Black Lightning: CW Series Creator Talks Ending And Spin-Off Ideas

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Photo: Boris Martin/The CW — ©2021 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

Black Lightning has ended after four seasons on The CW, and the creator of the series, Salim Akil, has spoken about the ending of the show. He also discussed with Deadline what could have happened if Black Lightning had continued for a fifth season.

Akil said the following about ending The CW series:

“It was a combination of events, I think. With Covid and the rules and regulations around that, we had written about 11 scripts, and then had to go back and rewrite them for several reasons. So, we found ourselves in a beautiful creative space, and we actually found the ending. We had one ending set up, but we had to find another one [due to the pandemic]. But I’m pretty pleased with the ending that we have.”

The CW passed on a potential Painkiller spin-off, but other spin-offs are possible. Akil said the following:

“I think that if there was a possibility, the possibility would land in Thunder and Grace and Lightning. I think that that could be a wonderful show. People would be familiar with the characters, be familiar with their backstory. They would be familiar with their wants, their needs and their goals. I think that that trio of women are just very dynamic and talented, so I could see something like that, for sure.”

For now, fans of Black Lightning must say goodbye to the series and its characters, but it is always possible that viewers could see them return at some point.

Star Cress Williams recently said, “I have had people from The Flash reach out, asking if I’d come do some work with them.” It’s been confirmed that The Flash will kick off its eighth season with a five-episode “crossover-type” event which will feature characters from across the Arrowverse.

Check out our CW status sheet to track the smallest network’s new series pickups, renewals, and cancellations. You can find lists of cancelled shows here.

What do you think? Are you a fan of Black Lightning on The CW? Would you watch a spin-off?

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30 Comments Inline Feedbacks View all comments Mary September 6, 2022 9:43 am

I’m really disappointed. I didn’t have Netflix before. When I latched onto Black Lightning and watched all the seasons. I thought when Lala rose from dead again, there would be another season or at least a spin-off.

I can’t imagine the ratings being low on this show. Please reconsider. I would also like to see what happened with pain killer.

00 Reply jsssssssssss March 17, 2022 7:43 am

This show had all the typical CW problems, insert race bait topics and all that, but it was still decent. THE MAIN problem is that its a bait and switch, like hawkeye was. This isnt a BL show, this shows about the women around him, hes a guest. sick of it. This could work with good writers, these people, not good writers. Stop shoving race down our throat, we get it already. Just make some good shows, we dont need the race stuff 24/7

0-2 Reply We want Painkiller... February 27, 2022 12:46 am

We want painkiller spin off or nothing…

00 Reply Shue__4 September 24, 2021 10:33 pm

I am heart broken. I thought black lightning was coming back on, to find out that they have ended the show. I was happy to see a super hero who like me as the star of show. Also my son loves the show as well. I really hope they reconsider coming back out with a new season. I really wasn’t satisfied with the ending either.

20 Reply Valencia Drew-Westmoreland September 20, 2021 6:04 pm

Should have been nominated for an Emmy. The music, characters, creativity and colorized format and comic like presentation was phenomenal. Best series I’ve seen in awhile. I’m saddened it’s gone. Would love to see it return or a spin-off. Loved it!

20 Reply JaMesha Craig September 9, 2021 1:54 pm

I would love to see a spin off or continuation of Black Lightning. There aren’t enough of these caliber of programs featuring such a diverse and inclusive cast, team, and storylines.

20 Reply Lise August 20, 2021 11:46 pm

I would have appreciated a Painkiller if just to see hiw the romance with Lighting ended.

00 Reply SaMyiah August 3, 2021 2:04 pm

I would love to see Painkiller & the other characters have an spin off ☺ I loved this show soo much. Jordan Galloway was soo good playing Painkiller. China Anne McClain was good with playing Lightning. This show deserve a spinoff I hope it does. The characters were everything.

10 Reply M.R. August 1, 2021 7:23 pm

I live the series but I think you got poor ratings because all of the black women (Jefferson’s daughters and his wife) were total uncaring ******* to their father and husband. That is the only part of the show I hated. Black children do not talk back to their parents that way and the majority of black wives are more understanding.

00 Reply Lise Reply to M.R. August 20, 2021 11:48 pm

I agree how is The Flash still around no where as good Black lightning.

00 Reply Shue__4 Reply to Lise September 24, 2021 10:37 pm

I agree, I love the flash but I’m wondering how did they show get picked up for a new season

10 Reply Frenzetta Wilson July 25, 2021 6:45 pm

Yes I would watch the spin-off and another season of black lightning

20 Reply Lillian June 30, 2021 1:06 am

I love Black Lighting I hate to see it go. I would a spin off with Pain killer included I think this woul d be great.

00 Reply uwuan June 29, 2021 12:13 am

Don’t end Black Lighting please…one or two more seasons

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