Lanterns’ early reviews have surfaced online, and they all agree on the one shining aspect of the new DCU TV show. A lot of them believe that the best part of the DCU TV show is the chemistry between Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre.
Being in awe of Chandler and Stewart’s on-screen bonding, Mike Ryan of The Hard Press wrote, “they needed their own story. And it’s kind of remarkable we are finally getting this.”
Similarly, Bradley Russell of GamesRadar+ wrote that the show “prides itself on relentless pacing and masterful character work from Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart to ensure DC’s superhero rivals will turn green with envy.”
Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter also highlighted the amazing chemistry between Hal and John and wrote, “Even in its uneven moments, the stars shine.” Meanwhile, Lauren Sarner of The New York Post wrote that the show is “an enjoyable — if uneven — watch, with barn-burner performances from the two stars, especially Chandler.”
Zach Pope of Zach Pope Reviews admired the new DC TV show and even called it “the BEST thing DC has done since THE BATMAN… it’s my favorite series of 2026.”
Who else stars in Lanterns besides Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre?
The cast of Lanterns also includes Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Jason Ritter, and Ulrich Thomsen. Nathan Fillion comes back to reprise his role as fellow Green Lantern Guy Gardner.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Emmy-winning actress Laura Linney had also joined the show. Although her casting was initially reported last year, it wasn’t made official until May 2026. Linney is known for her work in projects including 2025’s The American Revolution, MGM+ series American Classic, and 2024’s coming-of-age drama Suncoast.
As for the show’s plot, it will be a murder mystery. Going by the official logline, it follows “new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”
Lanterns has Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King as the co-creators, co-writers, and also executive producers alongside James Hawes.
Lanterns TV show will have its premiere on August 16, 2026, on HBO.
