<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Production website </Td> </Tr> <P> Black Lightning is an American superhero television series developed by Salim Akil, airing on The CW . It is based on the DC Comics character of the same name, created by Tony Isabella . It stars Cress Williams as the titular character alongside China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin Jones III, Damon Gupton, and James Remar . The series sees the retired Black Lightning return to the hero life and its effects on his family life . </P> <P> Development on the series began in September 2016 when Fox ordered a pilot production commitment for Black Lightning . In February 2017, Fox passed on the series, with it being picked up by The CW with a new script for the pilot . The CW officially ordered the series in May 2017 . The first season premiered on January 16, 2018, for a 13 - episode run . On April 2, 2018, The CW renewed the show for a second season . </P> <P> High school principal Jefferson Pierce, who retired from his superhero persona Black Lightning nine years ago after seeing the effects it had on his family, is forced to become a vigilante again when the rise of the local gang called the 100 leads to increased crime and corruption in his community of Freeland . </P>

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