Originally developed for Fox, however the network executives decided not to exercise the "option" and passed on the series.
This is the first live action depiction of Black Lightning. The character was earlier featured in several DC Comics animated projects, and served as the basis for Black Vulcan in Super Friends (1973).
Cress Williams, who portrays Black Lightning/Jefferson Pierce, previously appeared in the series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" as the villain Baron Sunday.
Jefferson adopts a more street-wise manner of speaking when disguised as Black Lightning. This is in keeping with the original comic books, where Black Lightning made use of 70's era slang to disguise his identity.
At 47 years old, Cress Williams (Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning) is the second oldest actor to make his debut appearance as a superhero in a live-action production. The oldest is Ron Perlman, who was 54 when he played the title character in Hellboy (2004).