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- Crime
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Lanterns (2026) Review: A Gritty Green Lantern Mystery
By Ryan Fletcher · Updated · 8 min read
A grounded, slow-burn DC mystery carried by Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, more detective drama than space opera.
- Creator
- Chris Mundy
- Cast
- Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Kelly Macdonald
- Episodes
- 8 (Season 1)
- Premiere
- August 16, 2026
- Network
- HBO / HBO Max
- Language
- English
Spoiler level: This review is spoiler-free. It covers only the setup and general impressions of Season 1.
What is Lanterns about?
Lanterns (2026) is an eight-episode HBO series from DC Studios, created by Chris Mundy with Damon Lindelof and Tom King. It follows two Green Lanterns, the veteran Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and the rookie John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.
The cast also includes Kelly Macdonald, Laura Linney, Paula Patton, Garrett Dillahunt and Poorna Jagganathan. The series premiered on August 16, 2026, aired weekly on Sundays, and wrapped up on October 4, 2026. It is part of the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
Lanterns trailer
Want a taste of the tone before you start? Press play below to watch the official Lanterns trailer without leaving this page.
Our review of Lanterns
Story and screenplay
Lanterns trades big space battles for a crime-investigation structure. What starts as a local murder grows into a mystery with cosmic stakes, which gives the story a steady, intriguing pull. The slow-burn approach rewards patience, though viewers expecting constant action may want more spectacle.
Acting and characters
The mismatched partnership is the heart of the show. Kyle Chandler brings a weary authority to Hal Jordan, while Aaron Pierre gives John Stewart a thoughtful, determined edge. Their chemistry makes the investigation easy to follow and fun to watch.
Direction and visuals
The series keeps its feet on the ground, setting most of its story in small-town America instead of deep space. That grounded look suits the detective tone, and the cosmic elements feel more striking when they do appear.
Format and pacing
With only eight episodes released weekly, the season is tight and focused. Each episode adds a new piece to the puzzle, which makes the weekly wait part of the fun and the full season easy to binge now that it has finished.
Lanterns is a smart, grounded take on the Green Lantern mythos. Two strong leads and a gripping mystery make it one of the most interesting entries in the new DCU.
Pros and cons
What works
- Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre make a great mismatched duo.
- The murder-mystery setup gives the DC world a fresh, grounded tone.
- Eight episodes keep the story tight, and newcomers can jump in without homework.
What doesn’t
- The slow-burn pace may frustrate viewers who want constant action.
- Fans hoping for epic space battles will find the focus is on the investigation.
- A mystery-first story means the cosmic side takes time to build.
Final verdict: is Lanterns worth watching?
Lanterns is well worth watching. It’s a grounded, character-driven DC mystery with two excellent leads, though its slow-burn pace won’t suit everyone.
Overall score: 8.5 / 10. Scores reflect the reviewer’s opinion.
Cast and crew
- Kyle Chandleras Hal Jordan
- Aaron Pierreas John Stewart
- Kelly MacdonaldCast
- Laura LinneyCast
- Paula PattonCast
- Garrett DillahuntCast
- Chris MundyCreator and showrunner
- Damon Lindelof & Tom KingCo-creators
- James HawesDirector, first two episodes
Where to watch Lanterns
Availability changes by country, so check your local services before you watch.
- On TVHBO (US). Season 1 aired weekly from August 16 to October 4, 2026.
- StreamingHBO Max
- CanadaCrave (HBO programming required)
Lanterns FAQ
Is Lanterns worth watching?
Yes, if you enjoy slow-burn crime mysteries with a sci-fi twist. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre make a great duo, and you don’t need to know the comics to follow it.
How many episodes does Lanterns have?
Season 1 of Lanterns has eight episodes. It premiered on August 16, 2026 and the finale aired on October 4, 2026.
Where can I watch Lanterns?
Lanterns airs on HBO and streams on HBO Max in the US. In Canada it is available on Crave. Availability changes by country, so check your local services.
Do I need to watch anything before Lanterns?
No. Lanterns tells a self-contained story, and you can start with episode 1 even if you are new to the DC Universe.
About the reviewer
Ryan Fletcher – Movie reviewer covering new releases, sci-fi and streaming picks, with a focus on honest, spoiler-free reviews.