‘Black Lightning’ Executive Producer Explains Why Newest CW Superhero Isn’t Part of the Arrowverse

When The CW ordered its fifth DC superhero series, “Black Lightning,” back in May, fans were surprised to learn that there were no plans to connect it to the rest of the network’s so-called “Arrowverse.”

Launched with “Arrow” and later expanded to include “The Flash,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” and “Supergirl,” the network has built a network of DC shows that all interconnect, culminating in a multi-part four-way crossover last fall. “Black Lightning,” though, will stand alone.

“I say this with all due respect, but they’re not really relevant to the show that we’re doing,” executive producer Salim Akil explained at the Television Critics Association press tour on Sunday. “The great thing that Warner Bros.