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Season 1 – Black Lightning

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0:30

Jan 2018

Drama

Action

Adventure

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Popcornmeter

96%

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194 Reviews

53%

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1,000+ Ratings

CW and Greg Berlanti expand the footprint of their DC Comics universe with this exploration of the intersection between family life and being a superhero. As a younger man, Jefferson Pierce donned the suit of a vigilante and protected the streets of his city, but he believed he'd left those days in the past. He learns that life doesn't always work out as planned when his daughter, Jennifer -- a star student who is determined to achieve justice at any cost -- gets recruited by a street gang. In order to protect his family, Jefferson sees no choice but to once again become Black Lightning.

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Critics Consensus

Black Lightning doesn't reinvent superhero TV, but it does give the genre a necessary jolt with real-world plots, scary new villains, and a star-making performance from Cress Williams.

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Eric Deggans

NPR

11/25/2019

It all adds up to a magnificently-layered universe that fans of superhero TV have rarely seen before, a place where a black superhero not only takes on criminals but the stereotypes and prejudice that divide us all.

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Pilot Viruet

The Atlantic

03/10/2018

... it's already managed to distinguish itself not only from the Arrowverse (which includes shows like Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl), but also from Marvel's Luke Cage, the series that's usually mentioned in the same breath.

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Troy Patterson

The New Yorker

02/23/2018

The earnestness of the family-values messaging is often endearing, as expressed in fleet lines and long pauses...the violence does not rank as gratuitous because, as an action show, Black Lightning very much needs it.

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Mirelle Tinker

Mediaversity Reviews

01/11/2020

A-

Anissa shines as the first black lesbian superhero on TV and her significance can't be overstated.

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Alberto Carlos

Espinof

07/31/2019

Through a good story, a great tapestry is offered to talk about all kinds of social issues. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Terence Johnson

Le Noir Auteur

08/27/2018

The need to get what I will refer to as "the message" out took away from what could have been an awesome pilot.

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Noah S

@Noah2002 07/21/2025

This premiere season of Black Lightning is not a bad addition to the Arrowverse.

Sankalp good S

@Sanna 03/18/2025

It's gives a real life plot some stro ng drama cast n emotions with n great performance of all especially Williams season 1 is a great addition to a new superhero with some strong jolts n boltsz♥️😃🦸‍♂️👏🎉💫

Peter K

@Vacadoug 08/31/2024

This season started-off with a great premise as a great family-oriented super-story. It was designed as a weekly TV series: it is well-cast and well-acted with likeable characters. Unfortunately it becomes bogged-down by the length and sheer number of episodes . . . multiply that by four seasons and it collapses under its own weight.

Luke B

@KuubRahl 04/30/2024

I did not know that a major superhero tv show could have so many clichés and poor script writing. What a disappointment.

Harmagedon T

@RT51422110 03/04/2024

it was ok, the character is interesting but the main villain is really basic sadly, it's not incredible but it's a lot better than miss hulk for exemple

Fetti

@Fetti918 10/21/2023

Puts an excellent real-world twist on superhero TV, while not sacrificing any of the action. An underrated gem of DC.

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Cress Williams

Jefferson Pierce

China Anne McClain

Jennifer Pierce

Nafessa Williams

Anissa Pierce

Christine Adams

Lynn Stewart

James Remar

Peter Gambi

Marvin "Krondon" Jones III

Tobias Whale

Episode 1

Aired Jan 16, 2018

The Resurrection

Retired vigilante Jefferson Pierce gets pulled back into fighting crime as his alter ego Black Lightning.

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Episode 2

Aired Jan 23, 2018

Lawanda: The Book of Hope

The community starts to suspect that Black Lightning may have returned; Jefferson Pierce struggles with his decision; Gambi urges him to take up the mantle once more and return to life as Black Lightning.

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Episode 3

Aired Jan 30, 2018

Lawanda: The Book of Burial

Jefferson Pierce wants to know if the community could survive without Black Lightning's help; Anissa comes into her own; Jennifer makes a revelation to her parents.

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Episode 4

Aired Feb 6, 2018

Black Jesus

Black Lightning is recruited to rally against the 100 gang; Anissa investigates the new drug hitting the streets; familiar faces begin to reappear.

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Episode 5

Aired Feb 13, 2018

And Then the Devil Brought the Plague: The Book of Green Light

An unexpected phone call prompts Jefferson to investigate the murder of his father; Anissa wrestles with the fact that her actions have dire consequences; Jennifer learns the importance of controlling her temper.

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Episode 6

Aired Feb 27, 2018

Three Sevens: The Book of Thunder

Jefferson is on the hunt for his father's killer; Anissa uses her new powers to rectify a wrong after a protest fails; Jennifer grapples with some difficult choices; Gambi begs Lynn for help.

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Episode 7

Aired Mar 6, 2018

Equinox: The Book of Fate

Black Lightning's pursuit of Tobias continues; Anissa continues to find herself in the new normal.

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Episode 8

Aired Mar 13, 2018

The Book of Revelations

Black Lightning works with Anissa to help find information to clear Black Lightning's name; Jennifer begins interning for Lynn; Gambi finds himself in a precarious situation.

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Episode 9

Aired Mar 20, 2018

The Book of Little Black Lies

After the latest killing, Black Lightning works to clear his name and hunt down those involved in the death of his father.

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Episode 10

Aired Mar 27, 2018

Sins of the Father: The Book of Redemption

Black Lightning attempts to rescue several long-missing children; Gambi struggles to stay strong while in a compromising position; Jefferson begins to view things differently.

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Episode 11

Aired Apr 3, 2018

Black Jesus: The Book of Crucifixion

As suspicions that Jefferson Pierce is Black Lightning grow, the ASA arranges to have him arrested; Lynn seeks help from Detective Henderson; Gambi and Anissa work together to show Black Lightning is still running around the streets of Freeland.

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Episode 12

Aired Apr 10, 2018

The Resurrection and the Light: The Book of Pain

Tobias returns to Freeland and is tasked to capture Black Lightning; after a battle of epic proportions, Anissa and Jennifer provide surprising aid.

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Episode 13

Aired Apr 17, 2018

Shadow of Death: The Book of War

The aftermath of the showdown with Black Lightning leaves everyone reeling; Tobias gathers his forces.

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Black Lightning: Season 1 Episode 13 Preview