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Black Lightning (TV series)#Ratings

{{Short description|2018 American superhero drama television series}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}

{{Infobox television

| image = Black Lightning (TV series).png

| genre = {{Plainlist|

}}

| based_on = {{Based on|Black Lightning||Jenny Blake Isabella|Trevor Von Eeden}}

| developer = Salim Akil

| showrunner = Salim Akil

| starring = {{Plainlist|

}}

| opentheme = "Black Lightning" by Godholly

| endtheme =

| composer = Kurt Farquhar

| country = United States

| language = English

| num_seasons = 4

| num_episodes = 58

| list_episodes = List of Black Lightning episodes

| producer = Robert West

| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|

}}

| location = Atlanta, Georgia

| camera = Single-camera

| runtime = 39–43 minutes

| company = {{Plainlist|

}}

| network = The CW

| first_aired = {{Start date|2018|1|16}}

| last_aired = {{End date|2021|5|24}}

| related = Arrowverse

}}

Black Lightning is an American superhero drama television series, developed by Salim Akil, that premiered on The CW on January 16, 2018, and concluded on May 24, 2021. It is based on the character of the same name, created by Jenny Blake Isabella with 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 "Krondon" Jones III, Damon Gupton, James Remar, Jordan Calloway, and Chantal Thuy. 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.

The show's third season, which premiered on October 7, 2019, featured 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 resulted in the series' setting merging with that of the other Arrowverse shows. The fourth and final season premiered on February 8, 2021, ending on May 24, 2021.

Series overview

The series focuses on Jefferson Pierce, the principal of Garfield High School in the city of Freeland, Georgia. Nine years ago, he was a superhero called Black Lightning, but he retired when that life negatively impacted his ex-wife Lynn Stewart and his daughters Anissa and Jennifer. Jefferson is forced to become Black Lightning again when associates of The 100, Freeland's most feared criminal gang led by Tobias Whale, kidnap Anissa and Jennifer.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2017/05/18/cw-superheroes-crossover-black-lightning-flash-arrow-legends-tomorrow/|title=The CW's Black Lightning not part of Arrowverse, crossover unlikely|last=Abrams|first=Natalie|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 18, 2017|access-date=May 22, 2017|archive-date=May 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521110611/http://ew.com/tv/2017/05/18/cw-superheroes-crossover-black-lightning-flash-arrow-legends-tomorrow/|url-status=live}} After the incident, Anissa starts to develop her abilities and becomes Thunder while Jennifer starts to develop her own electrical abilities. In addition, Jennifer's boyfriend Khalil Payne is corrupted by Whale and is forced to undergo cybernetic enhancements after a gunshot wound leaves him paraplegic. Following a showdown between Jennifer and a corrupt A.S.A. agent, Whale acquires the contents of an A.S.A. briefcase.

In season two, Jennifer works to improve her powers as Whale works to translate the contents of the briefcase. Freeland Police Inspector Henderson discovers Jefferson and Anissa's superhero identities, but secretly allows them to continue their fight against the 100. Meanwhile, Lynn works with Markovian scientist Helga Jace on young metahumans being held by A.S.A. Agent Odell. Stewart is unaware that the project benefits Whale. Following Khalil's apparent death, Jennifer becomes Lightning to help her father. Whale manages to get some of the contents translated which leads to him getting control of the Masters of Disaster. As Jefferson and Jennifer defeat Tobias, who is later incarcerated in the Pit, Dr. Jace is handed over of Henderson and is later taken back to Markovia by the teleporting bounty hunter Instant. As the Pierces celebrate their victory, Odell reveals that he knows their secret identities. He tells them that the Markovians are coming to Freeland and that the A.S.A. is swearing them in for the inevitable war.

In season three, the A.S.A. imposes martial law on Freeland while covering up to the media that there is a SARS outbreak. Having some of the people who are suspected metahumans placed in the A.S.A.'s facility, Odell plans to weaponize those who have metahuman abilities while having Commander Carson Williams, Major Sara Grey, and Sergeant Gardner Grayle working for him to impose the martial law. To make matters worse, Odell had Khalil revived and reprogrammed to serve him. While having been given a new suit by Odell, Jefferson does help against the Markovian soldiers working under Colonel Yuri Mosin. Lynn continues to work with the pod kids while getting bone marrow samples from an incarcerated Tobias while Jennifer meets a geokinetic metahuman named Brandon. After an incident that merges Jefferson's Earth with Earth-1 and Earth-38, the Markovians managed to abduct Lynn and Tobias so that she can stabilize the metahumans in their possession. The delays cause Mosin's superiors to send their metahuman operative Gravedigger to take over the operation and use his mind control ability to make Lynn work faster. Jefferson rescues her with the help of Anissa, Jennifer, Brandon, Grayle, T.C., Khalil, and Erica Moran while taking Dr. Jace with them, but Tobias is left behind. When Gravedigger and the Markovians begin their invasion of Freeland, Odell orders Commander Williams and Major Grey to purge Freeland of those involved with the A.S.A. Henderson ends up in a mutual kill with a Markovian soldier when saving Black Lightning. While Commander Williams was killed by Lynn in self-defense and Major Grey was killed during her group's shootout with Peter and T.C., Jefferson defeats Gravedigger while Khalil thwarts Odell's departure and Tobias' plans to get access to Markovia's metahumans. Though Markovia's prime minister denies what happened in Freeland, the Pierces present the briefcase to a congressional committee as evidence of their and the A.S.A.'s experiments unaware that Gravedigger survived the Pit's self-destruct sequence.

One year later in season four, Jefferson has stopped being Black Lightning. The 100 is in a turf war with the Kobra Cartel. Tobias is now working as a philanthropist much to the Pierces and Gambi's dismay. In light of Henderson's death, Mayor Billy Black swears in Ana Lopez as the new chief of police. Tobias causes trouble for Jefferson and his allies, such as having Black killed. Kobra enlists the assassin Ishmael to target Jefferson's allies and get the remaining kills he needs to join the League of Assassins.

Episodes

{{main|List of Black Lightning episodes}}

{{:List of Black Lightning episodes}}

Cast and characters

{{main|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 as well as enhanced strength. He returns to fighting crime as Black Lightning after his daughters are kidnapped by a local gang. 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-jefferson-pierce-steps-down-garfield-high-principal/amp/|title=Black Lightning Just Cost Jefferson Pierce His [SPOILER]|website=CBR|last=Adams|first=Tim|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044948/https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-jefferson-pierce-steps-down-garfield-high-principal/amp/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/black-lightning-master-lowry-bad-boys-easter-egg/|title='Black Lightning' Drops 'Bad Boys' Easter Egg With New Character Debut|website=ComicBook.com|last=Drum|first=Nicole|date=October 23, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044951/https://comicbook.com/dc/amp/2018/10/24/black-lightning-master-lowry-bad-boys-easter-egg/|url-status=live}} Kaden Washington Lewis portrays a young Jefferson Pierce.{{cite web|url=http://starrymag.com/black-lightning-shadow-of-death-the-book-of-war/|title=Black Lightning – Shadow Of Death: The Book Of War|website=Starry Constellation Magazine|last=Wolf|first=Jessica|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=May 18, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051257/http://starrymag.com/black-lightning-shadow-of-death-the-book-of-war/|url-status=live}}
  • China Anne McClain and Laura Kariuki (recurring: season 4) 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/black-lightning-daughters-cast-nafessa-williams-china-anne-mcclain-cw-pilot-1202034638/|title='Black Lightning' CW Pilot: Nafessa Williams, China Anne McClain Cast|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=March 2, 2017|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508211429/http://deadline.com/2017/03/black-lightning-daughters-cast-nafessa-williams-china-anne-mcclain-cw-pilot-1202034638/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/p/jennifer-khalils-relationship-on-black-lightning-could-put-the-pierce-family-in-huge-danger-13031371|title=Jennifer & Khalil's Relationship On 'Black Lightning' Could Put The Pierce Family In Huge Danger|website=Bustle|last=Gooden|first=Tai|date=October 30, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044946/https://www.bustle.com/p/jennifer-khalils-relationship-on-black-lightning-could-put-the-pierce-family-in-huge-danger-13031371|url-status=live}} It is later revealed that she also possesses powers of electrical manipulation, but unlike her father, Jennifer's cells can additionally generate pure electricity.{{cite web|url=https://www.screenrant.com/ranking-meta-super-powers-black-lightning-cw/amp/|title=Ranking All The Meta Powers In Black Lightning|website=Screen Rant|last=R|first=Alyson|date=April 28, 2019|access-date=June 16, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044949/https://screenrant.com/ranking-meta-super-powers-black-lightning-cw/amp/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/black-lightning/278980/black-lightning-season-3-news|title=Black Lightning Season 3: Release Date, Cast, and Story Details|website=Den of Geek!|last=Burt|first=Kayti|date=June 3, 2019|access-date=June 16, 2019|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331030119/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/black-lightning/278980/black-lightning-season-3-news|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/10/10/black-lightning-season-2-episode-1-jennifer-powers-china-anne-mcclain/|title='Black Lightning': China Anne McClain on the Latest Development in Jennifer's Powers|last=Anderson|first=Jenna|website=ComicBook.com|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=January 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128030503/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/10/10/black-lightning-season-2-episode-1-jennifer-powers-china-anne-mcclain/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-unveils-first-look-at-mcclains-lightning-costume/|title=Black Lightning Unveils First Look at McClain's Lightning Costume|website=CBR|last=Damore|first=Meagan|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=March 18, 2019|archive-date=December 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214113630/https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-unveils-first-look-at-mcclains-lightning-costume/|url-status=live}} Fallyn Brown portrays a young Jennifer Pierce.{{cite web|url=https://www.journalnow.com/news/local/young-whitsett-actress-in-today-s-premiere-episode-of-black/article_f7b252af-937b-57f5-8b2b-aa0726afa713.html|title=Young Whitsett actress in today's premiere episode of 'Black Lightning'|website=Winston-Salem Journal|last=DeCwikiel-Kane|first=Dawn|date=January 16, 2018|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422214017/https://www.journalnow.com/news/local/young-whitsett-actress-in-today-s-premiere-episode-of-black/article_f7b252af-937b-57f5-8b2b-aa0726afa713.html|url-status=live}}
  • 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. 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 thunderlike shockwaves and has an accelerated healing factor. 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."{{cite magazine|last1=Agard|first1=Chancellor|title=Black Lightning breakout talks playing a black lesbian superhero|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/01/30/black-lightning-anissa-nafessa-williams-interview/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=January 30, 2018|access-date=February 7, 2018|archive-date=February 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204141902/http://ew.com/tv/2018/01/30/black-lightning-anissa-nafessa-williams-interview/|url-status=live}}
  • 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-christine-adams-interview/|title=Black Lightning's Lynn Pierce On Becoming A Mother Of Superheroes|website=CBR|last=Damore|first=Meagan|date=January 15, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044949/https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-christine-adams-interview/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.themarysue.com/lynn-stewart-superhero-love-interest/|title=The Ideal Template for a Superhero Love Interest Is Black Lightning's Lynn Stewart|website=The Mary Sue|last=Weekes|first=Princess|date=October 15, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044948/https://www.themarysue.com/lynn-stewart-superhero-love-interest/|url-status=live}} The mother of Anissa and Jennifer, Lynn is "not one to be trifled with when it comes to family."{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/black-lightning-christine-adams-cast-jeffersons-ex-wife-lynn-the-cw-pilot-1202041455/|title='Black Lightning': Christine Adams Cast As Jefferson's Ex-Wife|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=March 10, 2017|access-date=May 10, 2017|archive-date=May 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516091950/http://deadline.com/2017/03/black-lightning-christine-adams-cast-jeffersons-ex-wife-lynn-the-cw-pilot-1202041455/|url-status=live}}
  • 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/marvin-krondon-jones-iii-black-lightning-tobias-whale-warner-brothers-tv-sam-akil-mara-brock-akil-the-cw-1202146162/|title='Black Lightning' Adds Marvin "Krondon" Jones III As Villain Tobias Whale|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=August 10, 2017|access-date=August 10, 2017|archive-date=August 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811054943/http://deadline.com/2017/08/marvin-krondon-jones-iii-black-lightning-tobias-whale-warner-brothers-tv-sam-akil-mara-brock-akil-the-cw-1202146162/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/black-lightning-season-2-episode-5-questions/|title=Black Lightning: 5 Biggest Questions After Season 2'S Most Shocking Episode|website=Screen Rant|last=Morrison|first=Matt|date=November 14, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044946/https://screenrant.com/black-lightning-season-2-episode-5-questions/|url-status=live}} Tobias uses a serum to obtain near immortality, allowing him to age at an incredibly slow rate, and gifting him with super strength.
  • 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/07/black-lightning-casts-james-remar-damon-gupton-series-regulars-comic-con-1202133950/|title='Black Lightning' Casts James Remar & Damon Gupton As Series Regulars, Watch Trailer – Comic-Con|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=July 22, 2017|access-date=July 23, 2017|archive-date=July 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723034429/http://deadline.com/2017/07/black-lightning-casts-james-remar-damon-gupton-series-regulars-comic-con-1202133950/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/10/10/black-lightning-cress-williamsdamon-gupton-interview/|title='Black Lightning' Stars Cress Williams and Damon Gupton On Tonight's Big Twist|website=ComicBook.com|last=Burlingame|first=Russ|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044946/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/10/10/black-lightning-cress-williamsdamon-gupton-interview/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/01/19/black-lightning-damon-gupton-leaving-season-4-chief-henderson/|title=Black Lightning: Original Cast Member Damon Gupton Out Ahead of Season 4|website=TVLine|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|date=January 19, 2020|access-date=January 19, 2020|archive-date=January 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120115526/https://tvline.com/2020/01/19/black-lightning-damon-gupton-leaving-season-4-chief-henderson/|url-status=live}} As such, in the third-season finale, Henderson rescues Jefferson and Jennifer from a Markovian ambush where he ends up in a mutual kill with the final Markovian soldier 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. Gambi makes the Pierce family's super suits, which are housed in the secret headquarters under Gambi's tailor shop.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-thunder-arrowcave-costumes/|title=Black Lightning Introduces Its Version Of The 'Arrowcave'|website=ComicBook.com|last=Adams|first=Tim|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044946/https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-thunder-arrowcave-costumes/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/black-lightning-episode-8-recap-gambi-asa-spoilers-843663|title='Black Lightning' Episode 8 Answers All The Gambi Questions|website=Newsweek|last=Kelly|first=Autumn Noel|date=March 13, 2018|access-date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618044950/https://www.newsweek.com/black-lightning-episode-8-recap-gambi-asa-spoilers-843663|url-status=live}}
  • Jordan Calloway as Khalil Payne / Painkiller (season 2–4; 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/black-lightning-jordan-calloway-painkiller-series-regular-season-2-comic-con-1202430769/|title='Black Lightning': Jordan Calloway Upped To Series Regular As Painkiller – Watch The Comic-Con Sizzle Reel|website=Deadline Hollywood|first1=Amanda|last1=N'Duka|date=July 21, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008022742/https://deadline.com/2018/07/black-lightning-jordan-calloway-painkiller-series-regular-season-2-comic-con-1202430769/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/01/24/black-lightnings-china-anne-mcclain-talks-her-characters-relatio/|title='Black Lightning's China Anne McClain Talks Her Character's Relationship With Jordan Calloway's Khalil|website=ComicBook.com|last=Burlingame|first=Russ|date=January 23, 2018|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406120054/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/01/24/black-lightnings-china-anne-mcclain-talks-her-characters-relatio/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/19/black-lightning-spoiler-khalil-alive/|title='Black Lightning' Reveals SPOILER Is Alive in Season 2 Finale|website=Comicbook.com|last=Burlingame|first=Russ|date=March 18, 2019|access-date=March 24, 2019|archive-date=March 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325015942/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/19/black-lightning-spoiler-khalil-alive/|url-status=live}} It is 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.
  • Chantal Thuy as Grace Choi (season 4; recurring: seasons 1–3):
    A bartender who becomes Anissa's girlfriend. She is a metahuman with shapeshifting abilities.
  • Bill Duke as A.S.A. Agent Odell, sent in to "clean up" the Greenlight situation. He imprisons both the Pierce family and Tobias (torturing him for information), fights the Markovian agents, and ultimately tries to take control of Painkiller - who shoots him in the back, with an aside to Pierce that "he can live without a spleen, but you better get him to a hospital fast." He isn't seen again.

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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/black-lightning-dc-superhero-series-greg-berlanti-mara-brock-akil-salim-akil-1201811892/|title='Black Lightning' DC Superhero Series In Works From Greg Berlanti, Mara Brock Akil & Salim Akil|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=September 1, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=May 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520101618/http://deadline.com/2016/09/black-lightning-dc-superhero-series-greg-berlanti-mara-brock-akil-salim-akil-1201811892/|url-status=live}} A week later, the project landed at Fox with a pilot production commitment.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/09/black-lightning-fox-dc-superhero-drama-series-greg-berlanti-mara-brock-salim-akil-1201815368/|title=Fox Nabs 'Black Lightning' DC Superhero Drama With Pilot Production Commitment|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=April 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429131634/http://deadline.com/2016/09/black-lightning-fox-dc-superhero-drama-series-greg-berlanti-mara-brock-salim-akil-1201815368/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/black-lightning-dc-comic-drama-move-the-cw-greg-berlanti-1201901139/|title='Black Lightning' Drama Eyes Move To the CW To Join Greg Berlanti Comic Lineup|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=February 2, 2017|access-date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508211323/http://deadline.com/2017/02/black-lightning-dc-comic-drama-move-the-cw-greg-berlanti-1201901139/|url-status=live}} The following day, The CW officially ordered a pilot for Black Lightning.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/02/black-lightning-dc-drama-the-cw-pilot-order-greg-berlanti-mara-brock-akil-salim-1201901901/|title='Black Lightning' DC Drama From Greg Berlanti & 'The Game' Duo Gets The CW Pilot Order|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=February 3, 2017|access-date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508194943/http://deadline.com/2017/02/black-lightning-dc-drama-the-cw-pilot-order-greg-berlanti-mara-brock-akil-salim-1201901901/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/04/pilots-2017-early-buzz-primetime-broadcast-networks-1202063678/|title=PILOTS 2017: Very, Very Early Buzz Edition|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=April 12, 2017|access-date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508211640/http://deadline.com/2017/04/pilots-2017-early-buzz-primetime-broadcast-networks-1202063678/|url-status=live}}

The CW officially ordered Black Lightning to series on May 10, 2017, with Salim Akil to serve as showrunner.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/black-lightning-life-sentence-series-the-cw-1202089253/|title='Black Lightning' & Lucy Hale's 'Life Sentence' Picked Up To Series By The CW|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=May 10, 2017|access-date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511194156/http://deadline.com/2017/05/black-lightning-life-sentence-series-the-cw-1202089253/|url-status=live}} On April 2, 2018, The CW renewed the series for a second season, which premiered on October 9, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/riverdale-flash-supernatural-10-cw-renewals-1098997|title='Riverdale,' 'Flash,' 'Supernatural' Among 10 CW Renewals|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|date=April 2, 2018|access-date=April 2, 2018|archive-date=April 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402195748/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/riverdale-flash-supernatural-10-cw-renewals-1098997|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2018/06/20/cw-premiere-dates-fall-2018-flash-charmed-riverdale/|title=The CW Sets Fall Premiere Dates, Including New 'Super' Sunday|website=TVLine|last=Swift|first=Andy|date=June 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620225706/https://tvline.com/2018/06/20/cw-premiere-dates-fall-2018-flash-charmed-riverdale/|archive-date=June 20, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=June 20, 2018}} On January 31, 2019, The CW renewed the series for a third season, which premiered on October 7, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-renews-flash-charmed-riverdale-supernatural-6-more-1181714|title=CW Renews 'The Flash,' 'Charmed,' 'Riverdale,' 'Supernatural,' 6 More|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|date=January 31, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202015411/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/cw-renews-flash-charmed-riverdale-supernatural-6-more-1181714|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/black-lightning-premiere-date-season-3-moves-1202660796/|title='Black Lightning' Season 3 Premiere Bolts Two Weeks Earlier – TCA|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Hipes|first=Patrick|date=August 4, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804164816/https://deadline.com/2019/08/black-lightning-premiere-date-season-3-moves-1202660796/|url-status=live}} On January 7, 2020, the series was renewed for a fourth season, which premiered on February 8, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/01/07/the-cw-renewed-shows-2020-list-riverdale-flash/|title=CW Renews Riverdale, Batwoman, Roswell, Black Lightning Plus 9 Others|website=TVLine|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|date=January 7, 2020|access-date=January 7, 2020|archive-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108032431/https://tvline.com/2020/01/07/the-cw-renewed-shows-2020-list-riverdale-flash/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2020/10/29/the-cw-premiere-dates-2021-the-flash-superman-and-lois/|title=The CW Sets Delayed Premiere Dates for Flash, Superman & Lois, Riverdale, Charmed, Batwoman and More|last=Ausiello|first=Michael|work=TVLine|date=October 29, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029222037/https://tvline.com/2020/10/29/the-cw-premiere-dates-2021-the-flash-superman-and-lois/|url-status=live}} On November 20, 2020, The CW confirmed that the fourth season will be the final season of the series.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/black-lightning-end-fourth-season-on-the-cw-1234619591/|title='Black Lightning' To End With Season 4 On the CW|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=November 20, 2020|access-date=November 20, 2020|archive-date=November 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120181755/https://deadline.com/2020/11/black-lightning-end-fourth-season-on-the-cw-1234619591/|url-status=live}}

=Writing=

In order to have an "authentic black voice" for its setting and characters, Black Lightning utilizes a predominantly African-American writing staff.{{cite web|url=http://m.zimbio.com/TV+News/articles/XPTOqA3g5Ek/Black+Lightning+Will+Wokest+Superhero+TV|title=Here's Why Black Lightning Will Be the Wokest Superhero on TV|website=Zimbio|last=Abid|first=Areeba|date=July 22, 2017|access-date=June 1, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051257/http://m.zimbio.com/TV%2BNews/articles/XPTOqA3g5Ek/Black%2BLightning%2BWill%2BWokest%2BSuperhero%2BTV|url-status=live}} Salim Akil shared that the writers are not all African-American but "have either lived this life or know someone who has."{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/black-lightning-salim-akil-dc-comic-black-voices-tv-turned-corner-tca-1202237371/|title='Black Lightning' Showrunner Salim Akil: "Don't Know If We've Turned That Corner" – TCA|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=de Moraes|first=Lisa|date=January 7, 2018|access-date=May 31, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051255/https://deadline.com/2018/01/black-lightning-salim-akil-dc-comic-black-voices-tv-turned-corner-tca-1202237371/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/black-lightning-salim-akil-african-american-paranoia-community-based-superhero-1202657820/|title='Black Lightning' Boss on Telling a Tale of 'African-American Paranoia'|website=Variety|last=Turchiano|first=Danielle|date=January 16, 2018|access-date=May 25, 2019|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616100640/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/black-lightning-salim-akil-african-american-paranoia-community-based-superhero-1202657820/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/black-lightning-tv-show-spoilers-what-eps-revealed-atx-2550641|title='Black Lightning' TV Show Spoilers: What The EPs Revealed At ATX|website=International Business Times|last=Massabrook|first=Nicole|date=June 11, 2017|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-date=July 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715222302/http://www.ibtimes.com/black-lightning-tv-show-spoilers-what-eps-revealed-atx-2550641|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/comic-con/2017/07/12/black-lightning-salim-akil-spoilers/|title=Black Lightning boss: 'This is an American story, this is not a black story'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Abrams|first=Natalie|date=July 12, 2017|access-date=May 25, 2019|archive-date=April 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416072516/https://ew.com/comic-con/2017/07/12/black-lightning-salim-akil-spoilers/|url-status=live}} 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. 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." 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." The showrunner likened the narrative of the first season to the real story of the Tuskegee experiment.

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."{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/black-lightning-season-2-salim-akil-interview/|title='Black Lightning' Showrunner Salim Akil on Season 2 and the Story's Social Relevance|website=Collider|last=Radish|first=Christina|date=September 26, 2018|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-date=November 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104125848/http://collider.com/black-lightning-season-2-salim-akil-interview/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/gallery/fall-tv-2018-season-premiere-spoilers/#!4/undefined/|title=Fall TV Spoilers 2018: Scoop on 40 Returning Favorites|website=TVLine|date=September 5, 2018 |access-date=March 20, 2019|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180906172627/https://tvline.com/gallery/fall-tv-2018-season-premiere-spoilers/%23!15/undefined/#!4/undefined/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/2018/07/31/black-lightning-showrunner-teases-more-supervillains-/|title='Black Lightning' Showrunner Hints At More Metahumans in Season 2|website=ComicBook.com|last=Burlingame|first=Russ|date=July 30, 2018|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-date=August 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802110533/http://comicbook.com/2018/07/31/black-lightning-showrunner-teases-more-supervillains-/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/black-lightning-season-2-details-dc-tv-watch-1142711|title='Black Lightning' Season 2: All the Details (So Far)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Bucksbaum|first=Sydney|date=September 15, 2018|access-date=November 3, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008022738/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/black-lightning-season-2-details-dc-tv-watch-1142711|url-status=live}} Lead actor Cress Williams described the season as "harder hitting and a little bit darker" than the series' debut outing.{{cite web|url=https://fandomwire.com/2018/04/29/exclusive-black-lightning-star-talks-season-2-dc-crossovers/|title=EXCLUSIVE: 'Black Lightning' Star Talks Season 2 & DC Crossovers|website=Fandom Wire|last=Johnson|first=Reilly|date=April 29, 2018|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407183721/https://fandomwire.com/2018/04/29/exclusive-black-lightning-star-talks-season-2-dc-crossovers/|url-status=live}} 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." 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/nafessa-williams-tvs-first-black-lesbian-superhero-talks-black-lightning-season-2-212022251.html|title=Nafessa Williams, TV's first black lesbian superhero, talks 'Black Lightning' Season 2|website=Yahoo!|last=Sarachan|first=Risa|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420234858/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/nafessa-williams-tvs-first-black-lesbian-superhero-talks-black-lightning-season-2-212022251.html|url-status=live}}

The third season's narrative begins approximately a month and a half after the season two finale.{{Cite web|url=https://shadowandact.com/how-black-lightning-season-3-will-be-more-apocalyptic-than-ever-before|title=How 'Black Lightning' Season 3 Will Be More Apocalyptic Than Ever Before|website=Shadow and Act|last=B|first=Kay|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=August 12, 2019|archive-date=August 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811212549/https://shadowandact.com/how-black-lightning-season-3-will-be-more-apocalyptic-than-ever-before|url-status=live}} Cress Williams shared that the season would see the world of the series "getting bigger" in terms of its setting and characters.{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/07/20/black-lightning-more-superheroes-supervillains-coming-in-season-/|title=Black Lightning: More Superheroes, Supervillains Coming in Season Three|website=ComicBook.com|last=Burlingame|first=Russ|date=July 20, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=August 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807060141/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/07/20/black-lightning-more-superheroes-supervillains-coming-in-season-/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a28461818/black-lightning-season-3-outsiders-rumour/|title=Black Lightning star hints major DC superhero team could join show|website=Digital Spy|last=Sandwell|first=Ian|date=July 22, 2019|access-date=July 24, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724215133/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a28461818/black-lightning-season-3-outsiders-rumour/|url-status=live}} 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."{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/806849/black-lightning-season-3-burning-questions-answered/|title='Black Lightning' Season 3: All Your Burning Questions Answered|website=TV Insider|last=Rudolph|first=Ileane|date=September 1, 2019|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-date=October 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017220401/https://www.tvinsider.com/806849/black-lightning-season-3-burning-questions-answered/|url-status=live}} 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." 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. 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."{{Cite web|url=https://meaww.com/sdcc-2019-san-diego-comic-con-50-tease-season-3-black-lightning-cress-williams-nafessa-china-mcclain|title=SDCC 2019: Black Lightning's Cress Williams says family disjointed when s3 begins, actors explain their upcoming arcs [EXCLUSIVE]|website=MEAWW|last=Sundar|first=Priyanka|date=July 20, 2019|access-date=September 3, 2019|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721030057/https://meaww.com/sdcc-2019-san-diego-comic-con-50-tease-season-3-black-lightning-cress-williams-nafessa-china-mcclain|url-status=live}} 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."{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/13/black-lightning-season-3-preview-cress-williams-markovia/|title=Black Lightning star teases Jefferson's 'big sacrifice' in the Markovian conflict|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|date=September 13, 2019|access-date=September 14, 2019|archive-date=September 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921132127/https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/13/black-lightning-season-3-preview-cress-williams-markovia/|url-status=live}}

=Casting=

On February 24, 2017, Cress Williams was announced in the lead role of Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning.{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2017/02/24/black-lightning-cast-cress-williams-the-cw-dc-comics-pilot/|title=Black Lightning: Cress Williams to Star in The CW's Latest DC Comics Pilot|website=TVLine|last=Swift|first=Andy|date=February 24, 2017|access-date=February 24, 2017|archive-date=February 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225051722/http://tvline.com/2017/02/24/black-lightning-cast-cress-williams-the-cw-dc-comics-pilot/|url-status=live}} On March 2, China Anne McClain and Nafessa Williams were cast as Jefferson's daughters, Jennifer Pierce and Anissa Pierce, respectively. Later that same month on March 10, it was reported that Christine Adams has been cast as Lynn Stewart, Jefferson's ex-wife.{{cite web|url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/black-lightning-adds-christine-adams-lynn-stewart/|title=Black Lightning Adds Christine Adams As Lynn Stewart|website=We Got This Covered|last=Cassidy|first=Mark|date=March 10, 2017|access-date=April 26, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428050946/https://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/black-lightning-adds-christine-adams-lynn-stewart/|url-status=live}} At the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con 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.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/01/16/black-lightning-who-is-inspector-henderson-superman/|title='Black Lightning': Who Is Inspector Henderson?|website=ComicBook.com|last=Anderson|first=Jenna|date=January 16, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428050939/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/01/16/black-lightning-who-is-inspector-henderson-superman/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-henderson-secret-identity/|title=Black Lightning: A Major Cast Member Learns His Secret Identity|website=CBR|last=Adams|first=Tim|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428061628/https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-henderson-secret-identity/|url-status=live}} On August 10, rapper Marvin "Krondon" Jones III was added as a series regular, landing the role of main antagonist Tobias Whale. At the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con 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.

On September 26, 2017, it was announced that Kyanna Simone Simpson would recur as Kiesha, Henderson's daughter and Jennifer's best friend.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/09/black-lightning-kyanna-simone-simpson-recur-cw-series-1202176356/|title='Black Lightning': Kyanna Simone Simpson Set To Recur In the CW Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=September 26, 2017|access-date=September 27, 2017|archive-date=September 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926222616/http://deadline.com/2017/09/black-lightning-kyanna-simone-simpson-recur-cw-series-1202176356/|url-status=live}} On October 5, it was reported that Jill Scott had been cast as Lady Eve.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/10/black-lightning-jill-scott-cast-lady-eve-cw-series-1202182537/|title='Black Lightning': Jill Scott Cast As Lady Eve In the CW Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=October 5, 2017|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428050942/https://deadline.com/2017/10/black-lightning-jill-scott-cast-lady-eve-cw-series-1202182537/|url-status=live}} Later that month on October 12, Edwina Findley also joined the cast in a recurring capacity as Tori Whale, Tobias' younger sister.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/10/black-lightning-edwina-findley-recur-the-cw-series-1202187033/|title='Black Lightning': Edwina Findley Set To Recur In the CW Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=October 12, 2017|access-date=November 1, 2017|archive-date=November 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101230810/http://deadline.com/2017/10/black-lightning-edwina-findley-recur-the-cw-series-1202187033/|url-status=live}} Chantal Thuy was added to the recurring cast as Grace Choi that same month on October 30,{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/black-lightning-chantal-thuy-dc-comics-grace-choi-exclusive-1202602693/|title='Black Lightning' Casts Chantal Thuy as DC Comics' Grace Choi (Exclusive)|website=Variety|last=Bryant|first=Jacob|date=October 30, 2017|access-date=October 30, 2017|archive-date=October 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030234226/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/black-lightning-chantal-thuy-dc-comics-grace-choi-exclusive-1202602693/|url-status=live}} though she ultimately appeared in only two episodes of the series' first season.{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/04/black-lightning-season-one-finale-the-cw.html|title=Our Only Complaint About Black Lightning: We Wish There Were More of It|website=Paste|last=Gunderson|first=Alexis|date=April 17, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331043001/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/04/black-lightning-season-one-finale-the-cw.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/black-lightning-skye-marshall-recur-the-cw-series-1202244242/|title='Black Lightning': Skye Marshall To Recur On the CW Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=January 16, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323073551/https://deadline.com/2018/01/black-lightning-skye-marshall-recur-the-cw-series-1202244242/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://bestofcomicbooks.com/skye-marshall-butt-kara-fowdy-bootyfacts-black-lightning/|title=7 Lesser Known Facts About Skye P Marshall Who Plays Kara Fowdy In Black Lightning TV Show.|website=Best of Comic Books|author=Ash|date=April 22, 2018|access-date=April 27, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428050950/https://bestofcomicbooks.com/skye-marshall-butt-kara-fowdy-bootyfacts-black-lightning/|url-status=live}}

On August 8, 2018, it was reported that Myles Truitt would play Issa Williams during the second season in a recurring capacity.{{cite web|url=https://shadowandact.com/myles-truitt-joins-black-lightning-season-2|title=Myles Truitt Joins 'Black Lightning' Season 2|website=Shadow and Act|last=Mangum|first=Trey|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=March 22, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323073550/https://shadowandact.com/myles-truitt-joins-black-lightning-season-2|url-status=live}} On September 5, Sofia Vassilieva was announced in the role of Looker, based on the DC Comics character of the same name.{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2018/09/05/black-lightning-season-2-casts-looker-sofia-vassilieva/|title=Black Lightning Season 2 Casts Supergirl Foil as DC Comics' Looker|website=TVLine|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|date=September 5, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023024222/https://tvline.com/2018/09/05/black-lightning-season-2-casts-looker-sofia-vassilieva/|url-status=live}} On September 21, it was reported that Kearran Giovanni would recur as Cutter, a British mercenary.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/09/black-lightning-kearran-giovannia-recur-season-2-cw-series-1202469335/|title='Black Lightning': Kearran Giovanni To Recur On Season 2 Of CW Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=September 21, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922112650/https://deadline.com/2018/09/black-lightning-kearran-giovannia-recur-season-2-cw-series-1202469335/|url-status=live}} On October 4, it was revealed that Erika Alexander had booked a three-episode recurring role as Jennifer's telepathic therapist, Perenna,{{cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2018/10/04/black-lightning-casts-erika-alexander-perenna-therapist-season-2/|title=Black Lightning Casts Living Single Vet as [Spoiler]'s Super-Powered Therapist|website=TVLine|last=Gelman|first=Vlada|date=October 4, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008022740/https://tvline.com/2018/10/04/black-lightning-casts-erika-alexander-perenna-therapist-season-2/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://shadowandact.com/robert-townsend-and-bill-duke-join-black-lightning-season-2|title=Robert Townsend And Bill Duke Join 'Black Lightning' Season 2|website=Shadow and Act|last=Mangum|first=Trey|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=March 22, 2019|archive-date=March 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323073733/https://shadowandact.com/robert-townsend-and-bill-duke-join-black-lightning-season-2|url-status=live}} On November 13, RJ Cyler was cast in the recurring role of "gangly and awkward tech genius" Todd Green.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/11/black-lightning-casts-rj-cyler-antonio-jaramillo-seal-team-1202500782/|title='Black Lightning' Casts RJ Cyler; Antonio Jaramillo Joins 'SEAL Team'|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=November 13, 2018|access-date=November 13, 2018|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113231935/https://deadline.com/2018/11/black-lightning-casts-rj-cyler-antonio-jaramillo-seal-team-1202500782/|url-status=live}} On January 21, 2019, it was announced that Hosea Chanchez had been cast to recur as Marcus Bishop / Shakedown.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/01/black-lightning-hosea-chanchez-recur-season-2-cw-series-1202538601/|title='Black Lightning': Hosea Chanchez To Recur On Season 2 Of CW Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=January 21, 2019|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124092028/https://deadline.com/2019/01/black-lightning-hosea-chanchez-recur-season-2-cw-series-1202538601/|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/wayne-brady-joins-black-lightning-as-gravedigger-exclusive-134127|title=Wayne Brady Joins 'Black Lightning' as Gravedigger (Exclusive)|website=Entertainment Tonight|last1=Ng|first1=Philiana|last2=Seemayer|first2=Zach|date=October 10, 2019|access-date=October 10, 2019|archive-date=October 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010215034/https://www.etonline.com/wayne-brady-joins-black-lightning-as-gravedigger-exclusive-134127|url-status=live}} 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. On November 13, 2020, Chantal Thuy was promoted to a series regular for the fourth season.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/black-lightning-chantal-thuy-series-regular-the-cw-season-4-asian-american-superhero-grace-choi-ryan-choi-1234613659/|title='Black Lightning' Ups Chantal Thuy To Series Regular; Actress Talks Season 4, Asian And LGBTQ Representation In The Superhero Genre|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Dino-Ray|last=Ramos|date=November 13, 2020|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113173136/https://deadline.com/2020/11/black-lightning-chantal-thuy-series-regular-the-cw-season-4-asian-american-superhero-grace-choi-ryan-choi-1234613659/|url-status=live}}

=Design=

Black Lightning's costume was designed by Laura Jean Shannon.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/29/first-look-at-black-lightning-from-the-cws-new-dc-comics-pilot|title=First Look At Black Lightning From The CW's New DC Comics Pilot|website=IGN|last=Goldman|first=Eric|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=March 30, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329234146/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/29/first-look-at-black-lightning-from-the-cws-new-dc-comics-pilot|url-status=live}} 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." 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-outsiders-costume-anissa/|title=Black Lightning: [SPOILER] Dons Comics-Accurate Outsiders Costume|website=CBR|last=Damore|first=Meagan|date=February 13, 2018|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421192956/https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-outsiders-costume-anissa/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/04/25/7-best-moments-in-black-lightnings-first-season/|title=7 Best Moments in 'Black Lightning's First Season|website=ComicBook.com|last=Drum|first=Nicole|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=June 3, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051253/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/04/25/7-best-moments-in-black-lightnings-first-season/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/03/20/black-lightning-nafessa-williams-cried-thunder-suit/|title=Black Lightning: Why Nafessa Williams cried the first time she wore Thunder's suit|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Goldman|first=Eric|date=March 20, 2018|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421192955/https://ew.com/tv/2018/03/20/black-lightning-nafessa-williams-cried-thunder-suit/|url-status=live}} 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. 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.{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/2019/09/21/black-lightning-new-costume-leaked-photo-season-3/|title=Black Lightning Gets New Costume in Leaked Photo From Season 3|website=ComicBook.com|last=Aguilar|first=Matthew|date=September 20, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120540/https://comicbook.com/dc/news/black-lightning-new-costume-leaked-photo-season-3/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://meaww.com/black-lightning-season-3-cw-anissa-pierce-nafessa-williams-blackbird-thunder-grace-choi|title=Anissa's new Blackbird identity in 'Black Lightning' Season 3 is a sign that she's ready to step out of her father's shadow|website=MEAWW|last=Noronha|first=Remus|date=September 25, 2019|access-date=September 26, 2019|archive-date=September 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926192551/https://meaww.com/black-lightning-season-3-cw-anissa-pierce-nafessa-williams-blackbird-thunder-grace-choi|url-status=live}}

=Filming=

Filming for the series takes place in Decatur, Georgia and the surrounding Atlanta area.{{cite web|url=https://shadowandact.com/the-women-of-black-lightning-on-being-badass-embracing-their-powers-in-the-high-stakes-season-2|title=The Women Of 'Black Lightning' On Being Badass, Embracing Their Powers In The 'High Stakes' Season 2|website=Shadow and Act|last=Tinubu|first=Aramide A.|date=October 24, 2018|access-date=August 10, 2019|archive-date=August 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811024230/https://shadowandact.com/the-women-of-black-lightning-on-being-badass-embracing-their-powers-in-the-high-stakes-season-2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/pilot-locations-2017-new-york-vancouver-atlanta-los-angeles-toronto-chicago-1202035016/|title=Pilot Locations 2017: NY, Vancouver & Atlanta Tick Up; LA, Toronto, Chicago Slip|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=March 7, 2017|access-date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728134236/http://deadline.com/2017/03/pilot-locations-2017-new-york-vancouver-atlanta-los-angeles-toronto-chicago-1202035016/|url-status=live}} The short presentation that was given to The CW was filmed in March 2017,{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/black-lightning-pilot-first-look-image-cress-williams-the-cw-1202055072/|title='Black Lightning' Pilot: First-Look Image Of Cress Williams As Title Character|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414171727/https://deadline.com/2017/03/black-lightning-pilot-first-look-image-cress-williams-the-cw-1202055072/|url-status=live}} with production for the series officially commencing on September 7, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/maraakil/p/BYv2giahG2q/|title=...In honor of our #firstday of principal photography for #BLACKLIGHTNING...|via=Instagram|last=Bella|first=Mara|date=September 7, 2017|access-date=April 23, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwAX3NBiyG/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BYwAX3NBiyG |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=And the journey begins. Day 1. # Black Lightning|via=Instagram|last=Adams|first=Christine|date=September 7, 2017|access-date=April 23, 2019}}{{cbignore}} Filming for the first season concluded on March 3, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf3QecShF-L/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/Bf3QecShF-L |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Season 1. That's a wrap! Goodbye for now Lynn Stewart...|via=Instagram|last=Adams|first=Christine|date=March 3, 2018|access-date=April 21, 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf3EX6fjwgS/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/Bf3EX6fjwgS |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=That's a wrap on Season 1 of #BlackLightning...|via=Instagram|last=Williams|first=Nafessa|date=March 3, 2017|access-date=April 21, 2019}}{{cbignore}} Production for the second season returned to Atlanta beginning on June 26, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/06/28/black-lightning-season-2-production-begins/|title='Black Lightning' Season 2 Has Begun Production|website=ComicBook.com|last=Drum|first=Nicole|date=June 28, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008061300/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/06/28/black-lightning-season-2-production-begins/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.11alive.com/mobile/article/entertainment/television/programs/the-a-scene/whats-filming-in-atlanta-the-second-week-of-september/85-592467463|title=What's filming in Atlanta the second week of September!|website=WXIA|date=September 10, 2018|access-date=October 8, 2018}} The back lot used during filming was the same one used by The CW's previous Atlanta-based television series, The Vampire Diaries.{{cite web|url=https://tonyisabella.blogspot.com/2019/02/tony-goes-to-freeland-part-four.html?m=1|title=Tony Goes To Freeland: Part Four|website=Tony Isabella's Bloggy Thing|last=Isabella|first=Tony|date=February 27, 2018|access-date=March 20, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120526/https://tonyisabella.blogspot.com/2019/02/tony-goes-to-freeland-part-four.html?m=1|url-status=live}} Filming for the second season concluded on January 10, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BsesB4sn4dc/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BsesB4sn4dc |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=We just filmed our last scene for Season 2...|via=Instagram|last=Williams|first=Nafessa|date=January 10, 2019|access-date=March 18, 2019}}{{cbignore}} Production for the third season began on July 9, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BztwGQOFTrw/|title=First day Mood #BlackLightning #Season3 😛⚡️💃🏻|via=Instagram|last=Williams|first=Nafessa|date=July 9, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2019}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/arrowverse-boss-breaks-down-journey-to-crisis-on-infinite-earths-1203426800/|title='Arrowverse' Boss Breaks Down Journey to 'Crisis on Infinite Earths'|website=Variety|last=Roffman|first=Marisa|date=December 5, 2019|access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206034801/https://variety.com/2019/tv/features/arrowverse-boss-breaks-down-journey-to-crisis-on-infinite-earths-1203426800/|url-status=live}} Filming for the third season concluded on January 20, 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B7jt48Wlmer/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B7jt48Wlmer |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Just filmed my last scene for Season 3, it's a wrap for the kid ✌🏾 #BlackLightning|via=Instagram|last=Williams|first=Nafessa|date=January 20, 2020|access-date=January 20, 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B7j2jtLHOeY/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B7j2jtLHOeY |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=There are no endings, only beginnings. Thats a picture wrap on season 3 @cw_blacklightning 🔥⚡️|via=Instagram|last=Adams|first=Christine|date=January 20, 2020|access-date=January 20, 2020}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B7RC3RIl9Qa/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B7RC3RIl9Qa |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=BLACK LIGHTNING// Headed to celebrate the success and wrap of #Season3 #BlackLightning...|via=Instagram|last=Akil|first=Mara|date=January 20, 2020|access-date=January 20, 2020}}{{cbignore}}

=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.{{cite web|url=http://www.awardsdaily.com/2018/02/08/composer-kurt-farquhar-interview/|title=Composer Kurt Farquhar on What Sets 'Black Lightning' Apart From Other Superhero Shows|website=Awards Daily|last=Haddad|first=Jalal|date=February 8, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423051844/http://www.awardsdaily.com/2018/02/08/composer-kurt-farquhar-interview/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/features/black-lightning-salim-akil-writers-office-art-inspiration-1202823213/|title='Black Lightning' Boss on How an Artful Life Inspires His Work|website=Variety|last=Turchiano|first=Danielle|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427173150/https://variety.com/2018/tv/features/black-lightning-salim-akil-writers-office-art-inspiration-1202823213/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://andscape.com/features/behind-the-scenes-of-black-lightning-reveals-the-intersection-of-race-social-justice-and-culture/|title=Behind the scenes of 'Black Lightning' reveals the intersection of race, social justice and culture|website=Andscape|last=Thompson|first=Gianina|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423051852/http://theundefeated.com/features/behind-the-scenes-of-black-lightning-reveals-the-intersection-of-race-social-justice-and-culture/|url-status=live}}

Release

=Broadcast=

Black Lightning began airing on The CW in the United States on January 16, 2018, during the 2017–18 television season.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/black-lightning-gets-premiere-date-post-flash-time-slot-by-the-cw-1202209913/|title='Black Lightning' Gets Premiere Date, Post-'Flash' Time Slot By the CW|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=November 16, 2017|archive-date=November 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116205410/http://deadline.com/2017/11/black-lightning-gets-premiere-date-post-flash-time-slot-by-the-cw-1202209913/|url-status=live}} The first season, consisting of 13 episodes, ran until April 17, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/04/black-lightning-season-one-finale-the-cw.html|title=Our Only Complaint About Black Lightning: We Wish There Were More of It|website=Paste|last=Gunderson|first=Alexis|date=April 17, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331043001/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/04/black-lightning-season-one-finale-the-cw.html|url-status=live}} The second season premiered on The CW in the United States on October 9, 2018. 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/11/the-cw-sets-midseason-schedule-roswell-new-mexico-gets-premiere-date-black-lightning-moves-monday-1202500213/|title=The CW Sets Midseason Schedule: 'Roswell, New Mexico' Gets Premiere Date, 'Black Lightning' Moves To Monday|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=November 12, 2018|access-date=November 12, 2018|archive-date=November 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112220929/https://deadline.com/2018/11/the-cw-sets-midseason-schedule-roswell-new-mexico-gets-premiere-date-black-lightning-moves-monday-1202500213/|url-status=live}} The 16th and final episode of the second season aired on March 18, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/19/black-lightning-season-2-finale-breakdown-markovia/|title='Black Lightning': Breaking Down the Season 2 Finale Ending|website=ComicBook.com|last=Drum|first=Nicole|date=March 18, 2019|access-date=March 18, 2019|archive-date=March 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319163807/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/03/19/black-lightning-season-2-finale-breakdown-markovia/|url-status=live}} The third season premiered on October 7, 2019. The 16th and final episode of the third season aired on March 9, 2020.{{Cite tweet|number=1205627311875338240|title=Today we start episode 315! Wtf. One more episode left. This season flew by. Appreciate yall for riding with us. Alright bye, let me finish putting this suit on. #Thunder #BlackLightning ⚡️|user=NafessaWilliams|last=Williams|first=Nafessa|date=December 13, 2019|access-date=December 15, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/the-cw-midseason-premiere-dates-katy-keene-return-dcs-legends-roswell-new-mexico-supernatural-moves-to-monday-1202781471/|title=The CW Sets Midseason Premiere Dates: 'Katy Keene', Return Of 'DC's Legends', 'Roswell, New Mexico', 'Supernatural' Moves To Monday|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=November 8, 2019|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=November 8, 2019|archive-date=November 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109083953/https://deadline.com/2019/11/the-cw-midseason-premiere-dates-katy-keene-return-dcs-legends-roswell-new-mexico-supernatural-moves-to-monday-1202781471/|url-status=live}}

=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.{{cite web|url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/black-lightning-season-2-netflix-release-schedule/|title=Black Lightning Season 2 Netflix Release Schedule|website=What's on Netflix|last=Moore|first=Kasey|date=March 20, 2019|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=October 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002181129/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/black-lightning-season-2-netflix-release-schedule/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://anz.newonnetflix.info/info/80178687|title=Info Page: Black Lightning|website=New on Netflix|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708170158/https://anz.newonnetflix.info/info/80178687|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/netflix-international-distribution-nbc-good-girls-star-trek-discovery-1202217186/|title=Netflix Inks Int'l Distribution Deal For NBC's 'Good Girls': Inside New Model That Partners the SVOD Giant With U.S. Studios|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=December 11, 2017|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=December 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212020654/http://deadline.com/2017/12/netflix-international-distribution-nbc-good-girls-star-trek-discovery-1202217186/|url-status=live}} However, following the expiration of the deal between the streamer and the network, the third season's released date on Netflix internationally was postponed.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/black-lightning-season-3-netflix-release-date-when-series-streaming-1466639|title='Black Lightning' Season 3 Netflix Release Date: When is the Series Streaming?|website=Newsweek|last=Spencer|first=Samuel|date=October 21, 2019|access-date=December 13, 2019|archive-date=December 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212233210/https://www.newsweek.com/black-lightning-season-3-netflix-release-date-when-series-streaming-1466639|url-status=live}} In the United States, the first season was released on Netflix in its entirety a week after the season finale aired on The CW.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/04/25/black-lightning-season-1-streaming-netflix/|title='Black Lightning' Season 1 is Now on Netflix|website=ComicBook.com|last=Drum|first=Nicole|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414004702/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/04/25/black-lightning-season-1-streaming-netflix/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/04/02/black-lightning-season-2-netflix/|title='Black Lightning' Season 2 Is Now Available to Stream on Netflix|website=ComicBook.com|last=Drum|first=Nicole|date=April 1, 2019|access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405015730/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/04/02/black-lightning-season-2-netflix/|url-status=live}} The third season was released in its entirety on Netflix 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,{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Black-Lightning-China-Anne-McClain/dp/B07CDVZ479|title=Black Lightning: Season 1|website=Amazon|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414004701/https://www.amazon.com/Black-Lightning-China-Anne-McClain/dp/B07CDVZ479|url-status=live}} in Region 2 on January 28, 2019,{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Lightning-Season-1-DVD/dp/B07JHX7YWZ/ref=sr_1_1_twi_dvd_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1551221098&sr=8-1&keywords=black+lightening+season+1|title=Black Lightning - Season 1|website=Amazon|access-date=February 26, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120542/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Lightning-Season-1-DVD/dp/B07JHX7YWZ/ref=sr_1_1_twi_dvd_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1551221098&sr=8-1&keywords=black+lightening+season+1|url-status=live}} and in Region 4 in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.buydvds.com.au/buy-australia-dvd/buy-black-lightning-season-1-dvd-in-australia/|title=Black Lightning: Season 1 (DVD AU)|website=Buy DVDs|access-date=September 3, 2018|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414034736/https://www.buydvds.com.au/buy-australia-dvd/buy-black-lightning-season-1-dvd-in-australia/|url-status=live}} The set also features extra content including the series' 2017 San Diego Comic-Con panel, new featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/698205/black-lightning-season-1-dvd-release/|title='Black Lightning' Season 1 DVD Includes Tons of Bonus Material (VIDEO)|website=TV Insider|last=Napoli|first=Jessica|date=June 22, 2018|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324184710/https://www.tvinsider.com/698205/black-lightning-season-1-dvd-release/|url-status=live}} The complete second season was made available as a manufacture-on-demand DVD through the Warner Archive Collection on October 8, 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.deepdiscount.com/black-lightning-the-complete-second-season/883929697496|title=Black Lightning: The Complete Second Season|website=Deep Discount|access-date=September 30, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120544/https://www.deepdiscount.com/black-lightning-the-complete-second-season/883929697496|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/dvd-blu-ray-release-calendar-october-2019|title=DVD/Blu-ray Release Calendar: October 2019|website=Metacritic|last=Dietz|first=Jason|date=September 27, 2019|access-date=September 30, 2019|archive-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930212758/https://www.metacritic.com/feature/dvd-blu-ray-release-calendar-october-2019|url-status=live}}

=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. On May 18, the first trailer for the series was released.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/05/the-cw-black-lightning-trailer-first-look-1202097203/|title='Black Lightning' Trailer: First Look At The CW's DC Comics Drama|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=May 18, 2017|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414171734/https://deadline.com/2017/05/the-cw-black-lightning-trailer-first-look-1202097203/|url-status=live}} 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 on July 22 to promote the season.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/comic-con-warner-bros-tv-to-show-off-expanded-dc-universe-series-black-lightning-krypton-more-1202121954/|title=Comic-Con: Warner Bros. TV To Show Off Expanded DC Universe Series 'Black Lightning', 'Krypton' & More|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=June 29, 2017|access-date=April 13, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414004701/https://deadline.com/2017/06/comic-con-warner-bros-tv-to-show-off-expanded-dc-universe-series-black-lightning-krypton-more-1202121954/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/black-lightning-authentic-black-voice-comic-con-cw-1202503796/|title='Black Lightning' Cast and Crew Promise 'An Authentic Black Voice'|website=Variety|last=Gordon|first=Diane|date=July 22, 2017|access-date=April 13, 2019|archive-date=April 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426022308/https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/black-lightning-authentic-black-voice-comic-con-cw-1202503796/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/black-lightning-cw-series-key-art-1202225236/|title='Black Lightning': CW Series' Key Art Unveiled|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=December 12, 2017|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414171724/https://deadline.com/2017/12/black-lightning-cw-series-key-art-1202225236/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/01/black-lightning-thunder-first-look-photo-nafessa-williams-cw-1202236106/|title='Black Lightning': First-Look Photo Of Nafessa Williams As Thunder In CW Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Pedersen|first=Erik|date=January 4, 2018|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413095055/https://deadline.com/2018/01/black-lightning-thunder-first-look-photo-nafessa-williams-cw-1202236106/|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/01/04/black-lightning-first-look-thunder/|title=Black Lightning unveils first look at Thunder|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|date=January 4, 2018|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414171726/https://ew.com/tv/2018/01/04/black-lightning-first-look-thunder/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/02/the-100-black-lightning-krypton-dc-comics-wondercon-warner-bros-tv-1202305784/|title='Black Lightning', 'Krypton', 'The 100' & More Part Of WBTV's WonderCon Footprint|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=D'Alessandro|first=Anthony|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=April 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414171727/https://deadline.com/2018/02/the-100-black-lightning-krypton-dc-comics-wondercon-warner-bros-tv-1202305784/|url-status=live}} The main cast of the second season as well as the Akils attended San Diego Comic-Con on July 21 to promote the season.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/06/warner-bros-tv-comic-con-riverdale-arrow-black-lightning-big-bang-theory-castle-rock-the-flash-supernatural-1202416527/|title=Comic-Con: Warner Bros TV Goes Big With 'Riverdale' Hall H Debut, 'Arrow' Return, 'Black Lightning' + More|last=Ramos|first=Dino-Ray|date=June 25, 2018|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625221834/https://deadline.com/2018/06/warner-bros-tv-comic-con-riverdale-arrow-black-lightning-big-bang-theory-castle-rock-the-flash-supernatural-1202416527/|archive-date=June 25, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2018}} The first trailer of the season was released on September 6.{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/09/05/black-lightning-season-2-trailer/|title='Black Lightning' Season 2 Trailer Released|website=ComicBook.com|last=Aguilar|first=Matthew|date=September 6, 2018|access-date=September 24, 2019|archive-date=September 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924213853/https://comicbook.com/dc/2018/09/05/black-lightning-season-2-trailer/|url-status=live}} On December 13, The CW released the first promotional image of China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce in her official Lightning superhero costume.{{Cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2018/12/13/black-lightning-jennifer-costume-lightning/|title=Black Lightning's Jennifer Super Suits Up — Your First Look at Lightning|website=TVLine|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=March 18, 2019|archive-date=March 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301030900/https://tvline.com/2018/12/13/black-lightning-jennifer-costume-lightning/|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/12/13/black-lightning-jennifer-lightning-first-look/|title=Black Lightning reveals first look at Jennifer suiting up as Lightning|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|date=December 13, 2018|access-date=March 18, 2019|archive-date=April 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415023101/https://ew.com/tv/2018/12/13/black-lightning-jennifer-lightning-first-look/|url-status=live}} Several of the main cast members of the third season attended San Diego Comic-Con on July 20, 2019, to promote the season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-sdcc-2019-panel/|title=Black Lightning Strikes At SDCC With Season 3 Details|website=CBR|last=Damore|first=Meagan|date=July 20, 2019|access-date=July 20, 2019|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721022732/https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-sdcc-2019-panel/|url-status=live}} The first trailer of the season was released on September 24.{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/09/24/black-lightning-season-3-trailer/|title=Black Lightning Season 3 Extended Trailer Teases New Suit|website=ComicBook.com|last=Lovett|first=Jamie|date=September 24, 2019|access-date=September 24, 2019|archive-date=September 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924213858/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/09/24/black-lightning-season-3-trailer/|url-status=live}}

Reception

=Ratings=

{{Television season ratings

|title = Black Lightning

| link1 = Black Lightning season 1

| timeslot1 = Tuesday 9:00{{nbsp}}pm

| episodes1 = 13

| start1 = January 16, 2018

| startrating1 = 2.31{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tuesday-final-ratings-jan-16-2018/|title=Originals all hold, 'Modern Family' rerun adjusts down: Tuesday final ratings|website=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=January 18, 2018|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=January 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119060553/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tuesday-final-ratings-jan-16-2018/|url-status=dead}}

| end1 = April 17, 2018

| endrating1 = 1.69{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tv-ratings-tuesday-april-17-2018/|title=TV Ratings Tuesday: 'Black Lightning' finale steady, 'Roseanne' holds at No. 1|website=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=April 18, 2018|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708082336/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tv-ratings-tuesday-april-17-2018/|url-status=dead}}

| season1 = 2017–18

| rank1 = 160

| viewers1 = 2.73

| 18_49_rank1 = 109

| 18_49_rating1 = 1.0

| link2 = Black Lightning season 2

| timeslot2 = Tuesday 9:00{{nbsp}}pm (1–9)
Monday 9:00{{nbsp}}pm (10–16)

| episodes2 = 16

| start2 = October 9, 2018

| startrating2 = 1.20{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tv-ratings-tuesday-oct-9-2018/|title=TV Ratings Tuesday: American Music Awards dip, 'Black Lightning' returns to series low|website=TV by the Numbers|last=Welch|first=Alex|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=March 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326173942/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tv-ratings-tuesday-oct-9-2018/|url-status=dead}}

| end2 = March 18, 2019

| endrating2 = 0.85{{cite web|url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/black-lightning-season-two-ratings/|title=Black Lightning: Season Two Ratings|website=TV Series Finale|date=March 19, 2019|access-date=July 7, 2019}}

| season2 = 2018–19

| rank2 = 179

| viewers2 = 1.44

| 18_49_rank2 = 147

| 18_49_rating2 = 0.5

| link3 = Black Lightning season 3

| timeslot3 = Monday 9:00{{nbsp}}pm.

| timeslot_length3 = 2

| episodes3 = 16

| start3 = October 7, 2019

| startrating3 = 0.89{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-final-ratings-october-7-2019/|title='9-1-1' adjusts up, 'Bluff City Law' adjusts down: Monday final ratings|last=Rejent|first=Joseph|work=TV by the Numbers|date=October 8, 2019|access-date=October 8, 2019|archive-date=October 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008205253/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/monday-final-ratings-october-7-2019/|url-status=dead}}

| end3 = March 9, 2020

| endrating3 = 0.55{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-9-2020.html|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 3.9.2020|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=March 11, 2020|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=March 11, 2020|archive-date=March 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317050909/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-3-9-2020.html|url-status=dead}}

| season3 = 2019–20

| rank3 = 130

| viewers3 = 1.09

| 18_49_rank3 = 122

| 18_49_rating3 = 0.4

| link4 = Black Lightning season 4

| episodes4 = 13

| start4 = February 8, 2021

| startrating4 = 0.52{{cite web|url=http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-8-2021.html|title=Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Monday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.8.2021|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=February 9, 2021|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=February 9, 2021|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209212029/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-monday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-8-2021.html|url-status=dead}}

| end4 = May 24, 2021

| endrating4 = 0.50{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-9-1-1-and-9-1-1-lone-star-season-enders-lead-fox-to-victory-cbs-all-rise-concludes-on-a-modest-note/|title=Monday Ratings: '9-1-1' and '9-1-1: Lone Star' Season-Enders Lead Fox to Victory; CBS 'All Rise' Concludes on a Modest Note|last=Berman|first=Marc|date=May 25, 2021|work=Programming Insider|access-date=June 5, 2021|archive-date=May 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527124806/https://programminginsider.com/monday-ratings-9-1-1-and-9-1-1-lone-star-season-enders-lead-fox-to-victory-cbs-all-rise-concludes-on-a-modest-note/|url-status=live}}

| season4 = 2020–21

| rank4 = 151

| viewers4 = 0.74

| 18_49_rank4 = 141

| 18_49_rating4 = 0.2

}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/black-lightning-premiere-ratings-cw-1202666907/|title=TV Ratings: 'Black Lightning' Premiere Stands Strong on CW|website=Variety|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=January 17, 2018|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708183628/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/black-lightning-premiere-ratings-cw-1202666907/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/renewcancel/cancel-bear-vs-the-cw-week-17-black-lightning-opens-as-a-sure-bet-for-renewal/|title=Cancel Bear vs. The CW, week 17: 'Black Lightning' opens as a sure bet for renewal|website=TV by the Numbers|author=The Cancel Bear|date=January 23, 2018|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708183629/https://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/renewcancel/cancel-bear-vs-the-cw-week-17-black-lightning-opens-as-a-sure-bet-for-renewal/|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/10/american-music-awards-ratings-scheduling-move-fbi-black-lightning-the-flash-new-amsterdam-1202480095/|title=AMAs Hits Ratings Lows In Scheduling Move, 'FBI' Makes Demo Shift, 'Black Lightning' Soft As the CW Kicks Off Fall|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708183631/https://deadline.com/2018/10/american-music-awards-ratings-scheduling-move-fbi-black-lightning-the-flash-new-amsterdam-1202480095/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2482135/the-walking-dead-needs-life-support-superheroes-arent-so-super-and-more-in-this-weeks-tv-ratings|title=The Walking Dead Needs Life Support, Superheroes Aren't So Super And More In This Week's TV Ratings|website=CinemaBlend|last=Hurley|first=Laura|date=October 12, 2019|access-date=October 15, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016045432/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2482135/the-walking-dead-needs-life-support-superheroes-arent-so-super-and-more-in-this-weeks-tv-ratings|url-status=live}}

=Critical response=

{{Television critical response

|title = Black Lightning

| link1 = Black Lightning season 1#Critical response

| rotten_tomatoes1 = 96% (51 reviews){{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_lightning/s01|title=Black Lightning: Season 1 (2018)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Fandango Media|access-date=March 14, 2020|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419004957/https://rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_lightning/s01|url-status=live}}

| metacritic1 = 79% (25 reviews){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/tv/black-lightning/season-1|title=Black Lightning: Season 1|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=February 7, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120526/https://www.metacritic.com/tv/black-lightning/season-1|url-status=live}}

| link2 = Black Lightning season 2#Critical response

| rotten_tomatoes2 = 91% (10 reviews){{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_lightning/s02|title=Black Lightning: Season 2 (2018-2019)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Fandango Media|access-date=March 14, 2020|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402023812/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_lightning/s02|url-status=live}}

| link3 = Black Lightning season 3#Critical response

| rotten_tomatoes3 = 89% (9 reviews){{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_lightning/s03|title=Black Lightning: Season 3 (2019)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Fandango Media|access-date=January 20, 2021|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113160450/https://rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_lightning/s03|url-status=live}}

}}

Black Lightning has received generally positive reviews from professional critics. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 95% approval rating.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_lightning/|title=Black Lightning (2018 - )|website=Rotten Tomatoes|publisher=Fandango Media|access-date=November 3, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113164412/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/black_lightning|url-status=live}} The first season debuted to critical acclaim.{{cite web|url=https://www.paleycenter.org/2019-black-lightning/|title=An Electrifying Black Lightning Conversation on Good vs. Evil|website=Paley Center for Media|date=February 11, 2018|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120529/https://www.paleycenter.org/events/2019-black-lightning/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.themarysue.com/black-lightning-grittier-feels/|title=New Black Lightning Poster Gives Hints of a Grittier Seasons|website=The Mary Sue|last=Weekes|first=Princess|date=August 29, 2018|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=November 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124154508/https://www.themarysue.com/black-lightning-grittier-feels/amp/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.colorlines.com/articles/cw-renews-black-lightning|title=The CW Renews 'Black Lightning'|website=Color Lines|last=Rao|first=Sameer|date=April 3, 2018|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=June 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616055452/https://www.colorlines.com/articles/cw-renews-black-lightning|url-status=live}}

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."{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/01/16/black-lightning-crackles-with-electricity-and-relevance-ew-review/|title=Black Lightning crackles with electricity and relevance: EW review|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Schwartz|first=Dana|date=January 16, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051256/https://ew.com/tv/2018/01/16/black-lightning-crackles-with-electricity-and-relevance-ew-review/|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/black-lightning-review-1074361|title='Black Lightning': TV Review|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Fienberg|first=Daniel|date=January 15, 2018|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051255/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/black-lightning-review-1074361|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/02/black-lightning-the-cw-review/552947/|title=In Black Lightning, There's No Right Way to Fix a City|website=The Atlantic|last=Viruet|first=Pilot|date=February 13, 2018|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051306/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/02/black-lightning-the-cw-review/552947/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.inverse.com/article/40691-black-lightning-lesbian-superhero-thunder|title=Why 'Black Lightning' Could Create the Future for Lesbian Superheroes|website=Inverse|last=Yohannes|first=Alamin|date=January 30, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051306/https://www.inverse.com/article/40691-black-lightning-lesbian-superhero-thunder|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/black-lightning-anissa-jennifer-pierce-superheroes|title=Daughters of Lightning: How Anissa and Jennifer Pierce Are Setting the Standard for Black Women Superheroes|website=Syfy Wire|last=Yohannes|first=Alamin|date=February 2, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051256/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/black-lightning-anissa-jennifer-pierce-superheroes|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blackgirlnerds.com/anissa-pierce-queer-representation/|title=I'm Already Here: Anissa Pierce & Black Lightning's Queer Representation|website=Black Girl Nerds|last=Lawrence|first=Briana|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=June 3, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604051300/https://blackgirlnerds.com/anissa-pierce-queer-representation/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.advocate.com/television/2019/6/06/black-lightnings-nafessa-williams-force-nature%3famp|title=Black Lightning's Nafessa Williams Is a Force of Nature|website=Advocate.com|last=Anderson-Minshall|first=Diane|date=June 6, 2019|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607093608/https://www.advocate.com/television/2019/6/06/black-lightnings-nafessa-williams-force-nature?amp|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/black-lightning-closes-out-a-strong-debut-season-with-a-1825335833|title=Black Lightning closes out a strong debut season with a perfect, stirring finale|website=The A.V. Club|last=Fowle|first=Kyle|date=April 17, 2018|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=July 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707185002/https://tv.avclub.com/black-lightning-closes-out-a-strong-debut-season-with-a-1825335833|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://m.ign.com/articles/2018/04/27/5-things-the-arrowverse-can-learn-from-black-lightning|title=5 Things the Arrowverse Can Learn From Black Lightning|website=IGN|last=Schedeen|first=Jesse|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=May 23, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120525/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/04/27/5-things-the-arrowverse-can-learn-from-black-lightning|url-status=live}}

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."{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/black-lightning-is-back-and-its-bleaker-and-better-tha-1829640658|title=Black Lightning is back, and it's bleaker and better than ever|website=The A.V. Club|last=Fowle|first=Kyle|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=October 27, 2018|archive-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028073857/https://tv.avclub.com/black-lightning-is-back-and-its-bleaker-and-better-tha-1829640658|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/black-lightning/276656/black-lightning-season-2-episode-1-review|title=Black Lightning Season 2 Episode 1 Review — The Book of Consequences: Chapter One: Rise of the Green Light Babies|website=Den of Geek!|last=Burt|first=Kayti|date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 17, 2018|archive-date=October 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017170906/http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/black-lightning/276656/black-lightning-season-2-episode-1-review|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/black-lightning-season-2-review/#images|title='Black Lightning' Season 2 Review: Family, Truth, and Consequences|website=Collider|last=Keene|first=Allison|date=October 8, 2018|access-date=March 23, 2019|archive-date=March 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322152039/http://collider.com/black-lightning-season-2-review/#images|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/black-lightning/277191/black-lightnings-depiction-of-superhero-mental-illness-is-so-important|title=Black Lightning's Depiction of Superhero Mental Illness is So Important|website=Den of Geek!|last=Burt|first=Kayti|date=October 25, 2018|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701000303/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/black-lightning/277191/black-lightnings-depiction-of-superhero-mental-illness-is-so-important|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/freeland-burns-but-black-lightning-loses-some-of-its-f-1833387381|title=Freeland burns, but Black Lightning loses some of its fire|website=The A.V. Club|last=Fowle|first=Kyle|date=March 18, 2019|access-date=March 23, 2019|archive-date=March 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319122326/https://tv.avclub.com/freeland-burns-but-black-lightning-loses-some-of-its-f-1833387381|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://culturedvultures.com/black-lightning-season-2-review-all-the-right-pieces-but-faulty-execution/|title=Black Lightning Season 2 Review – All The Right Pieces, But Faulty Execution|website=Cultured Vultures|last=Ashby|first=Dan|date=April 5, 2019|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120543/https://culturedvultures.com/black-lightning-season-2-review-all-the-right-pieces-but-faulty-execution/|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-2-finale/|title=Black Lightning season finale recap: Jennifer suits up|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Holub|first=Christian|date=March 18, 2019|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330233309/https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-2-finale/|url-status=live}}

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."{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-3-premiere/|title=Black Lightning season premiere recap: Freeland puts kids in cages too|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Holub|first=Christian|date=October 8, 2019|access-date=October 17, 2019|archive-date=October 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017220412/https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-3-premiere/|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/black-lightning/283699/black-lightning-season-3-episode-1-review-the-book-of-occupation-chapter-one-the-birth-of-blackbird|title=Black Lightning Season 3 Episode 1 Review: The Book of Occupation: Chapter One: The Birth of Blackbird|website=Den of Geek!|last=Hill|first=Nicole|date=October 7, 2019|access-date=October 17, 2019|archive-date=October 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018003253/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/black-lightning/283699/black-lightning-season-3-episode-1-review-the-book-of-occupation-chapter-one-the-birth-of-blackbird|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/black-lightning-adapts-to-the-current-political-moment-1838860250|title=Black Lightning adapts to the current political moment|website=The A.V. Club|last=Fowle|first=Kyle|date=October 7, 2019|access-date=October 17, 2019|archive-date=October 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018003249/https://tv.avclub.com/black-lightning-adapts-to-the-current-political-moment-1838860250|url-status=live}}

=Analysis=

Tai Gooden of Syfy Wire wrote, "The usage of religion, specifically Christianity, in Black Lightning 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 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/religion-in-black-lightning-a-journey-of-rage-redemption-and-righteousness|title=Religion in Black Lightning: A Journey of Rage, Redemption, and Righteousness|website=Syfy Wire|last=Gooden|first=Tai|date=April 29, 2019|access-date=June 3, 2019|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430153857/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/religion-in-black-lightning-a-journey-of-rage-redemption-and-righteousness|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://m.ign.com/articles/2018/10/10/black-lightning-season-2-premiere-review-the-book-of-consequences-chapter-one-rise-of-the-green-light-babies|title=Black Lightning Season 2 Premiere Review: "The Book of Consequences - Chapter One: Rise of the Green Light Babies"|website=IGN|last=Waldron|first=Carl|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 17, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120526/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/10/10/black-lightning-season-2-premiere-review-the-book-of-consequences-chapter-one-rise-of-the-green-light-babies|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-2-episode-2/|title=Black Lightning recap: Confronting those deep, dark truths|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Holub|first=Christian|date=October 16, 2018|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408001056/https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-2-episode-2/|url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/black-lightnings-explosive-season-2-premiere-came-out-s-1829657497|title=Black Lightning's Explosive Season 2 Premiere Came Out Swinging|website=Gizmodo|last=Pulliam-Moore|first=Charles|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 30, 2018|archive-date=October 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031133022/https://io9.gizmodo.com/black-lightnings-explosive-season-2-premiere-came-out-s-1829657497|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-premiere-recap-freeland-changing/|title=Black Lightning season premiere recap: Freeland is changing|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Holub|first=Christian|date=October 9, 2018|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-date=April 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408001053/https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-premiere-recap-freeland-changing/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-2-episode-3/|title=Black Lightning recap: Meet the new boss|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Holub|first=Christian|date=October 23, 2018|access-date=April 7, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407102416/https://ew.com/recap/black-lightning-season-2-episode-3/|url-status=live}}

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."

=Awards and nominations=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"

|+Awards and nominations received by Black Lightning

style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"

! scope="col"| Year

! scope="col"| Award

! scope="col"| Category

! scope="col"| Recipient(s) and nominee(s)

! scope="col"| Result

! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

rowspan="9" | 2018

| People's Choice Award

| Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show of 2018

| Black Lightning

| {{shortlisted}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/shows/peoples_choice_awards/news/963752/2018-people-s-choice-awards-complete-list-of-nominations|title=2018 People's Choice Awards: Complete List of Nominations|website=E! Online|last=Macke|first=Johnni|date=September 5, 2018|access-date=September 5, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003114016/https://www.eonline.com/shows/peoples_choice_awards/news/963752/2018-people-s-choice-awards-complete-list-of-nominations|url-status=live}}

Saturn Award

| Best Superhero Television Series

| Black Lightning

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/saturn-awards-nominations-2018-black-panther-walking-dead-1202727752/|title='Black Panther,' 'Walking Dead' Rule Saturn Awards Nominations|website=Variety|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=March 15, 2018|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023438/http://variety.com/2018/film/news/saturn-awards-nominations-2018-black-panther-walking-dead-1202727752/|archive-date=March 16, 2018|url-status=live}}

rowspan="5" | Black Reel Award for Television

| Outstanding Drama Series

| Black Lightning

| {{won}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{cite tweet|number=1027725187880505349|title=Outstanding Drama Series: .@blacklightning @TheCW .@thesalimakil #BRATs18|author=Black Reel Awards|user=BlackReelAwards|date=August 9, 2018|access-date=June 29, 2019}}

Outstanding Actor, Drama Series

| Cress Williams

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4" | {{cite web|url=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/filmgordon/2018/06/14/2nd-annual-black-reel-awards-for-television-nomination-announcement|title=2nd Annual Black Reel Awards for Television Nomination Announcement|website=Blog Talk Radio|date=June 14, 2018|access-date=June 29, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120529/https://www.blogtalkradio.com/filmgordon/2018/06/14/2nd-annual-black-reel-awards-for-television-nomination-announcement|url-status=live}}

Outstanding Directing, Drama Series

| Salim Akil ("The Resurrection")

| {{nom}}

Outstanding Guest Actress, Drama Series

| Jill Scott

| {{nom}}

Outstanding Music

| Kier Lehman

| {{nom}}

rowspan="2" | Teen Choice Award

| Choice Breakout TV Show

| Black Lightning

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" | {{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/awards/2018/08/12/teen-choice-awards-winners-list/|title=Teen Choice Awards 2018: See the full list of winners|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Douglas|first=Esme|date=August 12, 2018|access-date=August 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813151232/https://ew.com/awards/2018/08/12/teen-choice-awards-winners-list/|archive-date=August 13, 2018}}

Choice Breakout TV Star

| Nafessa Williams

| {{nom}}

rowspan="7" | 2019

| rowspan="2" | NAACP Image Award

| Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

| Patrick Joseph Charles ("Sins of the Father: The Book of Redemption")

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" | {{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2019/03/naacp-image-awards-black-panther-1202054744/|title=50th NAACP Image Awards: 'Black Panther,' 'black-ish' Dominate|website=IndieWire|last=Obenson|first=Tambay|date=March 31, 2019|access-date=May 24, 2019|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405194304/https://www.indiewire.com/2019/03/naacp-image-awards-black-panther-1202054744/|url-status=live}}

Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series

| Erika Alexander ("The Book of Consequences: Chapter Three: Master Lowery")

| {{nom}}

GLAAD Award

| Outstanding Drama Series

| Black Lightning

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;"|{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/glaad-media-awards-complete-list-winners-2019-nyc-1206886/item/outstanding-drama-series-1197809|title=GLAAD Media Awards: 'Boy Erased,' 'Pose,' 'Gianni Versace' Among Winners|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Nordyke|first=Kimberly|date=May 4, 2019|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-date=May 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505181440/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/glaad-media-awards-complete-list-winners-2019-nyc-1206886/item/outstanding-drama-series-1197809|url-status=live}}

rowspan="3" | Black Reel Award for Television

| Outstanding Drama Series

| Black Lightning

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3" | {{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dp8lmwLk2OxT8jnB3bxXuKCgMguZWIfVnQPyfE8yr5s/mobilebasic|title=3rd Annual Black Reel for Television Awards Nominees|access-date=June 29, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630121050/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dp8lmwLk2OxT8jnB3bxXuKCgMguZWIfVnQPyfE8yr5s/mobilebasic|url-status=live}}

Outstanding Directing, Drama Series

| Salim Akil ("The Book of the Apocalypse: Chapter Two: The Omega")

| {{nom}}

Outstanding Guest Actress, Drama Series

| Erika Alexander

| {{nom}}

Saturn Award

| Best Superhero Television Series

| Black Lightning

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{cite web|url=https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/saturn-award-nominations-wm.pdf|title=The 45th Annual Saturn Awards 2019 Nominations|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716102927/https://pmcdeadline2.files.wordpress.com/2019/07/saturn-award-nominations-wm.pdf|url-status=dead}}

2021

| Critics' Choice Super Awards

| Best Actor in a Superhero Series

| Cress Williams

| {{nom}}

| style="text-align:center;" | {{cite web |last1=Hammond |first1=Pete |title='Palm Springs', 'Lovecraft Country' Top Movie And Series Nominations For Inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards; Netflix Lands 35 Nods |url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/palm-springs-lovecraft-country-lead-critcs-choice-super-awards-nominations-1234618498/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=17 December 2020 |date=19 November 2020 |archive-date=December 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225023936/https://deadline.com/2020/11/palm-springs-lovecraft-country-lead-critcs-choice-super-awards-nominations-1234618498/ |url-status=live }}

Arrowverse

{{further|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.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbr.com/foxs-black-lightning-show-wont-cross-over-with-the-arrowverse/|title=Fox's Black Lightning Show Won't Cross Over With The Arrowverse|website=CBR|last=Gerding|first=Stephen|date=January 9, 2017|access-date=February 3, 2017|archive-date=November 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118221100/https://www.cbr.com/foxs-black-lightning-show-wont-cross-over-with-the-arrowverse/|url-status=live}} 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." Showrunners Salim Akil later clarified that they were not ruling out eventual crossovers, but wanted to establish the series and its own world first. 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/02/this-arrowverse-crossover-will-fully-take-place-across-every-show-from-supergirl-to-legends-of-tomorrow|title=This Arrowverse Crossover Will Fully Take Place Across Every Show From Supergirl To Legends of Tomorrow|website=IGN|last=Schwartz|first=Terri|date=August 2, 2017|access-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805032249/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/02/this-arrowverse-crossover-will-fully-take-place-across-every-show-from-supergirl-to-legends-of-tomorrow|archive-date=August 5, 2017|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2018/04/16/black-lightning-boss-addresses-arrowverse-references/|title=Black Lightning boss addresses those Arrowverse references|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418010718/http://ew.com/tv/2018/04/16/black-lightning-boss-addresses-arrowverse-references/|url-status=live}}

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."{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-joining-arrowverse-talk/|title=Black Lightning: 'There's Been Lots Of Talk' About Joining The Arrowverse|website=CBR|last=Damore|first=Meagan|date=July 24, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804221254/https://www.cbr.com/black-lightning-joining-arrowverse-talk/|url-status=live}} Two weeks later in August, Williams confirmed reports that Black Lightning would be involved in the Arrowverse's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover event.{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/arrowverse-crisis-infinite-earths-black-lightning/|title=Black Lightning Will Be in Arrowverse Crisis on Infinite Earths Crossover|website=Screen Rant|last=Morgan|first=Sarah|date=August 3, 2019|access-date=August 3, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803181802/https://screenrant.com/arrowverse-crisis-infinite-earths-black-lightning/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/black-lightning-the-cws-crossover-crisis-of-infinite-earths-1202660768/|title='Black Lightning' Stars To Feature In The CW's Superhero Crossover 'Crisis of Infinite Earths' For The First Time – TCA|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=White|first=Peter|date=August 4, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2019|archive-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805150105/https://deadline.com/2019/08/black-lightning-the-cws-crossover-crisis-of-infinite-earths-1202660768/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/2020/01/14/crisis-on-infinite-earths-introduces-major-change-cws-superhero-shows/|title='Crisis on Infinite Earths' introduces a major change for the CW's superhero shows|last=Agard|first=Chancellor|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=January 14, 2020|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116031914/https://ew.com/tv/2020/01/14/crisis-on-infinite-earths-introduces-major-change-cws-superhero-shows/|archive-date=January 16, 2020|url-status=live}} Williams reprised his role in the eighth season of The Flash, for the in-season crossover event "Armageddon".{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-flash-lineup-of-superheroes-villains-revealed-for-5-part-season-8-launch-event-1234821825/|title='The Flash': Lineup of Superheroes & Villains Revealed For 5-Part Season 8 Launch Event|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Alexandra|last=Del Rosario|date=August 25, 2021|access-date=August 25, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825185236/https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-flash-lineup-of-superheroes-villains-revealed-for-5-part-season-8-launch-event-1234821825/|archive-date=August 25, 2021}}

Cancelled spin-off

In November 2020, The CW reportedly began to develop a backdoor pilot for a spin-off of Painkiller with Jordan Calloway reprising his role from Black Lightning.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/11/black-lightning-backdoor-pilot-spinoff-painkiller-the-cw-jordan-calloway-1234613688/|title='Black Lightning' Spinoff 'Painkiller' Starring Jordan Calloway Set As Backdoor Pilot At The CW|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Peter|last=White|date=November 12, 2020|access-date=November 12, 2020|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112195706/https://deadline.com/2020/11/black-lightning-backdoor-pilot-spinoff-painkiller-the-cw-jordan-calloway-1234613688/|url-status=live}} In February 2021, Sibongile Mlambo, Alexander Hodge, and James Roch joined the cast.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/painkiller-black-lightning-sibongile-mlambo-alexander-hodge-jame-roch-1234694682/|title='Black Lightning' Spinoff 'Painkiller' Adds Sibongile Mlambo, Alexander Hodge And James Roch|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Dino-Ray|last=Ramos|date=February 16, 2021|access-date=February 16, 2021|archive-date=February 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216200637/https://deadline.com/2021/02/painkiller-black-lightning-sibongile-mlambo-alexander-hodge-jame-roch-1234694682/|url-status=live}} Later in May, The CW passed the project.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/powerpuff-tom-swift-status-cw-pilot-our-ladies-of-brooklyn-painkiller-picked-up-dead-1234762992/|title='Powerpuff' To Be Repiloted, 'Tom Swift' Remains In Contention, 'Our Ladies Of Brooklyn' & 'Painkiller' Not Going Forward – CW Pilots Update|website=Deadline Hollywood|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=May 24, 2021|access-date=May 24, 2021|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524180833/https://deadline.com/2021/05/powerpuff-tom-swift-status-cw-pilot-our-ladies-of-brooklyn-painkiller-picked-up-dead-1234762992/|url-status=live}}

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Wikiquote|Black Lightning}}

  • {{Official website}}
  • {{IMDb title}}

{{Black Lightning}}

{{Arrowverse}}

{{DC Comics TV}}

{{The CW programming}}

{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Drama Series}}

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