Lanterns on HBO Max Review Buzz: Hal & John Mystery

A new DC live-action series has launched on HBO Max, and early reactions suggest Lanterns is aiming for something rarer in superhero TV: a grounded, mystery-driven tone more than nonstop power-fantasy action. The first episode—out now—kicks off a weekly release built around the Green Lantern legacy of Hal Jordan and John Stewart.

What is Lanterns, and when can you watch it?

Lanterns is a new series for the DC Universe, built around the Green Lantern characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart. The show premiered its first of eight episodes on August 16, 2026, with new installments arriving weekly on HBO Max.

Episodes: 8 total
Launch: August 16, 2026 (first episode)
Schedule: weekly new episode on HBO Max

Story setup: intergalactic cops land in Nebraska

Hal Jordan and John Stewart are portrayed as Green Lantern “intergalactic police,” with Hal positioned as a veteran who’s nearing retirement. Stewart joins him as a younger recruit. Their first mission sends the pair to Earth to investigate a murder in Nebraska, USA—only for that case to become the starting point for a broader chain of darker secrets.

The tone is darker than typical superhero action

Early coverage points to a more serious approach than what some viewers may expect from a standard caped-action series. Multiple reviews highlight the show’s character-driven dynamic and its steady, atmospheric mystery. Comparisons to True Detective keep coming up, suggesting Lanterns wants to feel investigative and ominous rather than purely explosive.

Who plays Hal Jordan and John Stewart?

The lead duo is played by Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. Reviews particularly emphasize the chemistry between the two, framing it as a core reason the series is holding attention—supported by a mix of serious themes and moments of unpleasant, biting humor.

Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan
Aaron Pierre as John Stewart

What the early reviews say (with Rotten Tomatoes numbers)

Critical reception is currently described as extremely strong. On Rotten Tomatoes, Lanterns sits at about 95% from critics across 73 reviews. Audience scores are also high: roughly 85% from over 1,000 viewers, with most rating after seeing only the first episode.

How does it compare to other DC projects?

Review scores for other recent DC titles provide a useful contrast. James Gunn’s 2025 Superman reached about 83% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile, the latest theatrical Supergirl film is reported at around 53% with critics, making Lanterns one of the strongest entries currently associated with the new DC Universe direction.

Why some viewers might be disappointed

Even with positive sentiment overall, some audience feedback points to potential mismatch in expectations. A small number of users say they’re bored, which appears tied to the show’s slower storytelling pace. Others wanted more action, and viewers seeking a classic, action-heavy superhero adventure may find the emphasis on mystery and tone less immediately satisfying.

Is Lanterns worth your time?

Based on early coverage, Lanterns is being positioned as a standout for DC fans—especially those who were let down by the 2011 Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds. If you’re more interested in two leads cracking a dark case together than in constant spectacle, the current response suggests the series is hitting its mark.

With Lanterns now underway, the next question is whether this quality holds as the remaining episodes land—particularly with the upcoming 2027 Superman film still on the horizon.