HBO‘s new Sunday night show Lanterns is a live action reimagining of the Green Lantern comic books. Kyle Chandler plays Hal Jordan, the first human to ever be named “Green Lantern” by the mysterious and all-powerful aliens known as the Guardians. Green Lanterns are sort of galactic beat cops who wield a special ring that gives them the power to create anything they can imagine in order to save the day. Aaron Pierre plays John Stewart, a former Marine who has spent his life training with the goal of becoming the next Green Lantern.
When Lanterns begins, Hal has been tasked by the Guardians with training John to be his “backup” and he is none too pleased about it. The two men are less buddies than they are rivals, which causes friction when they find themselves in the small town of Rushville, Nebraska trying to solve a murder mystery involving aliens.
Will Hal finally teach John how to be a Green Lantern? Why are aliens in the middle of Nebraska? Do Green Lanterns really have zero fear? (I’m skeptical, but apparently they feel no fear. Like, at all.)
Most importantly, when will Lanterns come out on HBO and HBO Max?
Is Lanterns on Tonight? (8/16/26)
Yes, HBO’s new Green Lanterns show, Lanterns, will be on tonight.
Lanterns Release Date:
The very first episode of Lanterns will premiere on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, August 16.
What Time Does Lanterns Episode 1 Come Out?
Lanterns Episode 1 comes out on HBO and HBO Max at 9 PM ET on Sunday, August 16.
How Many Episodes are in Lanterns Season 1? Lanterns Episode Guide:
There are 8 episodes in the first season of Lanterns. New episodes of the superhero drama will premiere on Sundays between now and October 4, 2026.
Here’s your guide to when every episode of Lanterns comes out:
- Episode 1 “Pilot”: Sunday, August 16
- Episode 2: Sunday, August 23
- Episode 3: Sunday, August 30
- Episode 4 : Sunday, September 6
- Episode 5: Sunday, September 13
- Episode 6: Sunday, September 20
- Episode 7: Sunday, September 27
- Episode 8: Sunday, October 4
How To Watch Lanterns:
Lanterns is an HBO original, which means you can only catch it with an HBO or HBO Max subscription. Don’t have HBO Max?
If you’re new to HBO Max, you can sign up for as low as $10.99/month with ads, but an ad-free subscription will cost $18.49/month.
If you want to stream even more and save a few bucks a month while you’re at it, we recommend subscribing to one of the discounted Disney+ Bundles with Hulu and HBO Max. With ads, the bundle costs $19.99/month and without ads, $32.99/month.
Will There Be a Lanterns Season 2?
We don’t yet know if Lanterns will get a second season, but it sure feels like show that HBO hopes will be a big hit.
Is There a Lanterns Trailer?
Yep! You can watch the official Lanterns trailer by scrolling to the top of this page.
Lanterns Cast: Who’s Who in HBO’s Green Lantern Show:
HBO’s Lanterns is full of up-and-coming Hollywood stars, iconic TV talent, and your favorite actors to follow on screen. You might recognize some of the Lanterns cast from projects like Friday Night Lights, Rebel Ridge, Trainspotting, Deli Boys, and more. Here’s who’s in the Lanterns cast:
- Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan
- Aaron Pierre as John Stewart
- Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry Kane
- Garret Dillahunt as William Macon
- Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe
- Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
- Jason Ritter as Billy Macon
- Ulrich Thomsen as Thal Sinestro