Fans expecting so see The CW’s newest superhero debut on the network might are probably going to have to wait until 2018, but there is a “good news” side to this reveal.

Greg Berlanti’s latest DC Comics-based offering Black Lightning is reported to be picked up from a pilot order, making its mid-season debut at the beginning of next year.

The report comes from the Hollywood Reporter as they examine various new pilots’ chances to receive season orders. Black Lightning would be the fifth drama based on a DC Comics superhero and sixth comic book adaptation from Berlanti, alongside Arrow, the Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, and Riverdale. iZombie also airs on the network, bringing the total number of comic book adaptations to seven. The CW airs each of those shows and has since made a name for itself as a popular network for younger demographics.

But the news that the Cress Williams-starring series won’t air until early 2018 is a bit of a letdown considering its tumultuous path toward production already. The show as initially put into the works for Fox, who passed on the project before the CW picked it up. Berlanti seems to be striking gold this year, as THR reports that his second pilot for the CW, Searchers, also has a good chance of being picked up depending on what the network decides to do with on-the-bubble shows like The Originals and iZombie.

It remains to be seen whether all of this actually occurs, but it stands to reason that the safe money can be placed on wagering Black Lightning gets a shortened first season much like Legends of Tomorrow initially had. We’ll find out more as we approach the fall premieres later this year. CW shows the Flash, Supergirl, and Arrow are all rocketing toward their finales right now, and have all been picked up early for additional seasons alongside Legends of Tomorrow.

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