The series Lanterns, the new television project from DC Studios set in the Green Lantern universe, has become one of HBO Max's biggest recent hits. The production, starring Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler, averages over 12 million viewers per episode in the United States and nears 19 million internationally, according to data reported by Variety.
This figure is particularly significant as it comes at a time when the series has sparked intense debate among fans of the character due to creative decisions that deviate from the classic comic book plot. Despite the controversy, public support seems to confirm that Lanterns has earned a solid place within James Gunn and Peter Safran's newly launched DCU.
An audience phenomenon for HBO Max
According to information published by Variety, the penultimate episode of the season, titled The Jordan Boys' Legacy, drew 7 million viewers in the United States during its first three days of availability. That figure, significant on its own, becomes even more relevant when viewed in the global context of the series.
With an average exceeding 12 million weekly viewers in the U.S. and rising to approximately 19 million when including other international markets, Lanterns is positioned as one of the most profitable bets in the current HBO Max catalog.
For a show that introduces a new version of Green Lantern into the cinematic and television universe being built by Gunn and Safran, these figures represent considerable backing for the future of the franchise.
The Hal Jordan controversy does not dampen public interest
Much of the conversation on social media since the premiere has focused on the fate of Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler. The decisions made regarding this character in the first few episodes sparked mixed reactions among those who followed his trajectory closely in the original comics.
James Gunn responded directly to these criticisms via Threads. The head of DC Studios explained that regular comic book readers are familiar with the existence of different continuities for the same characters, citing as an example the differences between the DCU, Earth 0, and the Absolute Universe.
Gunn also drew a parallel to the strategy followed by Marvel Studios, which combined elements from the Ultimate Universe and Earth-616 alongside original ideas created specifically for their films. His message suggests that the DCU does not intend to literally replicate any specific comic book continuity, but rather to build its own narrative from recognizable elements.
Season 2 of Lanterns begins to take shape
Although HBO Max has not officially confirmed a second season, behind-the-scenes moves suggest that DC Studios is already preparing the ground to continue the story.
It has been revealed that a new team of writers is already working on a hypothetical second season. Chris Mundy would return as showrunner, while Damon Lindelof and Tom King would not continue in writing roles.
Vanessa Baden Kelly would return to the team, joined by new additions such as Christopher Cantwell, Nakkiah Lui, Zack Whedon, and Selwyn Seyfu Hinds.
With an international audience of nearly 19 million viewers per episode, it is understandable that Warner Bros. Discovery is interested in continuing the series, although everything will depend on the official announcement that may arrive in the coming months.
The season finale could change everything
The first season of Lanterns will conclude with the episode Dirt and Stars, tasked with resolving much of the mystery that has linked John Stewart and Hal Jordan since the beginning of the plot.
The series follows John Stewart, a recruit played by Aaron Pierre, and veteran Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, as they investigate a murder in the heart of the United States. What begins as an apparently conventional case ends up connecting with larger-scale elements within the DCU.
The cast is rounded out by Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt, Poorna Jagannathan, Laura Linney, Jason Ritter, Ulrich Thomsen, Nathan Fillion, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Jasmine Cephas Jones.
An increasingly relevant piece within the DCU
Chris Mundy serves as the showrunner for the series and is also a co-creator alongside Damon Lindelof and Tom King. James Hawes directed the first two episodes, while Stephen Williams, Geeta Vasant Patel, and Alik Sakharov complete the directing team.
Lanterns is produced by HBO in association with Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, with James Gunn and Peter Safran serving as executive producers.
With the audience already secured, the real question now is how far DC Studios wants to take John Stewart after the season finale and what role he will occupy within a cinematic and television universe that is just beginning to unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many viewers does Lanterns have on HBO Max?
The series averages more than 12 million viewers per episode in the United States and nearly 19 million when including the international audience.
Who are the stars of Lanterns?
Aaron Pierre plays John Stewart and Kyle Chandler plays Hal Jordan, the two central Green Lanterns of the plot.
Why has Lanterns generated controversy among fans?
The criticism focuses mainly on creative decisions related to the character of Hal Jordan, which deviate from his classic development in the comics.
Will there be a second season of Lanterns?
HBO Max has not officially confirmed it, but a new team of writers has already been formed and an announcement is expected soon.
Who directs the series Lanterns?
James Hawes directed the first two episodes, while Stephen Williams, Geeta Vasant Patel, and Alik Sakharov are part of the rest of the directing team.
When does the first season of Lanterns end?
The season concludes with the episode Dirt and Stars, which will resolve the central mystery connecting John Stewart and Hal Jordan.
