<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> <Ul> <Li> Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning: A retired superhero with the ability to harness and manipulate electricity who works as a principal at Garfield High School . He returns to fighting crime after his daughters are kidnapped by a local gang . Kaden Washington Lewis portrays as teenage Jefferson Pierce . </Li> <Li> China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce: Jefferson's younger daughter, who is "an independent, outspoken scholar - athlete with a wild streak of her own", who also possesses powers where her cells start generating energy; her electric power is more powerful than that of her father's . </Li> <Li> Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce / Thunder: Jefferson's elder daughter who is in medical school and teaches part - time at Jefferson's school . Anissa is a metahuman like her father, having an ability to manipulate her density, endowing herself with superhuman strength and near invulnerablity . She can also create powerful shockwaves against opponents with this power during combat . In addition, she has a rapid healing factor . She eventually fights crime as Thunder, and later becomes her father's protégée and partner . Describing her character as a positive role model, Williams said "I'm just really grateful to tell the story for young lesbians--and black lesbians in particular...My hope is that when you watch Anissa, a young lesbian is inspired to walk boldly as who she is and to love herself and to love herself exactly how she looks ." </Li> <Li> Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart: A neuroscientist at Bowman College and Jefferson's ex-wife . </Li> <Li> Marvin "Krondon" Jones III as Tobias Whale: A former politician who rose through the ranks of local government through corruption but was brought down by Jefferson's father, Alvin . After killing Alvin, Tobias was exiled and became the leader of the 100 . He also becomes involved with the A.S.A.'s efforts to capture and study Black Lightning . </Li> <Li> Damon Gupton as Billy Henderson: A veteran detective inspector with the police, who becomes an unlikely ally to Jefferson, despite his role in the community . After exposing the dirty Deputy Chief, Cayman, he is appointed to replace him . </Li> <Li> James Remar as Peter Gambi: Jefferson's oldest friend who became a father figure and mentor to him and works as his "tailor" while having connections with Lady Eve . His real name is Peter Esposito and was a former member of the A.S.A. until he turned against the organization and gave information to Alvin Pierce, resulting in his murder . </Li> </Ul>

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