Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan hunts murder in 'Lanterns' – deadly secret

In a Thursday night lineup change, HBO and HBO Max added a new sci‑fiction drama to its schedule. The series, titled *Lanterns*, begins airing Friday, Aug. 16 at 9 p.m.

Eastern on both platforms.

Created by Chris Mundy and Tom King, the show is the third entry in James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe slate. It centers on two Green Lanterns who investigate a murder on Earth, blending superhero action with a noir‑style mystery.

The cast features Kyle Chandler as veteran Hal Jordan, Aaron Pierre as rookie John Stewart, and Nathan Fillion reprising his role as Guy Gardner from the earlier *Superman* series. Kelly Macdonald appears as Sheriff Kerry in Nebraska, providing a grounding civilian perspective.

## Background & Context

The DC Universe project began in 2023 when Safran announced a new line of original series for HBO. *Lanterns* was described as a “huge HBO‑quality event” that would bring the iconic Green Lantern mythos to television with a fresh, gritty tone.

The series draws inspiration from other crime dramas on the network, positioning itself as a serious narrative about intergalactic law enforcement.

Production wrapped in late summer after several months of filming in multiple locations. The show is set across two timelines, 2016 and 2026, allowing the story to weave past events from the previous *Superman* movie into its present plot. This approach gives audiences continuity within the broader DC Universe.

Critics have already weighed in before the premiere, giving the show a 90 % Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The high score reflects early reviews that praised its writing, performances, and visual style. Those reviews were based on screenings given to industry insiders and reviewers during test runs.

## What People Are Saying

On the night of its launch, viewers who streamed on HBO Max were able to watch the first episode for free with ads at a cost of $10.99 . Subscribers who prefer an uninterrupted experience can pay $18.49 monthly for the ad‑free version.

For those without a standard HBO subscription, the show remains available on the streaming service only. A new bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max starts at $19.99 , or $32.99 without ads, providing a way to access multiple networks for a single price.

The series will release a new episode each week at 9 p.m. ET, continuing the schedule set by previous DC Universe shows. Fans who catch all eight episodes can follow the investigation from its opening murder scene to the final confrontation.

## What Happens Next

After the first episode, HBO has not announced any mid‑season break or scheduling changes. The remaining seven episodes are slated to air weekly without interruption, keeping viewers engaged with a consistent rhythm.

The show’s production team is expected to keep the narrative moving forward by expanding on the mysteries presented in the opening scenes. Additional story arcs may involve other Green Lanterns, as Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner appears in both timelines.

As the series progresses, viewers will see how the partnership between Hal Jordan and John Stewart evolves under the pressure of a complex murder case. The show will likely explore themes of duty, morality, and the consequences of wielding power across time.

The premiere of *Lanterns* marks a new chapter for HBO’s DC Universe programming, bringing superhero lore to a network known for darker, character‑driven storytelling. Fans can tune in on August 16 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO or HBO Max, choosing between ad‑free or ad‑included options, and follow the series weekly through its eight‑episode arc.