DCU’s ‘Lanterns’ Gets Its Rotten Tomatoes Score — Does It Live up to the Hype?
DC fans finally have an early idea of how HBO’s Lanterns is landing with critics, and the first reviews are looking very promising. The upcoming DC Universe series has earned a 91% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, giving the show a strong start ahead of its August 16 premiere.
Lanterns brings two versions of Green Lantern together for a very different kind of superhero story. Kyle Chandler plays Hal Jordan, an experienced Lantern, while Aaron Pierre plays John Stewart, a new recruit who is just beginning to understand what comes with the job.
Instead of focusing only on cosmic battles and superhero action, the series takes a more grounded approach. Hal and John are pulled into a murder investigation in the American heartland, which slowly opens the door to a much bigger mystery.
That detective angle has been one of the most interesting parts of the project since it was first announced. According to the series’ official description, Lanterns follows the two intergalactic cops as they investigate a murder on Earth. The story has been described as an original detective drama set inside the DC Universe.
The creative team also gives the show some serious TV experience. Chris Mundy serves as showrunner, while Damon Lindelof and comic book writer Tom King are also involved in creating the series. The project was developed for HBO and is produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television.
The cast goes beyond Chandler and Pierre, with Kelly Macdonald and Nathan Fillion also playing major roles. Fillion is especially familiar to DC fans, as he previously appeared as Guy Gardner in Superman.
So, what are critics saying about Lanterns?
The current 91% Tomatometer score suggests that the early response is strongly positive. Critics appear to be responding to the show’s decision to treat the Green Lantern story as more than a traditional superhero series. The murder mystery, grounded setting, and relationship between Hal and John are among the elements that make the show stand out.
Robert Lloyd of the Los Angeles Times gave the series a Fresh score, calling it original thanks to its strong writing, performances, and attention to detail. Empire was similarly positive, giving Lanterns 4/5 and saying its grounded and gritty style gives the DCU a much-needed win.
Several critics have highlighted the show’s treatment of John Stewart. Polygon’s Corey Plante praised how the story connects themes of fear and heroism to John’s identity as a Black man, suggesting the series gives the character more depth than a typical superhero origin story.
Kyle Chandler’s performance as Hal Jordan is another major strength. Kathryn VanArendonk of Vulture praised his “sardonic” take on Hal, saying he carries much of the series while John Stewart is still finding his confidence. That suggests the chemistry and contrast between the two Lanterns could become one of the show’s biggest strengths.
Other reviews have focused on the show’s mystery elements. JoBlo’s Alex Maidy gave Lanterns an impressive 9/10, describing it as a mature mystery with echoes of HBO’s Watchmen and calling it a faithful adaptation of Green Lantern lore.
Grace Randolph of Beyond the Trailer also praised the central mystery and said the series gets both Hal Jordan and John Stewart right, calling it “perfect DC storytelling.”
Not every review is completely positive. New York Times critic Mike Hale gave the series a Rotten score, arguing that Lanterns is heavily focused on the darker emotional side of being a superhero.
Still, the overall response is clear: critics see Lanterns as a strong and mature addition to the new DCU, with its detective-story structure and character-driven approach standing out from typical superhero fare.
Lanterns is scheduled to premiere on HBO on August 16, 2026, with eight episodes planned through October 4.
A 91% score is certainly a strong start, especially for a series carrying the weight of introducing two major Green Lantern characters to the new DCU. Now the real question is whether the show can keep that momentum once audiences get to see the full season.
For now, the critics seem to be giving DC fans plenty of reasons to be excited. The combination of Green Lantern mythology, a murder mystery, and two very different heroes could make Lanterns one of the most important DCU projects yet.
After seeing the early reviews, are you more excited for the series?
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
