'Black Lightning' season 3: Release date, plot, cast and everything you need to know about The CW's DC superhero show

Unlike 'Supergirl' and 'The Flash', 'Black Lightning' might not be a part of the shared multiverse popularly called the Arrowverse. But that doesn't mean the show is any less important. The superhero show, which finished its second season in March 2019, has already been renewed for a third season.

'Black Lightning' is the first African-American DC superhero to have his own comic title. The character was created by Tony Isabella with Trevor von Eeden. The show follows the story of a former superhero who comes out of retirement when his family comes under threat. Here’s everything you need to know about the superhero drama:

Release Date

'Black Lightning' was renewed for a third season in January 2019.  The official premiere date for 'Black Lightning' season 3 was set for October 21 but has been shifted two weeks from its original date. The latest installment of the network’s DC superhero series will now release on October 7 at 9 p.m. ET after the season two premiere of 'All American'.

Plot

Here’s the official plot synopsis for season three, according to Den of Geek: "Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) is a man with many faces. He is a former Olympic athlete, respected educator and a father of two. He is also Black Lightning, superpowered protector of the fictional city of Freeland with the ability to sense and harness electricity."

Jefferson is not the only one with powers and multiple faces. His oldest daughter, Anissa Pierce (Nafessa Williams) is a medical student, health clinic volunteer, and dedicated social activist. She is also the superhero known as Thunder who possesses the ability to drastically increase her density, giving her invulnerability and super strength for as long as she can hold her breath.

Jefferson’s youngest daughter, Jennifer Pierce (China Anne McClain), is a fiery teen who inherited her father’s athletic gifts but not his desire to be an athlete. Jennifer also inherited superpowers. Her body generates pure electrical energy and she possesses the potential to be more powerful than Anissa or Jefferson and is known as Lightning.

Lynn Stewart (Christine Adams) is Jefferson’s ex-wife but they are still very much in love in addition to sharing the load as co-parents. She's also an expert in metahuman medicine. Together, the Pierce family faces the challenges of a declined urban community, including a menacing gang that calls itself The 100 and infamous gangster Tobias Whale (Marvin "Krondon" Jones III). Worse, Freeland has been plagued by government-sponsored experiments and drug trafficking that have created metahumans and addicts making the city the target of a dangerous foreign power, Markovia.

Fortunately, the family has allies in their fight, Jefferson's surrogate father and a former covert superspy, Peter Gambi (James Remar), as well as Jefferson's friend and neighbor, the committed and scrupulously honest Deputy Police Chief Henderson (Damon Gupton). The new season will see the Pierce family fight to defend their home from the invading nation of Markovia.

Marvin Jones III, who plays Jefferson's arch-enemy Tobias Whale, has teased that the new season will also feature a team-up between Black Lightning and his worst enemy.

Cast

Cress Williams

Williams stars in the show as Jefferson Pierce, a retired superhero and educator. The 48-year-old actor has previously worked on movies like 'Never Been Kissed' (1999) and 'Fallen' (1998). Williams will be joined in the third season by China Anne McClain and Nafessa Williams as his daughters Jennifer and Anissa, Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart, Marvin Jones III as Tobias Whale, Damon Gupton as Inspector Henderson, and James Remar as Peter Gambi along with Bill Duke as Agent Odell.

Creator

Salim and Mara Brock Akil

The show was developed by Salim Akil and his wife Mara Brock, based on the original comics by Tony Isabella and Trevor von Eeden. Salim Akil started out as a staff writer on Showtime's 'Soulfood'. He eventually ended up writing and directing a few episodes and even made it to the series as executive producer. He has directed several other episodic TV series.

Mara Brock Akil is a writer and producer. She started her career writing for Fox's 'South Central'. In 2000, she came out with her first show 'Girlfriends' which won multiple awards.

Trailer

At SDCC 2019, the trailer of 'Black Lightning' season three was unveiled. Check out this 5.29-minute clip.

A new trailer for the upcoming season was dropped on September 24. It shows Jefferson and his ex-wife Dr. Lynn Stewart (Christine Adams) being held by the A.S.A., the corrupt government organization responsible for creating metahumans in Freeland, Black Lightning's hometown. The trailer also gives us a good look at Black Lightning's new suit and shows Anissa in action under her new secret identity Blackbird for the first time.

Where to watch

'Black Lightning' season three on The CW after it premieres on October 7.

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