Lanterns series debuts on HBO Max as a dark DC crime drama

The new DC Studios series ‘Lanterns’ is premiering on HBO Max, marking a significant entry in James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe. The eight-episode sci-fi crime drama features Kyle Chandler as veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as new recruit John Stewart.

Departing from traditional superhero spectacle, the series adopts a darker, more grounded tone, drawing frequent comparisons to crime procedurals like ‘True Detective’. The plot centers on a mysterious murder investigation in the rural American town of Rushville, Nebraska, which eventually uncovers larger intergalactic conspiracies.

Early critical reception has been highly positive, with the show earning a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have specifically praised the performances of Chandler and Pierre, as well as the show’s mature, noir-inspired approach to the Green Lantern mythology. The series is scheduled to release episodes weekly through October 2026.