HBO Max is enjoying a good stretch of success this month — in my eyes, at least. The current season of “Hard Knocks” was my favorite stream of last week, and I turned back to HBO Max this week for a long-anticipated debut: “Lanterns,” the series adapted from DC’s long-lived comic book character, The Green Lantern.

Two episodes in, I can safely say I’m hooked on “Lanterns.” Ahead of the show’s premiere, I picked “Lanterns” as a title I was anxious to check out, specifically because I wanted to see if it could pull me in without having to rely on a stack of comic-book references and fan service I wasn’t going to understand. Thus far, the series has accomplished that goal, and then some.

“Lanterns” follows Earth’s intergalactic supercop Hal Jordan, bearer of the Green Lantern ring, and his protege, John Stewart. Pulled into a murder investigation that has extraterrestrial proportions, Jordan and Stewart must try to solve the case without demolishing the small Nebraska town they’ve been summoned to — all while Stewart tries to advance in his Lantern training under the tutelage of the reluctant Jordan.

One of the reasons I was most excited to check out “Lanterns” was the casting of Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan. Chandler is one of my favorite TV actors, and he’s exceeded my expectations in the role. Jordan is a jerk who has let the power and fame of being Green Lantern go to his head, and Chandler is incredibly effective in portraying a hero who doesn’t want to be replaced by a successor he’s been stuck with.

Aaron Pierre is also fantastic as John Stewart. He portrays Stewart’s simmering frustration with Jordan perfectly; Stewart is never afraid to tell Jordan he hates the way he’s being taught the ways of a Lantern, but internally, there is a balance of awe and mistrust that Pierre portrays expertly.

One major worry I had when going into “Lanterns” was how accessible the show would be to less well-initiated DC fans. My impression so far is that there are plenty of references to characters and locations in the show that are going over my head — but nothing important. Key aspects of the comics that are being adapted for the show are given proper exposition, but not in a way that feels artfully delivered — not just spoon-fed to the audience.

The show’s supporting cast is filled with familiar faces, especially for HBO devotees. “Boardwalk Empire” lovers will be happy to see Kelly Macdonald step into the role of Sheriff Kerry Kane, and it won’t take an eagle eye for “Deadwood” fans to spot Garret Dillahunt in the series. Both are standout performers through the first two episodes, and I’m intrigued to see where their characters are taken next.

Intrigue is all over “Lanterns,” which is more of a detective series than it is an out-and-out superhero show. That isn’t to say the trappings of the DC universe aren’t present, from references to Gotham to a prominent Episode 2 storyline centering on the Lantern that powers Jordan’s ring. But none of it is a turn-off — thus far, “Lanterns” has me craving more, not scratching my head about what I’ve just watched.

Viewers can stream new episodes of “Lanterns” on HBO Max at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday evenings. The streamer offers plans starting at $11 per month, or $18.49 per month if customers want to upgrade to ad-free streams.

Lanterns

August 16, 2026

Two intergalactic cops, new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, are drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.