Two weeks after its season finale, Lanterns is still burning bright on HBO Max. The DCU series, starring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan and John Stewart, remains the streaming service's most-watched TV show worldwide, proving that a slow-burn sci-fi mystery can hold its own in the superhero arena.
Premiering on August 16, 2026, Lanterns follows the two Green Lanterns as they investigate a murder case in the small town of Rushville, Nebraska. But the show isn't just a whodunit—it also digs into the personal histories of Hal and John, exploring where these cosmic cops fit in the new DCU reboot spearheaded by James Gunn and Peter Safran. That blend of procedural grit and character depth has clearly resonated with viewers, even if critics and audiences don't always see eye to eye.
The series has earned a solid 91% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences have been more divided, giving it a 67% rating and a 7.8-star average on IMDb. Some have praised the show for its compelling storytelling, especially for those who aren't die-hard comic book fans, and for the chemistry between Chandler and Pierre. Others, however, have called it "dull and flat," arguing it doesn't do enough to shake off the superhero fatigue that's been creeping into the genre.
Despite the mixed reception, Lanterns has stayed at #1 on HBO Max's global Top 10 TV list, a feat that speaks to its staying power. The show's success is even more notable given that Season 2 hasn't been officially greenlit yet. In a recent interview, DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran hinted that a second season could happen, but only if the team can "come up with what we believe to be a worthy successor to a beloved and great first season." So while fans wait, the story isn't necessarily over.
Even if Lanterns doesn't return for another season, the Green Lanterns aren't going anywhere. James Gunn's DCU is designed as a connected universe, with characters crossing over between films and shows, much like we've seen in Superman and Peacemaker. Aaron Pierre is already set to reprise his role as John Stewart in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow, which will team up David Corenswet's Superman with Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor as they face Brainiac (Lars Eidinger). Nathan Fillion will also return as Guy Gardner, another Green Lantern who made his debut in Superman and appeared in Lanterns.
For now, Lanterns remains a must-watch on HBO Max, and its chart-topping run is a testament to the enduring appeal of these intergalactic heroes. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, the show offers a fresh take on the Green Lantern mythos that's worth checking out.
If you're looking for more streaming hits, check out how Evil Dead Burn is scorching the charts this October, or see why VisionQuest is leading a Marvel streaming revival. And for a dose of nostalgia, Christina Ricci's Casper is haunting Disney+ just in time for Halloween.
