
SummaryJefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) had retired from his secret identity of Black Lightning many years ago, but when danger threatens his twenty-something daughter, Jennifer (Nafessa Williams), and a student at her school is being lured by a gang, he returns to the fight.
Created By:Salim Akil
Black Lightning
Season 1 Premiere:
Jan 16, 2018
Metascore
Generally Favorable
79
User score
Mixed or Average
5.4
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
79
96% Positive
26 Reviews
26 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jan 16, 2018
83
Jefferson Pierce isn't just a superhero. He's a social justice warrior. He quotes Martin Luther King Jr. AND beats up bad guys. This instantly makes him one of the most interesting heroes on television.
User score
Mixed or Average
5.4
45% Positive
144 Ratings
144 Ratings
20% Mixed
63 Ratings
63 Ratings
35% Negative
112 Ratings
112 Ratings
Jan 16, 2018
80
Ultimately, though, “Black Lightning” fulfills its most important role of providing fun escapism that stands out in a genre flirting with the upper limit of saturation. Part of the credit for that is due to Williams’ charisma and the winning dynamic displayed between his character and Adams’ Lynn, in addition to the strong familial chemistry they have with Williams and McClain as their daughters.
Jan 16, 2018
80
Like every superhero show, Black Lightning delivers energizing fight sequences and intriguing nemeses that our protagonist must confront. But as developed by husband-and-wife producing team Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil (Being Mary Jane), alongside co-producers and Arrow-verse veterans Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, it is more organically substantive than much film and TV comic-book fare. It’s also deeply aware of its black popular-culture roots, with a soundtrack that swings from hip-hop to Nina Simone to ’70s soul.
Jan 8, 2018
80
To its credit, this young series has done a phenomenal job of finding its footing with the first two episodes, and trust me, it’s the second that’ll really hook you. Capable of warming hearts just as The Flash does while being more similar in tone to Arrow, Black Lightning stands as one of the more sophisticated additions to the DC TV landscape.
Jan 8, 2018
75
An entertaining, edgy piece of escapism that adds some much-needed diversity to the network’s lineup of white-bread soap operas.
Jan 4, 2018
60
While Lightning may sound like campy blaxploitation, it's no joke. [8-21 Jan 2018, p.13]
Jun 20, 2019
10
Love how the 1st season shows what’s going in america with black people. But I love season 2 better because they have actual storyline now.
Mar 23, 2020
6
I enjoy the premise of the show and even the old school R&B and Hip hop. I was very disappointed in The extreme immaturity exuded by the characters. Black Bird- toxic and selfish the entire season. Using drug money and threatening the very people she is suppose to help! Her relationship with a shape shifter was unnecessary and somewhat weird (how old is the little girl). She is more interested in her name or face being at the forefront than the mission. Jennifer is still a child, who was too easily manipulated and lacks the ability to see beyond her emotions! Even after traveling to another dimension and learning she was being manipulated, she returned to the same mindset. She is never concerned about anyone else’s feelings or opinions. Black Lightning’s inability to see his wife’s drug addiction or to even say anything to defend himself is lacking.
Overall, there seems to be way too much dysfunction in this family with such a good upbringing! The costumes are very good and the fight sequences are pretty good as well! I like Wayne Brady as a villain.
Sep 5, 2020
5
Nice plot and visual effects. The series speaks and uses a real life social issue, the discrimination and violence against African Americans. Unfortunately, this turns into white racism. Throughout the whole story, except one, all white are the bad guys.
Nov 22, 2020
0
**** trama, doesn't try to turn around or shouw anything unexpected. All CW shows are the same linear thing.
Production Company:
- Berlanti Productions
- DC Entertainment
- Warner Bros. Television
Initial Release Date:Jan 16, 2018
Number of seasons:4 Seasons
Rating:TV-14
Awards
Black Reel Awards for Television
• 1 Win & 10 Nominations
Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA
• 2 Nominations
Teen Choice Awards
• 2 Nominations





























