Reported by 4 sources

The short version

  • Lanterns premiered on HBO with a dual timeline structure spanning 2016 and 2026.
  • Kyle Chandler stars as Hal Jordan, mentoring Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart.
  • Critics offer mixed reactions, with some praising the cast while others find the plot lacking.

HBO has launched its latest entry into the DC Comics universe with the premiere of Lanterns, a series that pairs veteran actor Kyle Chandler with rising star Aaron Pierre. The show adopts a dual timeline narrative, alternating between 2016 and 2026 to explore the evolving relationship between Hal Jordan, Earth’s current Green Lantern, and his trainee John Stewart. This structural choice aims to deepen character development by contrasting Jordan’s weary reluctance in the past with Stewart’s emergence as a confident hero in the present.

In the 2016 timeline, Chandler portrays a Hal Jordan who is described as lazy and hesitant to fully commit to training his successor. He views Stewart merely as backup, showing little intention of retiring or passing on the mantle permanently. This dynamic sets up a central conflict regarding trust and legacy, particularly given the reliance on the Green Lantern ring, an extrinsic power source that requires periodic recharging.

News Journal

The 2026 storyline begins with Jordan sending a holographic message to his past self, prompting him to fly to Nebraska after a mysterious incident. Stewart follows via conventional travel methods, arriving at Rushville’s football stadium where four visiting fans have been killed in a shooting. Jordan insists the victims were aliens, a claim disputed by local Sheriff Kerry Cane, played by Kelly Macdonald. The sheriff’s skepticism creates immediate tension between cosmic law enforcement and local authority.

Critics have offered mixed assessments of the premiere. The Guardian US review describes the series as a 'bust,' arguing that despite the presence of evil extraterrestrials and high-stakes action, the show fails to overcome a sense of mediocrity. The reviewer critiques the reliance on the Green Lantern ring as an external power source, comparing it unfavorably to characters whose abilities are intrinsic, and suggests that the lore surrounding the Guardians and Oa adds unnecessary complexity without sufficient payoff.

Conversely, other outlets highlight the strength of the performances and the potential of the buddy-cop format. Forbes’ recap notes the dark mystery elements introduced in the premiere, suggesting that the series may appeal to viewers who enjoy procedural storytelling alongside superhero tropes. The dynamic between Chandler’s seasoned Jordan and Pierre’s disciplined Stewart is seen as a compelling anchor for the narrative, providing emotional depth amidst the sci-fi spectacle.

The supporting cast includes Garret Dillahunt as William Macon, a local rancher involved in the investigation, and Jason Ritter as Billy, Macon’s son and the sheriff’s husband. These characters add layers to the small-town setting, contrasting the cosmic scale of the Green Lantern Corps with grounded, earthly conflicts. The inclusion of militia-type men patrolling Macon’s ranch hints at broader themes of power and control within the community.

Space magazine provides a breakdown of the key players, emphasizing the significance of John Stewart as one of DC’s first African American superheroes, debuting in 1971. This historical context adds weight to Stewart’s role in the series, positioning him not just as a successor but as a figure with deep roots in comic book history. The show leverages this legacy to explore themes of identity and responsibility.

Despite the mixed critical reception, the premiere has generated significant discussion on social media platforms like Bluesky and Wikipedia, indicating strong public interest. The trend suggests that audiences are eager to see how the DC universe expands into television, even if early reviews are divided. The dual timeline approach offers a unique way to examine character growth over time, potentially rewarding viewers who engage with both eras.

As the series progresses, it will need to balance its procedural elements with the larger cosmic stakes inherent to the Green Lantern mythos. The initial episodes establish a mystery centered on the Nebraska incident, but long-term success will depend on how well the show integrates this local plot with the broader conflicts of the Green Lantern Corps. The mentor-mentee relationship between Jordan and Stewart remains the emotional core, offering a relatable human element amidst the fantastical setting.

Lanterns arrives at a time when DC is actively rebuilding its television presence, following the cancellation of other major shows. The Ankler notes this context, framing Lanterns as part of a broader strategy to revitalize the brand on screen. Whether it succeeds in capturing the imagination of both comic fans and general audiences will become clearer as more episodes air and the narrative unfolds.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting

  • The Guardian US↗Lanterns review – Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre’s alien-hunting superhero caper is a bust
  • Substack↗Why you should watch HBO's 'Lanterns,' even if you hate superhero TV series
  • The Ankler↗DC’s TV Trouble: ‘Lanterns’ Arrives, Two Big Shows Die
  • Forbes↗‘Lanterns’ Premiere Recap And Review: A Dark DC Mystery