A new series from DC has premiered on HBO that fans of strong narratives should keep an eye on. The reviews are enthusiastic and draw comparisons to a really good detective series.
Lanterns is a new series that is part of the new DC Universe. It is based on the Green Lantern characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart, who serve as protagonists.
The first of eight episodes premiered on August 16, 2026 on HBO Max, with a new episode rolling out weekly on the streaming service.
The series revolves around the Green Lanterns, intergalactic police officers. Hal Jordan is already a true legend and is about to retire. He is paired with John Stewart, a significantly younger recruit.
The duo is dispatched to Earth to investigate a murder in Nebraska, USA. However, this is just the starting point for a series of dark secrets that gradually come to light.
Those expecting explosive superhero action may be disappointed. Lanterns adopts a somewhat more serious tone and thrives on the dynamics of its main characters. Critics often draw comparisons to True Detective.
A clear recommendation for DC fans
What do the reviews look like? Currently very good. The trade press awards strong 95% on Rotten Tomatoes from 73 reviews. Over 1,000 viewers rate it at 85%, although they have only likely seen one episode so far.
The numbers already tell a clear story. For comparison: Superman by James Gunn from 2025 only reached 83% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The last theatrical film Supergirl dropped even further and landed at only 53%.
Thus, Lanterns currently ranks among the best offerings of the new DC Universe.
What makes the series so good? The trade press praises it for the grounded storytelling, which for Josh Davis of Pop Culture Leftovers is a “refined, confident, and solid reinterpretation of True Detective.” The comparison to the atmospheric series with Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey is often cited.
The chemistry between the two protagonists is strong. They are played by Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan) and Aaron Pierre (John Stewart). Alongside the serious themes, there is also dark humor. So, the series is recommended for DC fans, especially if they were disappointed by the Green Lantern film with Ryan Reynolds from 2011.
Viewers on Rotten Tomatoes come to a similar conclusion. Only a few users felt a bit bored, likely due to the slow pace of the storytelling. Some might have wished for a bit more action. Those expecting a classic superhero adventure might be disappointed.
Lanterns is a promising project for the DC Universe by James Gunn. It will be interesting to see if this quality can be maintained in future productions, such as the next Superman film expected in 2027. Even DC’s flagship sometimes has problems: An old geezer took down the mighty Superman because he injured Batman
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