Lanterns has flown out the blocks, shining a light on a grounded, grimy side to the DCU that feels like True Detective meets Green Lantern, with a dash of Yellowstone thrown in for good measure.
So, what to make of this murder mystery? Below, we'll run you through the main details about Lanterns as Kyle Chandler's Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre's John Stewart sleuth their way around middle America in search for answers. We'll have answers aplenty too, including ongoing release date news, how the critical reception has been, and where the plot has taken us so far. We'll even have some exclusive quotes thrown in for good measure.
For more, check out our guides to DCU Chapter One and how to watch the DC movies in order.
Lanterns release date
Lanterns premiered on August 16, 2026.
New episodes will be released every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max.
For what that means in your region, please consult the Lanterns release schedule.
Lanterns reviews
It's certainly a bright day for the DCU again. Lanterns is currently beloved by critics and currently has an outstanding 95% 'Fresh' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Our own Lanterns review marked it out as one of the must-see superhero events of the year, awarding it 4.5 out of 5.
While it was slightly dinged for remixing the origins of its two leads, our reviewer Bradley Russell praised the masterful work done by Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, as well as the plot's lightning-quick momentum.
Lanterns cast
The Lanterns cast is led by Friday Night Lights' Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, who starred in Netflix's acclaimed action thriller, Rebel Ridge. They're backed up by the familiar face of Nathan Fillion, once more playing fellow Lantern Guy Gardner. Long-time comics fans, meanwhile, will be excited to learn that Sinestro – a former Lantern who has since gone rogue – will also appear, played by Ulrich Thomsen.
At this point, we have a fairly lengthy list of actors who have been cast in the show, though bear in mind that for many of the characters listed here, we only know their name – and sometimes not even that!
Check out the complete Lanterns cast list so far below:
- Kyle Chandler – Hal Jordan
- Aaron Pierre – John Stewart
- Kelly Macdonald – Kerry Kane
- Nathan Fillion – Guy Gardner
- Garret Dillahunt – William Macon
- Poorna Jagannathan – Zoe
- Ulrich Thomsen – Sinestro
- Nicole Ari Parker – Bernadette Stewart
- Jason Ritter – Billy Macon
- Sherman Augustus – John Stewart Sr.
- Paul Ben-Victor – Antaan
- Chris Coy – Waylon Sanders
- Cary Christopher – young Noah
- Laura Linney – Guardians of the Universe member
Lanterns plot
The series follows two members of the Green Lantern Corps – a group of intergalactic (and therefore not always human) peacekeepers. Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) is a test pilot from Earth who was recruited by the Corps in around 1986. Fast forward to 2016 and he's tasked with training up new Lantern Corps recruit and former Marine, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). Together, the two investigate a murder in Rushville, Nebraska.
So far, there appears to be an alien conspiracy deep in the heart of Rushville. That's after a mass murder at a high school football game led to the emergence of extraterrestrial activity in the area.
Hal is also showing John plenty of tough love in his 'training', though it's clear he doesn't want his protege around.
The opening episode also includes a shocking 2026-set reveal where Hal Jordan is found dead. His Green Lantern ring is also missing. Who killed him? We have our suspicions (and list of suspects)...
It's "as much of a buddy cop show as a superhero show," showrunner Chris Mundy said. "Our show is in a lot of ways about replacement – when should someone step aside and when is it time for the next person to take the reins? That push and pull between those two characters is really important. So much of the power that John has is by not taking the bait, understanding that you lose your power if you’re yelling and screaming."
James Gunn previously described Lanterns as being "really a terrestrial-based TV show, which is almost like True Detective with a couple of Green Lanterns who are space cops watching over precinct Earth." He also mentioned that other members of the Corps will be "peppered in there" and that Jordan and Stewart will "discover a terrifying mystery that ties into our larger story of the DCU."
In the comics, the known universe is divided into 3600 different sectors, with each sector patrolled by one or two Lanterns. Earth is in Sector 2814. We don't know if this will be mentioned in the show, but that makes some sense of Gunn's "precinct Earth" comment.
Is there a Lanterns trailer?
The first Lanterns trailer was released behind closed doors during an HBO Upfront presentation and it finally hit the internet in March 2026. The two-minute clip, which you can watch above, teases Hal and John's dynamic (it looks like we can expect plenty of bickering), as well as tensions between the Green Lantern Corps and the Earth-based cops as a mystery investigation unfolds. The teaser also gives us our first glimpse at the Green Lantern suit, the Power Ring, and Hal flying, but it's a pretty grounded take on the heroes, otherwise.
Another new trailer was released at San Diego Comic-Con (follow our SDCC 2026 live coverage). This teaser featured Green Lantern's nemesis Sinestro and a reveal that they're looking for shape-shifting aliens the Manhunters. Watch it above.
Where can I watch Lanterns?
This one is easy to answer if you live in the United States. Lanterns, like all the other DCU projects, will be available to stream in the US on HBO Max.
In the UK, it's available on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and on NOW TV. Keep your eyes on this guide as we update you on the latest streaming news. While we wait, you can also check out our list of the best shows on HBO Max to watch right now!
For more, keep up with all the upcoming superhero movies and shows heading your way.
