The CW already has four superhero shows, but now has a fifth with Black Lightning being ordered to series. Producer Greg Berlanti began this superhero movement on The CW back with Arrow, but it has continued to grow seemingly every year since. The Flash was introduced in Arrow, while Legends of Tomorrow took supporting characters from each show, and Supergirl was saved from cancelation at CBS, though it takes place on a different Earth. This DC lineup already dominates CW's programming, but they're officially making room for another.
Black Lightning has continued to gain steam since it was ordered to pilot near the beginning of the year. It has since seen its cast grow and was pegged to be a likely candidate to get a full series order. Now, The CW has made it official.
TV Line has revealed that The CW has officially ordered Black Lightning to series. There is no official word on when it will debut, but sometime in 2018 is a likely landing spot at this point. The series will star Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning. Salim and Mara Brock Akil (Being Mary Jane) are serving as the showrunners. Along with Berlanti, the show will be produced by Sarah Schechter (The Flash).
This is clearly good news for the creative team involved and will continue CW's reliance on DC properties. With their Arrow-verse already anchoring three days of the primetime schedule, it is unclear if Black Lightning will follow Legends' footsteps and follow Supergirl or Arrow to form a two-hour DC block on Monday or Wednesday, or if it will get its own separate day. The CW will have plenty of time to sort out time slots and premiere dates in the coming months, but now the attention will turn back to production.
Williams is not the only cast member to officially be part of the show to this point. Nefessar Williams and China Anne McCain have also been cast as Black Lightning’s daughters Jennifer and Anissa Pierce, who go by the codenames Thunder and Lightning. Also, the series added for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress Christine Adams as Williams' ex-wife. Other than the family members that will be at the heart of the series, there has not been word on any other supporting roles or those with villainous tendencies. But, with a full series ahead of them, finalizing casting, scripts, and more will become Salim and Mara Broke Akil's top priorities.
Next: Everything You Need To Know About Black Lightning
Black Lightning premieres on The CW at an unspecified date. Supergirl airs Mondays at 8pm on The CW, followed by The Flash on Tuesdays at 8pm, and Arrow on Wednesdays in the same timeslot. Legends of Tomorrow will return for season 3 on The CW.
Source: TV Line