Black Lightning
Seen it?2018 | 4 seasons | 45 min | Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.9 out of 10 from audiences and a short run with a modest audience. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for sci-fi fans and action fans. If you loved Watchmen or Gen V, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- 4 seasons: a few months of evenings, episodes of about 45 minutes, about 44 hours in all.
- What might put you off
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Jefferson Pierce is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a New Orleans neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.9 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Critics' Choice Award.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Ran for 4 seasons and reached a solid audience; interest faded quickly after launch
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 173K people sought it out in the past year
Season by season
The show overall is a Sunday Safe Bet. Here's how each season stacks up; Season 1 is the high point.
- Season 12018 · 13 episodes · 96% on Rotten Tomatoes · 6.2 out of 10Sunday
- Season 22018 · 16 episodes · 91% on Rotten Tomatoes · 5.6 out of 10Sunday
- Season 32019 · 16 episodes · 89% on Rotten Tomatoes · 6.1 out of 10Sunday
Season 42021 · 13 episodes · 4.1 out of 10Monday
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Created by Salim Akil
- Cress WilliamsJefferson Pierce / Black Lightning
- Nafessa WilliamsAnissa Pierce / Thunder / Blackbird
- Christine AdamsLynn Pierce
- Marvin Jones IIITobias Whale
- James RemarPeter Gambi
- Chantal ThuyGrace Choi