20 New TV Shows To Look Forward To In 2018

19. Black Lightning (The CW) – January 16

Unlike the other superhero shows on The CW, Black Lightning stands out because of its mature tone. Gone is the humor of The Flash, the campiness of Arrow, and large-scale impact of Supergirl. This is a series focused on telling a more grounded narrative, based in a much smaller town compared to the large metropolitan areas of the other shows listed above.

Closer to FOX’s The Gifted, this series tackles real-life problems like racism, inequality, and sexism while also featuring a superhero in the lead.  Social issues and family are the main attraction on Black Lightning, and creator Salim Akil isn’t afraid to present them as such.

It helps that the cast and the characters are already likable after only one episode. Cress Williams has become somewhat of a television chameleon, whether it’s playing a deadbeat father on Friday Night Lights, the likable mayor on Hart of Dixie, or a successful detective on Close To Home. He embodies the character of Jefferson Pierce as sort of a combination of everything above.

Pierce is a retired superhero (or vigilante depending on the perspective) who has become committed to raising his two daughters and keeping the community safe as the principal of the local high school.

However, when his girls are put at risk Black Lightning is forced to make his return and finally confront the ongoing crime problem plaguing his community. Elder daughter Anissa (played by Nafessa Williams) is also an activist as well as a teacher who is trying to have her voice heard in a broken system while her younger sister Jennifer (Disney Channel veteran China Anne McClain) is trying to rebel against the perfect image she’s crafted for herself.