The essential episodes of Black Lightning
Watch these 15 in order and you've got Black Lightning — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Jefferson Pierce is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of Anissa and Jennifer, and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe-haven for young people in a neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero in his community. Nine years ago, Pierce was a hero of a different sort. Gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, he used those powers to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning, but he left the Superhero days behind. Almost a decade later, Pierce’s crime-fighting days are long behind him…or so he thought.
- 02
Black Lightning is recruited to rally against The 100 gang. Anissa investigates the new drug hitting the streets. Meanwhile, familiar faces begin to reappear.
- 03
And Then the Devil Brought the Plague: The Book of Green Light
An unexpected phone call unearths the long-buried need for Jefferson to investigate the murder of his father. Meanwhile, Annisa wrestles with the fact that her actions have dire consequences. Lastly, Jennifer learns the importance of controlling her temper – in all situations.
- 04
Black Lightning’s pursuit for Tobias continues. Anissa continues to find herself in the new normal.
- 05
Black Jesus: The Book of Crucifixion
As suspicions grow that Jefferson Pierce is Black Lightning, the ASA arranges to have him arrested. Lynn seeks help from Detective Henderson. Meanwhile, as Jefferson is in custody, Gambi and Anissa work together to show Black Lightning is still running around the streets of Freeland.
- 06
The Book of the Apocalypse: Chapter Two: The Omega
Lynn goes head to head with Dr. Jace once and for all. Meanwhile, Gambi risks his life to save Jennifer. Lastly, Tobias makes a major move to cripple Freeland and kill Black Lightning, requiring our superhero family to step up like never before.
- 07
The Book of Occupation: Chapter Three: Agent Odell's Pipe-Dream
When Lynn learns that Jefferson brokered a deal with Agent Odell without consulting her first, it begins to put a strain on their relationship. Meanwhile, Anissa and Grace have an emotional encounter.
- 08
The Book of Occupation: Chapter Five: Requiem for Tavon
Jefferson struggles with the effects on his family, leading to a decision with tragic consequences. Meanwhile, Anissa's identity is threatened. Lastly, Agent Odell takes an important step toward winning over Jennifer.
- 09
The Book of Resistance: Chapter Two: Henderson's Opus
Anissa and Jefferson have a heart-to-heart and she tells him she needs Black Lightning’s help in escorting meta refugees out of the perimeter. Meanwhile, Gambi implores Lynn to help get him access to the Pit. Lastly, Jennifer grows closer to Brandon.
- 10
The Book of Resistance: Chapter Three: The Battle of Franklin Terrace
Black Lightning decides to fight back when the ASA threatens his old neighborhood. Thunder battles Painkiller, and Tobias has a plan for Lynn to stop the ASA from weaponizing the metas.
- 11
The Book of Markovia: Chapter One: Blessings and Curses Reborn
Jefferson navigates his new reality following the events of the Crisis, and Lynn’s determination to save the meta kids deepens her troubles. Meanwhile, Anissa/Blackbird faces new challenges. Lastly, Jennifer’s bond with Brandon begins to grow.
- 12
The Book of Markovia: Chapter Four: Grab the Strap
Black Lightning and his team descend upon Markovia on a mission to rescue Lynn who finds herself in even more trouble when she meets Gravedigger, a metahuman on the Markovian side.
- 13
The Book of War: Chapter Three: Liberation
Black Lightning faces off against Gravedigger.
- 14
The Book of Resurrection: Chapter One: Crossroads
Jefferson realizes that sometimes, an admission of weakness can be a show of strength. Meanwhile, Tobias is focusing on an end game.
- 15
The Book of Resurrection: Chapter Two: Closure
After four seasons, the game-changing, relevant and electrifying series comes to an end.
Shows like Black Lightning
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Crime·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of The X-Files1993–2018·FOX
Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder (a believer) and Dana Scully (a skeptic), investigate unexplained cases where the paranormal might be involved while hidden forces work to impede their efforts. - 02Drama·Crime·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Sugar2024
John Sugar is an American private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. - 03Drama·Crime·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Continuum2012–2015·Showcase
Continuum centers on the conflict between a group of rebels from the year 2077 who time-travel to Vancouver, BC, in 2012, and a police officer who accidentally accompanies them. - 04Drama·Crime·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Altered Carbon2018–2020
Altered Carbon is set in the 25th century when the human mind has been digitized and the soul itself is transferable from one body to the next. - 05Drama·Crime·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Almost Human2013–2014·FOXAlmost Human is an action-packed police drama set 35 years in the future, when police officers are partnered with highly evolved human-like androids.
- 06Drama·Crime·Science-FictionThe essential episodes of Marvel's Iron Fist2017–2018·Netflix
After his family meets a tragic fate while on expedition in China, a young Rand is adopted by the people of the mystical lost city of K'un-Lun, where he's taught a magical fighting style.
Keep going
Episodes, ratings, cast and the full series dossier.
ChartsBest episodesThe highest-rated hours of Black Lightning, ranked.
ChartsRatings graphEvery rated episode of Black Lightning on one chart.
StreamWhere to watchEvery service carrying Black Lightning, region by region.