DC’s new Lanterns has finally arrived which brings Hal Jordan and John Stewart into the new DC Universe. The first episode has already got fans talking, with viewers reacting to its mystery driven storyline, the chemistry between its two leads and, of course, the ending that has left plenty of people wondering what comes next.
The series has received largely enthusiastic reactions so far, with several viewers praising the performances of Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler, while others have highlighted the show’s grounded approach to the Green Lantern mythology. But not everyone is completely sold on the first episode’s ending. Here’s what viewers are saying about Lanterns after the premiere.
What Are Fans Saying About Lanterns?
One viewer pointed out how the episode moves through different timelines before landing in 2026, calling the ending a major setup for what is still to come.
“#LANTERNS Ep 1 ending is gonna piss off a lot of people but what a set up for the rest of the season. Going from 1996 to 2016 and then leaving us in 2026 with that ending has drawn me in for the rest of the story.”
#LANTERNS Ep 1 ending is gonna piss off a lot of people but what a set up for the rest of the season.
Going from 1996 to 2016 and then leaving us in 2026 with that ending has drawn me in for the rest of the story.
— MoviesThatMaher (@MoviesThatMaher) August 17, 2026
Another viewer was much more direct in their praise, especially for the overall approach taken by the series.
“Sympathy to the Hal Jordan fans, but #Lanterns is really fantastic. This is the kinda show we should have been aiming for this whole time for the MCU.”
Sympathy to the Hal Jordan fans, but #Lanterns is really fantastic. This is the kinda show we should have been aiming for this whole time for the MCU
— Jack McBryan (@McBDirect) August 17, 2026
Hal Jordan And John Stewart’s Dynamic Gets Praise
The relationship between the two Green Lanterns is already becoming one of the most discussed parts of the series. One viewer praised the way the show manages to stay grounded while still keeping the mythology intact, while also pointing out that the ending left them wanting more.
“LANTERNS Episode One captures this really interesting blend where it’s deeply grounded in it’s setting while already feeling faithful to the mythology surrounding the Green Lanterns, Hal and John’s dynamic is far & away the highlight so far. Don’t love the ending. But i refuse to believe there’s not larger plans at work. I’ll save my judgement until i’ve seen all of S1. Overall though, really fantastic pilot episode. I’m fully invested in all these elements at work.”
LANTERNS Episode One captures this really interesting blend where it’s deeply grounded in it’s setting while already feeling faithful to the mythology surrounding the Green Lanterns, Hal and John’s dynamic is far & away the highlight so far.
Don’t love the ending. But i refuse… https://t.co/V4nYYaR1Iw pic.twitter.com/5aPjBU4UGf
— Craig (@CS11__) August 17, 2026
Viewers Are Already Hooked On The Mystery
Another fan was impressed by how quickly the show gets into its story, praising the tension, humour and mystery in the premiere.
“WHAT A PILOT DUDEEE, they wasted absolutely no time throwing us into this show. The tension, chemistry, dry humor, and mystery is insane. Most of this episode was just the trailer, we haven’t seen shit. Oh my god we’re in for an all timer.”
WHAT A PILOT DUDEEE, they wasted absolutely no time throwing us into this show. The tension, chemistry, dry humor, and mystery is insane 😭
Most of this episode was just the trailer, we haven’t seen shit 😭 oh my god we’re in for an all timer #Lanterns
— Axel🦇 (@AxelTalksFilm)
Some Fans Are Calling It One Of The Best Superhero Shows
The praise has gone beyond the performances and mystery. Another viewer highlighted the larger themes being explored in the series and compared its ambition to Watchmen.
““Lanterns” is phenomenal. A series that asks what it means to be “chosen”, and who gets the privilege of living “without fear.” Big, bold, ambitious stuff. Maybe a shade shy of Lindelof’s “Watchmen”, but handily the best superhero project of the year. If not the last few years.”
“Lanterns” is phenomenal. A series that asks what it means to be “chosen”, and who gets the privilege of living “without fear.”
Big, bold, ambitious stuff. Maybe a shade shy of Lindelof’s “Watchmen”, but handily the best superhero project of the year. If not the last few years. pic.twitter.com/3cDvO8TAEK
— Darren Mooney (@Darren_Mooney) August 14, 2026
Another fan called the premiere a major success and singled out both lead actors.
“#Lanterns exceeds all expectations and delivers a true TELEVISION MASTERPIECE. Lindelof embraces the Green Lantern lore while constructing a deeply powerful story. Aaron Pierre is the true embodiment of John Stewart, and Kyle Chandler delivers the rawest Hal Jordan we’ve ever seen. This is Green Lantern at its absolute best,”
#Lanterns exceeds all expectations and delivers a true TELEVISION MASTERPIECE. Lindelof embraces the Green Lantern lore while constructing a deeply powerful story. Aaron Pierre is the true embodiment of John Stewart, and Kyle Chandler delivers the rawest Hal Jordan we’ve ever… pic.twitter.com/SuxckZKkGg
— Anthony Gagliardi @ The Movie Podcast (@AJGaliardi) August 14, 2026
Who Stars In Lanterns?
Kyle Chandler plays Hal Jordan while Aaron Pierre takes on the role of John Stewart. The two are at the centre of the series as they investigate a murder that gradually opens up a much larger mystery.
Nathan Fillion also stars as Guy Gardner, while Kelly Macdonald plays Sheriff Kerry Kane. The supporting cast includes Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Jason Ritter and Ulrich Thomsen as Thaal Sinestro.
When And Where To Watch Lanterns?
Lanterns premiered in the US on August 16 and is available to Indian viewers on JioHotstar from August 17. The first season consists of eight episodes. New episodes will drop weekly on Mondays at 6:30 AM IST.
