DC's 'Lanterns' Premieres Tonight on HBO Max Free
'Lanterns' premiered August 16 on HBO and HBO Max. The series is the third TV entry in James Gunn and Peter Safran's DC Universe.
- 8 episodes air weekly at 9 p.m. ET through October 4.
- HBO Max subscriptions start at $10.99 per month with ads.
- A Disney+ and Hulu bundle with HBO Max costs $19.99 per month with ads.
- 90% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of premiere.
Why it matters: The series blends a murder-mystery plot with DC superhero characters, placing it in a shared universe already established by last summer's 'Superman.' Peter Safran compared it to 'True Detective' when the DCU slate was announced in 2023.
- Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre play veteran Hal Jordan and recruit John Stewart, respectively; Nathan Fillion reprises his role as Guy Gardner from 'Superman.'
How 10 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 4 sources: The center frames the premiere as a streaming guide, emphasizing subscription options and the show's place in a commercially successful DC lineup.
Billboard9h‘Lanterns’: Here’s Where to Watch the New DC Studios TV Series Online for Free
Deadline2h‘Lanterns’ Star Kyle Chandler Weighs In On Premiere Twist That Sets In Motion “The Whole Mystery” Of HBO Series
Forbes45m‘Lanterns’ Premiere Recap And Review: A Dark DC Mystery
USA Today2hKyle Chandler on how 'Lanterns' pilot twist is a 'hook with good bait'
Los Angeles Times2h'Lanterns' star Kyle Chandler on grouchy Hal Jordan, Episode 1's ending
Variety2h'Lanterns' Premiere Shocker: How Does Hal Die?Right coverage, 1 sources: The right frames the premiere similarly as a practical how-to-watch guide, highlighting the show's critical reception and its connections to the broader DC Universe.
What’s next: Episode 2 airs August 23 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
- How will 'Lanterns' viewership compare to earlier DC Universe TV entries like 'Peacemaker' and 'Creature Commandos'?
- Will the show's dual-timeline structure — set in both 2016 and 2026 — complicate its place in the broader DCU continuity?