The CW released a sizzle reel at SDCC 2017 for all of their superhero shows and in it is the new electrifying superhero, Black Lightning. CW has been the favorite hangout of several DC superheroes going all the way back to 2002 with Smallville, but most recent starting a shared universe back in 2012 when Arrow first premiered. Then in 2014, The Flash was given a go and in 2016, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow was launched. And then last year CBS gave the rights of Supergirl to its sister company CW, and together, the four TV shows are known as the Arrowverse. And although the network has no plans to add another hero to the mix, this doesn’t mean that they are going to shy away from one.
Black Lightning is based on a comic book of the same name by Tony Isabella. In the show, it stars Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce who gave up his crime-fighting life nine years ago and pursued a career as a principal. But when his neighborhood became more and more dangerous with gang violence, Pierce must take on the mantle he once swore not to take again in order to protect the ones he loves and cares for.
The series has been in development for quite some time now until last year when Warner Bros. TV tried to look for a network where it would be aired. At first, it was supposed to be on FOX but was turned down until CW took Black Lightning under its wings. Now, the show is set to premiere next year, in the midseason on The CW.
In the sizzle reel, it shows several scenes from CW’s heroes and excerpts from episodes of its heroes’ shows. It showcases the Green Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, The Legends and Black Lightning in the sizzle reel.
Be sure to catch Black Lightning next year only on The CW.