HBO superhero series Lanterns has debuted to a 90 percent freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its television premiere on August 17. The new series forms part of the DC Cinematic Universe overseen by filmmaker James Gunn.
The first season of the show consists of eight episodes, which will air weekly on the HBO Max streaming platform. The narrative follows two superheroes from the Green Lantern Corps as they investigate a murder in the United States across two distinct timelines.
Actors Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler star as Green Lanterns John Stewart and Hal Jordan. Critics praised the strong onscreen chemistry between the two leads, noting that their grounded performances anchor the show even when their superpowered characters take flight. Pierre is an English actor known for his dramatic roles, while Chandler is an American actor recognized for his extensive work in television and film.
Critical Reception and Comparisons
Early reviews describe the show as a successful hybrid of dark superheroics and grounded crime drama. Critics drew comparisons to HBO productions Watchmen and True Detective, noting that Lanterns combines the gritty investigation of True Detective with the superhero commentary found in Watchmen. Multiple reviewers highlighted that the series intentionally contrasts with the 2011 Ryan Reynolds feature film Green Lantern by tackling serious themes in a realistic tone.
Reviewers also commended the decision to focus on the character development of Hal Jordan and John Stewart, pointing out that the dynamic between the two characters justified giving them a standalone story. Although some reviews noted structural unevenness in the pacing, critics largely praised the series for maintaining a realistic feel throughout its fantastical narrative.
Not all early reactions were entirely positive, however. A minority of reviewers found parts of the series sour, embittered, or perplexed, concluding that the production ultimately failed to deliver an enjoyable viewing experience for audiences.
DC Universe Context and Release
The series marks a major release for the revamped DC Cinematic Universe under the leadership of James Gunn. By centering the story on a murder investigation within the United States rather than cosmic battles alone, the creators aimed to present a grounded portrayal of the comic book heroes. Viewers can stream the eight-episode season weekly on HBO Max beginning August 17.
