appeared as Jennifer’s boyfriend and later transformed into the antihero Painkiller. Calloway’s portrayal showcased the internal struggle of a character torn between his past and his newfound identity as a metahuman assassin. His redemption arc added complexity to the series.
8. Chantal Thuy portrayed Grace Choi: initially in a recurring role during seasons 1 to 3 and as a series regular in season 4. She portrays a bartender who becomes Anissa’s romantic partner. Additionally, her character possesses metahuman shapeshifting abilities.
9. Damon Gupton portrayed Bill Henderson: during seasons 1 to 3 of the series. He portrayed a seasoned inspector and the highest-ranking detective within the police force, eventually rising to the position of deputy chief at the Freeland Police Department. Henderson’s role in the community initially put him in opposition to Black Lightning, but their paths converged, forging an unexpected alliance. Over time, Henderson made the startling discovery that his lifelong friend, Jefferson Pierce, and the vigilante Black Lightning were one and the same. This revelation strained their relationship for a period.
Nevertheless, Henderson evolved into one of Black Lightning’s closest allies. As the A.S.A. took control of Freeland, he secretly played a pivotal role in igniting the resistance while maintaining the façade of a compliant public servant. In a surprise turn of events, Damon Gupton revealed in January 2020 that Henderson would not feature in the fourth season, making the third season his last as a series regular. Consequently, in the third-season finale, Henderson valiantly rescued Jefferson and Jennifer from a Markovian ambush but tragically met his end, engaging in a mutual kill with the last Markovian soldier and passing away in Jefferson’s arms.
Behind the Scenes: The Production of ‘Black Lightning
The Genesis of ‘Black Lightning’: Development Insights
In September 2016, after undergoing several iterations and extensive developmental phases spanning over a year, Mara Brock Akil, her husband Salim Akil, and the seasoned Warner Bros. Television producer Greg Berlanti initiated the process of pitching “Black Lightning” to television networks. The Akils took on the role of scriptwriters and served as executive producers, collaborating with Berlanti and his frequent partner Sarah Schechter.
Within a week, the project secured a pilot production commitment from Fox. However, in February 2017, Fox decided not to proceed with the pilot, citing concerns about its compatibility within their already densely populated genre drama lineup. Consequently, the project was made available to other networks. Given The CW’s association with several of Berlanti’s television endeavors, it emerged as the network most likely to bring the series to life.
The following day, The CW officially greenlit a pilot for “Black Lightning,” leading to the abandonment of the original pilot script crafted for Fox. Instead, a concise presentation was filmed in anticipation of the network’s final decision regarding series pickup.
On May 10, 2017, The CW formally ordered “Black Lightning” as a series, appointing Salim Akil as the showrunner. Subsequently, on April 2, 2018, The CW renewed the series for a second season, which premiered on October 9, 2018. The network renewed the show for a third season on January 31, 2019, with the season debuting on October 7, 2019. On January 7, 2020, the series received a renewal for a fourth season, which premiered on February 8, 2021.
Finally, on November 20, 2020, The CW confirmed that the fourth season would mark the conclusion of the series.
The Art of Crafting ‘Black Lightning’: Behind the Scenes of the Writing Process
To ensure an authentic portrayal of its setting and characters, “Black Lightning” assembled a predominantly African-American writing staff. While not all the writers were African-American, they had either experienced the depicted life or had close connections who had.
In crafting the first season, showrunner Salim Akil drew inspiration from the original Black Lightning comic books. He emphasized the importance of showcasing Black Lightning as a black father who defies the stereotype of a “deadbeat.” Akil likened Jefferson and his family to “the Obamas of the superhero world” and drew parallels between the duality of Jefferson Pierce and his alter ego, Black Lightning, and the duality of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The show’s focus on character-driven family drama led to a departure from the typical “villain of the week” format, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters, including the villains.
The series made a commitment to LGBTQ+ representation, integrating these characters into the narrative without treating their presence as a special issue. The creators also intended to address pressing topics such as the Black Lives Matter movement, race relations, and police brutality. However, they emphasized that the show’s themes were universal and aimed to resonate with a broad audience.
The second season adopted a format organized into smaller arcs referred to as “books,” echoing the structure of comic book source material. The overarching theme of the first book was “consequences,” exploring the aftermath of various events, including the discovery of pod children, the proliferation of Green Light, and the Pierce daughters’ newfound powers. The season introduced more metahumans while maintaining a focus on grounded storytelling.
The third season continued to expand the show’s world, with the narrative set approximately a month and a half after the season two finale. It explored societal concerns beyond the African-American community, touching on mental health and addiction issues.
The season delved into Jennifer’s evolving powers, her growing emotional struggles, and her unique strength relative to her family members. Anissa’s journey evolved as well, with a focus on her individuality and distinct approach to being a hero. Additionally, the season explored Jefferson’s character, hinting at a significant sacrifice and revealing more of his angrier side.
Overall, “Black Lightning” aimed to authentically portray the complexities of its characters and address relevant social issues while crafting a narrative with universal themes.
The Ensemble: Casting Choices in ‘Black Lightning
The casting process for “Black Lightning” unfolded over several announcements and months:
- On February 24, 2017, Cress Williams was revealed as the lead actor, playing the role of Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning.
- On March 2, China Anne McClain and Nafessa Williams were cast as Jefferson’s daughters, Jennifer Pierce and Anissa Pierce, respectively.
- Later in March, on the 10th, Christine Adams was announced as Lynn Stewart, Jefferson’s ex-wife.
- During the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con International on July 22, it was disclosed that James Remar and Damon Gupton had joined the main cast, with Remar portraying Peter Gambi, Jefferson’s oldest friend, and Gupton taking on the role of Inspector William “Bill” Henderson.
- On August 10, rapper Marvin “Krondon” Jones III was added as a series regular, cast as the main antagonist Tobias Whale.
- At the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con International on July 21, it was revealed that Jordan Calloway, who had previously recurred during the first season as Khalil Payne / Painkiller, would be promoted to a series regular for the second season.
- On September 26, 2017, Kyanna Simone Simpson was announced as a recurring character, Kiesha, who is Henderson’s daughter and Jennifer’s best friend.
- On October 5, it was reported that Jill Scott had secured a recurring role as the villainous Lady Eve.
- Later in October, on the 12th, Edwina Findley joined the cast in a recurring capacity as Tori Whale, Tobias’ younger sister.
- Chantal Thuy was added to the recurring cast as Grace Choi on October 30, although she appeared in only two episodes of the first season.
- On January 16, 2018, Skye P. Marshall was revealed to have been cast in a recurring role as Kara Fowdy, the vice principal of Garfield High School.
- On August 8, 2018, it was reported that Myles Truitt would play Issa Williams during the second season in a recurring capacity.
- On September 5, Sofia Vassilieva was announced to play Looker, based on the DC Comics character of the same name.
- On September 21, it was reported that Kearran Giovanni would recur as Cutter, a British mercenary.
- On October 4, Erika Alexander booked a three-episode recurring role as Jennifer’s telepathic therapist, Perenna, although she ultimately appeared in eight episodes.
- Robert Townsend and Bill Duke were added as recurring characters Dr. Napier Frank and Agent Percy Odell, respectively, on October 9.
- On November 13, RJ Cyler was cast in the recurring role of Todd Green, described as a “gangly and awkward tech genius.”
- On January 21, 2019, Hosea Chanchez was announced to recur as Marcus Bishop / Shakedown.
- On October 10, 2019, Wayne Brady was revealed to recur during the third season as Tyson Sykes / Gravedigger, a World War II-era “super soldier” and American-turned-Markovian asset.
- In January 2020, Damon Gupton announced his departure from the series, making the third season his last as a series regular.
- On November 13, 2020, Chantal Thuy was promoted to a series regular for the fourth season.
Designing the World of ‘Black Lightning’.
The costume design for Black Lightning and his family’s superhero personas was crafted by Laura Jean Shannon. The goal was to create costumes that not only offered protection but also conveyed the characters’ emotions and allowed for facial expressions.
Black Lightning’s suit was designed to address his vulnerabilities, including his age and the threat of bullets. While there were numerous iterations, showrunner Salim Akil emphasized the importance of showcasing the character’s emotions, particularly his eyes, especially in intense moments with his daughters.
Anissa Pierce’s initial superhero costume, with a pink, purple, and blue color scheme, gold and black accents, and a blonde wig, drew comparisons to the Thunder costume from the 2003 Outsiders comic book run. Shannon also designed the final Thunder costume, using sculpted armor material for comfort and paying homage to the recent comic book iterations.
The second season introduced Jennifer Pierce’s official superhero costume as “Lightning.” It featured a black body suit with yellow plating and lightning-inspired designs, aligning with the comic book source material.
In the third season, Black Lightning received a new suit design. The glowing blue and gold bolts across the chest were replaced by a textured gold design with blue and black weaving across the torso, arms, and gloves. The mask also underwent a slight redesign with dark red-tinted lenses.
Anissa Pierce adopted the alias “Blackbird” as a second secret identity in the same season, and her new costume included a black hood and a mask covering the lower half of her face.
These costume designs contributed to the visual storytelling and characterization in the series, balancing functionality with emotional expression and comic book inspiration.
Behind the Camera: Filming ‘Black Lightning’.
Filming for “Black Lightning” primarily takes place in Decatur, Georgia, and the surrounding Atlanta area. The series leverages the diverse locations in these regions to bring its story to life.
The short presentation for the series, initially given to The CW, was filmed in March 2017 as part of the early development process. Production for the series officially commenced on September 7, 2017, marking the start of the journey to bring the show to the screen.
Filming for the first season continued until March 3, 2018, capturing the initial chapters of the story. For the second season, production returned to Atlanta, with filming commencing on June 26, 2018. The same back lot used in the production of The CW’s previous Atlanta-based series, “The Vampire Diaries,” served as a key location for “Black Lightning.” Filming for the second season concluded on January 10, 2019, furthering the narrative of the series.
The third season’s production kicked off on July 9, 2019. During this season, a dedicated week was allocated to allow lead actor Cress Williams to film his scenes for the Arrowverse crossover event “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia. Filming for the third season wrapped up on January 20, 2020, adding to the ongoing saga of “Black Lightning.”
The Sonic Landscape of ‘Black Lightning’: Music in the Series
Kurt Farquhar is the composer responsible for crafting the score of the series, while Kier Lehman, serving as the music supervisor for “Black Lightning,” collaborates with the Akils to curate the series’ featured songs. Notably, the rapper Godholly, who happens to be the son of showrunner Akil, has contributed original music for the series. This includes tracks like “Black Lightning,” which features prominently in the main title sequence.
Reaching Audiences: The Broadcast of ‘Black Lightning’.
“Black Lightning” made its debut on The CW in the United States on January 16, 2018, marking the start of the 2017–18 television season. The first season, comprising 13 episodes, concluded on April 17, 2018.
The second season premiered on The CW in the United States on October 9, 2018. In November, it was announced that the series would shift its airing schedule from Tuesdays to Mondays for the second half of the season. The second season wrapped up with its 16th and final episode on March 18, 2019.
The third season made its debut on October 7, 2019, continuing the saga. The 16th and final episode of the third season aired on March 9, 2020, furthering the storyline of “Black Lightning.”
Bringing ‘Black Lightning’ Home: The Home Media Releases
After securing international distribution and streaming rights for “Black Lightning,” Netflix began airing new episodes of the first two seasons weekly in regions outside of the United States. These regions included Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, most of mainland Europe, and South America. However, with the expiration of the deal between Netflix and the network, the international release date for the third season was delayed.
In the United States, the first season was made available on Netflix in its entirety just a week after the season finale aired on The CW. The same approach was taken for the second season, with it being released on Netflix in its entirety two weeks after the season finale on The CW. As for the third season, it became available on Netflix in its entirety in the United States on March 17, 2020.
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, in Region 2 on January 28, 2019, and in Region 4 in 2018. This set includes bonus content such as the series’ 2017 San Diego Comic-Con panel, new featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. The complete second season was made accessible as a manufacture-on-demand DVD through the Warner Archive Collection on October 8, 2019.
Electrifying the Audience: Marketing ‘Black Lightning’.
The marketing campaign for “Black Lightning” kicked off with the release of the first promotional image on March 29, 2017, showcasing Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce in his official Black Lightning superhero costume. This initial image set the tone for the series.
On May 18, the first trailer for the series was unveiled, generating excitement among fans. The main cast, along with executive producers Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil, made an appearance at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con International on July 22 to promote the upcoming season.
As anticipation continued to build, The CW released key art for the series on December 12, featuring a promotional poster highlighting Williams, China Anne McClain, and Nafessa Williams in their respective character roles. This poster served as a visual representation of the show’s core characters.
On January 4, 2018, The CW and Warner Bros. Television offered fans a glimpse of Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce in her official Thunder superhero costume, further fueling excitement.
The marketing efforts extended to WonderCon on March 25, where the producers and writers of the season held a panel and screened an episode ahead of its official debut on The CW. San Diego Comic-Con International on July 21 was another significant event, with the main cast and the Akils promoting the upcoming season.
The second season’s promotional campaign included the release of the first trailer on September 6. On December 13, The CW released the first promotional image of China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce in her official Lightning superhero costume, creating buzz among fans.
For the third season, several main cast members attended San Diego Comic-Con International on July 20, 2019, to generate excitement and discuss the season. The first trailer for the season was released on September 24, offering fans a glimpse of what was to come.
Recognition and Honors: Awards and Nominations for ‘Black Lightning’
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient(s) and Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | People’s Choice Award | Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show of 2018 | Black Lightning | Shortlisted |
| 2018 | Saturn Award | Best Superhero Television Series | Black Lightning | Nominated |
| 2018 | Black Reel Award for Television | Outstanding Drama Series | Black Lightning | Won |
| 2018 | Black Reel Award for Television | Outstanding Actor, Drama Series | Cress Williams | Nominated |
| 2018 | Black Reel Award for Television | Outstanding Directing, Drama Series | Salim Akil (“The Resurrection”) | Nominated |
| 2018 | Black Reel Award for Television | Outstanding Guest Actress, Drama Series | Jill Scott | Nominated |
| 2018 | Black Reel Award for Television | Outstanding Music | Kier Lehman | Nominated |
| 2018 | Teen Choice Award | Choice Breakout TV Show | Black Lightning | Nominated |
| 2018 | Teen Choice Award | Choice Breakout TV Star | Nafessa Williams | Nominated |
| 2019 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series | Patrick Joseph Charles (“Sins of the Father: The Book of Redemption”) | Nominated |
| 2019 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series | Erika Alexander (“The Book of Consequences: Chapter Three: Master Lowery”) | Nominated |
| 2019 | GLAAD Award | Outstanding Drama Series | Black Lightning | Nominated |
| 2019 | Black Reel Award for Television | Outstanding Drama Series | Black Lightning | Nominated |
| 2019 | Black Reel Award for Television | Outstanding Directing, Drama Series | Salim Akil (“The Book of the Apocalypse: Chapter Two: The Omega”) | Nominated |
| 2019 | Black Reel Award for Television | Outstanding Guest Actress, Drama Series | Erika Alexander | Nominated |
| 2019 | Saturn Award | Best Superhero Television Series | Black Lightning | Nominated |
| 2021 | Critics’ Choice Super Awards | Best Actor in a Superhero Series | Cress Williams | Nominated |
Ratings Overview
| Season | Timeslot (ET) | Episodes | First Aired | Last Aired | TV Season | Viewership Rank | Avg. Viewers (Millions) | 18–49 Rank | Avg. 18–49 Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuesday 9:00 pm | 13 | January 16, 2018 | April 17, 2018 | 2017–18 | 160 | 2.73 | 109 | 1.0 |
| 2 | Tuesday 9:00 pm (1–9) Monday 9:00 pm (10–16) | 16 | October 9, 2018 | March 18, 2019 | 2018–19 | 179 | 1.44 | 147 | 0.5 |
| 3 | Monday 9:00 pm | 16 | October 7, 2019 | March 9, 2020 | 2019–20 | 130 | 1.09 | 122 | 0.4 |
| 4 | 13 | February 8, 2021 | May 24, 2021 | 2020–21 | 151 | 0.74 | 141 | 0.2 |
Conclusion: The cast of “Black Lightning” brought their A-game to every episode, creating a superhero show that resonated with audiences on multiple levels. Through their exceptional performances, they explored themes of family, community, social justice, and identity. The series broke new ground by featuring a predominantly Black cast and addressing important issues facing the African-American community.