The CW is adding another DC superhero television series to their schedule with the premiere of Black Lightning today!
With four DC superhero shows already under their belt, it’s surprising that The CW can fit another one in. However, this series is a little different to their others as the lead character was previously a hero, but he hung up his suit after he started his family.
The series follows Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) who was gifted with superhuman powers to harness and control electricity nine years ago. He used his powers to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning. But after too many nights with his life and his family on the line, he left his superhero days behind.
Almost a decade later, Pierce’s crime-fighting days are long behind him…or so he thought. But with crime and corruption spreading like wildfire, Black Lightning returns — to save not only his family, but also the soul of his community. Joining him will be his eldest daughter Anissa (Nafessa Williams), who will suit up as Thunder.
Black Lightning definitely sounds like an interesting show, however, it won’t be part of The CW’s Arrowverse—at least for now. At the Television Critics Association winter press tour, co-executive producers Salim and Mara Brock Akil as the Arrowverse doesn’t fit with their vision for the series. “I say this with all due respect, but they’re not really relevant to the show that we’re doing,” said Salim Akil.
Why else should you be excited about the series? Well it’s the first DCTV series to feature a black lead and it features a romance between two women of colour. Plus the series will also cover more hard-hitting topics that other series don’t particularly address such as race, justice, oppression and gun violence.
Not only are the above all valid reasons to get excited about the show, but it’s not an origin story so hopefully it will feel fresh and new.
The series stars Cress Williams (Hart of Dixie), China Anne McClain (Descendants 2), Nafessa Williams (Code Black), and Christine Adams (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D).
Black Lightning is set to premiere today at 9/8c on The CW.
