On Wednesday evening, the CW network gave an official series order to Black Lightning. Returning CW alum Cress Williams (Hart of Dixie) stars in the title role, while Nefessa Williams (Code Black), China Anne McClain (Descendants 2) and Christine Adams (Terra Nova) will also feature. Salim Akil and his wife Mara Brock Akil created the show first at Fox and then at the CW, and wrote the pilot together.
Black Lightning is the first drama to arise from Salim and Mara Akil's overall deal with Warner Bros. Television. The Akils' prior credits together include The Game and Being Mary Jane and other properties.
The show stars Williams as Jefferson Pierce, an educator and retired superhero, who hung up his suit years ago. His daughter's desire for justice and the threat of a star student being recruited by a local gang, combine to bring Pierce back into the role of superhero, wanted vigilante and DC Comics legend.
A midseason premier for Black Lightning will give the Akils and Berlanti Productions the opportunity to introduce the show's characters and storyline through 'Arrow,' 'Flash,' 'Legends of Tomorrow,' or 'Supergirl.' However, as of this writing, none of the reports in the trades indicate whether or not this program will exist within the same continuity of any of Berlanti Productions' other DC Comics related shows.
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