The CW finally announced the premiere date of its upcoming superhero television series based on a DC character. The first episode of the show, "Black Lightning," will air on Jan. 16, 2018 at 9 p.m. EDT on The CW. The series will be guided by creative couple Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil.
"Hart of Dixie" star Cress Williams will portray the character of Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning. Pierce is a veteran when it comes to being a superhero and then decides to guide a charter high school as a principal.
The story of the first season centers on Pierce's comeback in the hero lifestyle and will face the ruthless villain Tobias Whale (Marvin Jones III).
Whale, a former politician and a leader of a relentless gang, will be the archenemy of Black Lightning. Whale is also the first villain to be presented in the DC Comics' "Black Lightning" in April 1977. There are no updates so far if the series will introduce other major villains or if season 1 will mainly focus on Whale.
Other than Williams and Jones, actresses Nafessa Williams and China McClain will also join the cast of the DC-inspired series. Williams will play Anissa Pierce, the oldest daughter of Jefferson and Jennifer Pierce the younger daughter will be played by McClain.
The CW released the first look trailer of the superhero series on May 18. The video highlights Black Lightning's superpower to harness and manipulate electricity.
The trailer also features members of The 100 Gang led by Whale. The video also describes superhero Black Lightning as "hope personified."
During an interview with TVLine, executive producer Salim Akil explained they want the series adaptation to replicate the story elements of the comics. Akil said, "In the comics, they've all been socially relevant and we wanted to be able to do that."
There are still no information from The CW or DC if there will be a crossover episode between "Black Lightning" and DC's "Legends of Tomorrow."
