Black Lightning (2018)
A school principal with a powerful secret becomes his community's greatest protector in this electrifying superhero drama from The CW.
Black Lightning - Series Information
- Original Title: Black Lightning
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Salim Akil
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 45 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 58
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 16, 2018 (United States - TV-14), January 16, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), January 16, 2018 (Germany - 12), January 16, 2018 (France - 16), January 16, 2018 (India - U), January 16, 2018 (Brazil - 16), January 16, 2018 (Spain - 16), January 16, 2018 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: The CW
- Alternative Titles: Raio Negro (BR), 黑闪电 (CN), Μαύρος Κεραυνός (GR), 블랙 라이트닝 (KR), Чёрная молния (RU)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Akil Productions, Berlanti Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Black Lightning - Plot
Jefferson Pierce is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a New Orleans neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community.
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Black Lightning - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Salim Akil
Main Cast
- Cress Williams
- Nafessa Williams
- China Anne McClain
- Christine Adams
- Marvin Jones III
- James Remar
- Jordan Calloway
- Damon Gupton
- Chantal Thuy
- William Catlett
Writers
- Charles Holland
- Jan Nash
- Pat Charles
- Salim Akil
- Adam Giaudrone
Executive Producers
- Mara Brock Akil
- Salim Akil
- Sarah Schechter
- Charles Holland
- Greg Berlanti
Black Lightning - FAQs
Where can you stream Black Lightning online?
Black Lightning is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region.
Is Black Lightning based on a DC Comics character?
Yes. Black Lightning is based on the DC Comics character created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden, who first appeared in 1977. The series adapts the character's story, centering on Jefferson Pierce as both a community leader and a superhero with electrical powers.
Who plays Jefferson Pierce in Black Lightning?
Cress Williams portrays Jefferson Pierce, also known as Black Lightning. The main cast also includes Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce, China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce, Christine Adams as Lynn Pierce, and Marvin Jones III as the villain Tobias Whale.
How many seasons does Black Lightning have?
Black Lightning ran for four seasons on The CW. Season 1 had 13 episodes, Seasons 2 and 3 each had 16 episodes, and Season 4 had 13 episodes, bringing the total to 58 episodes across the entire series run from 2018 to 2021.
Is Black Lightning cancelled or did it end naturally?
Black Lightning concluded after its fourth season in 2021. The CW announced the cancellation ahead of the final season, allowing the creative team to craft a proper series finale. The show is no longer in production and is considered fully ended.
Is Black Lightning part of the Arrowverse crossover universe?
Black Lightning initially aired as a standalone series outside the Arrowverse. However, Jefferson Pierce and his family were incorporated into the Arrowverse during the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event in 2019–2020, officially connecting the show to the broader CW superhero universe.
What is the content rating for Black Lightning?
Black Lightning is rated TV-14 in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series contains superhero action, violence, and mature themes including gang activity, drug use, and systemic racism within its community-focused storylines.
How was Black Lightning received by critics and audiences?
Black Lightning earned strong critical praise, particularly for its first season, which was lauded for its socially conscious storytelling, diverse representation, and Cress Williams' compelling lead performance. Critics highlighted its grounded approach to superhero drama and its unflinching examination of race and community in America.
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