Lanterns – Review | HBO Series

LANTERNS on HBO is a DC Series about the Green Lantern superhero. Or, in this case, the superhero and his trainee, which explains the plural use in the title. The series’ take on this story stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, and the two have awesome banter. And yes, this is key to making the entire plot work. Read our Lanterns season 1 review!

LANTERNS is an HBO production DC Series about the DC Comics superhero Green Lantern. The purpose of this particular hero is to protect Earth from alien (as in otherworldly) villains that come to harm us. As a result, it takes place here on Earth, but the creatures you’ll come across and the events that occur are often out of this world.

Season 1 of this latest DC series has eight episodes, and you’ll be getting one episode per week, so keep coming back to stay on top of how this plot evolves. Sure, you could wait and binge-watch the entire season after episode 8 premieres on October 4, 2026. I wouldn’t risk it, as spoilers are bound to find their way to you.

Continue reading our Lanterns season 1 review below. Find the first episode on HBO Max now.

From Hal Jordan to John Stewart

In Lanterns, we’re seeing how John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) is currently in training to become the next Green Lantern. Oh yeah, this time, the next in line has been recruited in due time, but the current Green Lantern isn’t ready to retire just yet. Also, he isn’t really ready to train his replacement.

At first, it’s a little tricky to see whether he is giving him the old Mr. Miyagi method of training John without him noticing. Later, it will be more obvious what’s going on.

The current Green Lantern is Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler), so we’re dealing with the same version as portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in the 2011 feature film. In other words, neither of the Lanterns in this HBO series is the same as in the current Superman movie and another DC series. Nathan Fillion, with a bowl cut, portrays the Guy Gardner version of Green Lantern in Superman and the Peacemaker series.

Personally, I do like Hal Jordan. Sure, he’s not always easy to like, but Kyle Chandler manages to walk that line perfectly. You’ll always be reminded that he is actually a good guy, just when you think he’s too much of a jerk. And, of course, Aaron Pierre is charming and absolutely built like a superhero, so it’s not difficult to understand that casting.

Finally, the chemistry and banter between Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart is perfect. Whether they come across more like siblings or a father-son situation is in the eye of the beholder, but I am enjoying it either way.

Start watching season 1 of Lanterns on HBO Max now

The Lanterns pilot is co-written by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, who are also the three co-creators of the DC series on HBO. Chris Mundy also serves as showrunner. For me, having Damon Lindelof on board is such a good sign. After Watchmen, I am ready to give him a chance on whatever he does.

With this series, we’re getting a plot with an Earth-based mystery, but it’s one that has cosmic ties. As much as it takes place in the American heartland, the two intergalactic cops are needed to get to the bottom of this one. The first two episodes are directed by James Hawes, and then Stephen Williams, Geeta Vasant Patel, and Alik Sakharov will be directing other episodes in the season.

Alongside Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the title roles, you can look forward to Kelly Macdonald (Dept. Q), Garret Dillahunt (Hysteria!), Poorna Jagannathan, Laura Linney (Ozark), Jason Ritter, Ulrich Thomsen (Shining Girls), J. Alphonse Nicholson, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and Nathan Fillion.

If you’re a fan of the DC Comics universe on HBO and in feature films, then you’ll enjoy this one as well. Lots of dark comedy alongside more sinister elements of intergalactic proportions!

Lanterns premieres on HBO and streams on HBO Max from August 16, 2026. 

Details

Creators: Tom King, Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy
Directors: James Hawes, with Stephen Williams, Geeta Vasant Patel, Alik Sakharov
Cast: Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Laura Linney, Jason Ritter, Ulrich Thomsen, Nathan Fillion, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Jasmine Cephas Jones.