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Season 1 – Lanterns

Play trailer 1:48 Poster for Season 1 – Lanterns Aug 2026 Drama Sci-Fi Action Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
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91% Tomatometer 159 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Based on the DC comic "Green Lantern," drama series "Lanterns" follows new recruit John Stewart and "Lantern" legend Hal Jordan. These two intergalactic cops are drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. In association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, the HBO series provides a fresh live action take on the popular universe and its characters. Emmy nominee Chris Mundy serves as showrunner and executive producer for this original detective story.
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Lanterns — Season 1

Lanterns — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Lanterns lights the way to a controlled and fantastical escape, in which Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre bring audiences into their world of wonder through fearless performances, grounded writing, and charismatic chemistry.

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Audience Says

Tempering superhero spectacle with prestige drama, Lanterns is a well-written mystery that shines thanks to the magnetic alchemy between Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre.

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Critics Reviews

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Eric Deggans NPR 2 days ago
The result is a show relatable and compelling for people who aren't comic book fans -- real drama, unfolding over eight episodes of high-quality television. Go to Full Review
Melanie McFarland Salon.com Aug 25, 2026
The world of “Lanterns” prefers to be bracingly honest about our false assumptions about heroism and whether the people we deem to be noble really are... That is what makes a Lantern a hero, and this adaptation one of the best of its kind in a long time. Go to Full Review
Peter Travers The Travers Take Aug 21, 2026
3/4
Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre go way beyond the call of comic-book duty to bring humanity to the usual alien mashup. Much appreciated. Go to Full Review
Adam Hlavac Heroes Reforged (YouTube) 1 day ago
From the moment it starts to the moment it ends, Lanterns is driven by character and story. The spectacle is part of its DNA, but at its core, it’s about Hal Jordan, John Stewart, and their relationship. Go to Full Review
Ayaan Paul Chowdhury The Hindu 1 day ago
What [Lanterns] does possess is a warmer, more immediately accessible entertainment value in watching its characters bounce off one another... Go to Full Review
Brooke Obie Black Girl Watching 4 days ago
‘Lanterns’ shows how Boy Moms make monsters and get away with it, and they write this as sympathetic. This entire show is a spit in the face. But when you make copaganda what can you expect? Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Andr L @RT55367003 48 min ago A bad series; it ruins the Green Lanterns' story. Script errors, continuity errors, poor adaptation. If you're a DC fan, stay away! See more Terry B @TBEAU 51 min ago I absolutely love the rawness of Lanterns. It's gritty, grounded, and the characters feel like real people with real flaws. The acting and storytelling are fantastic. My only criticism is Hal Jordan. I wish they'd portray him a little more as the hero we know he is, rather than focusing so heavily on his flaws. But I appreciate the direction they're taking. It's refreshing to see a superhero story with this much depth and humanity. Five stars from me! See more Vadhir V @RT26370064 1 hr ago En mi opinión, Lanterns ha sido uno de los mejores proyectos del DCU. Trae una interpretación genial de los personajes y una relación increíble entre Hal Jordan y Jhon Stewart. Lo único que me disgusto fue el vago uso del anillo en los episodios pero no arruina la experiencia. Definitivamente la mejor serie del DCU hasta ahora. See more Hughe J @Hughe 1 hr ago Lanterns S1 was released on streaming in 2026 and is actually about the Green Lanterns, a long standing and beloved DC comic book series, but the creators of the show didn't like the source material so changed the title. It stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, the most popular Green Lantern in the series, and turns him into a grumpy old man who is hated by everyone. Aaron Pierre plays John Stewart who is also a popular Green Lantern from the comics. But this iteration is a criminally inept grave robber who is tortured by his parents as a child and never becomes a Green Lantern. Kelly Macdonald plays a sheriff girl boss who gives birth to a robot monster and then kills Hal Jordan in cold blood. S1 had no real space scenes or cool Green Lantern constructs and Hal Jordan was the only person who even remotely acted like a hero but the writers clearly disliked him. Overall the show was boring, full of girl bosses and weak men, and ridiculous social commentary; bad show with bad writing. See more David D @RT69698312 2 hrs ago Lanterns handled the characters and source material with respect and care, while also putting a new dimension to the relationships. Some fans (and non-fans) are angry over the death of a man character, without considering that this is a sci-fi show based on a comic book. Anyone who believes death is permanent (or even real) in this context is a fool. The first season did an incredible job weaving breadcrumbs into a larger arc that will be playing out in future seasons and movies. Well done! See more Peter P @RT11572665 2 hrs ago Must watch, havent seen writing this good in the series for a long time. See more Read all reviews
Lanterns — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Aug 16, 2026 Pilot After a fatal shooting, Green Lantern Hal Jordan and new recruit John Stewart set out to prove it was an extraterrestrial event. Details Episode 2 Aired Aug 23, 2026 Trust Fall Green Lantern Hal Jordan and new recruit John Stewart investigate a deadly shooting to prove an alien force was involved. Details Episode 3 Aired Aug 30, 2026 OutKast John's parents train him to become the perfect candidate for the next Green Lantern. However, as John trains under Hal, he is disillusioned by Hal's teachings. Details Episode 4 Aired Sep 6, 2026 The Weenie Hal and John press forward with their investigation into Manhunter's true identity. The Guardians grow restless in their efforts to replace Hal. Details Episode 5 Aired Sep 13, 2026 Lights Out Rushville mobilizes to confront an escalating threat; later, Hal risks everything to eliminate the Manhunter when John is cornered into an impossible choice. Details Episode 6 Aired Sep 20, 2026 Bad Optics⁩ As John tries to move forward, the mysteries of Rushville refuse to let him go. Details Episode 7 Aired Sep 27, 2026 The Jordan Boys' Legacy⁩ John and Hal reluctantly team up to solve a pressing murder – and find themselves on another planet. Details Episode 8 Aired Oct 4, 2026 Dirt and Stars As John continues his search for the killer, a new discovery emerges. Details
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Season Info

Director
Geeta Vasant Patel, Alik Sakharov, James Hawes, Stephen Williams
Executive Producer
Chris Mundy
Screenwriter
Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, Tom King
Network
HBO Max
Genre
Drama, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date
Aug 16, 2026
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