Lanterns review: Kyle Chandler & Aaron Pierre blaze as DC’s newest space‑cop duo

Lanterns review: Kyle Chandler & Aaron Pierre blaze as DC’s newest space‑cop duo

In this week’s Lanterns review, HBO delivers a stripped‑down detective story that trades interstellar fireworks for a tense Nebraska town. Veteran cop Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and his rookie, former Marine John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) are forced into a partnership that feels both familiar and unsettling.

Mentor‑mentee friction fuels the plot

Chandler’s Jordan is a smooth‑talking provocateur; Pierre’s Stewart is a stoic soldier who quietly rebels. Their banter crackles, especially when Jordan repeatedly calls Stewart “junior,” ignoring the weight of his own legacy. The series does not shy away from the extra pressure Stewart faces as a Black Lantern, a theme echoed in Reuters coverage of race in contemporary media.

“The chemistry between Chandler and Pierre is the series’ engine, propelling a mystery that feels both grounded and otherworldly.” – Variety

Set in Rushville, Nebraska, the investigation into a shooting with possible alien ties doubles as a commentary on xenophobia; local powerbroker William Macon (Garret Dillahunt) mirrors anti‑immigrant rhetoric. The show limits Green Lantern powers to shields and subtle constructs, making each visual flourish feel earned.

Ratings reflect the buzz: ↑ 8.5/10 on aggregate sites, while viewership climbed ↑ 12% after the premiere.

Lanterns premieres Sunday, Aug. 16 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Words by: Aria Montgomery

Media & Entertainment Correspondent