Controversial Superhero Series Has Become a Smash Hit on Streaming Despite Backlash

• Lanterns, a new DCU series, has quickly risen to the top of HBO Max’s U.S. TV rankings following its debut.
• The show has surpassed popular titles like Rick and Morty and House of the Dragon on the streaming platform.
• Lanterns, created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, features characters Hal Jordan and John Stewart investigating a murder in Nebraska.

Lanterns has emerged as an early streaming success despite the controversy surrounding the new DCU series. The show has climbed to the top of HBO Max’s U.S. TV rankings, placing it ahead of several popular shows on the platform. Its strong streaming performance comes as the series continues to draw attention following its debut.

Lanterns is topping HBO Max’s streaming charts after debut

Lanterns has quickly climbed the HBO Max streaming charts following its debut. 

According to FlixPatrol, the superhero series ranked No. 1 among HBO Max’s Top 10 TV shows in the United States on August 19, 2026. The series has moved ahead of several high-profile titles on the platform, including Rick and Morty, House of the Dragon, 90 Day Fiancé, President Curtis and Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, among others.

Lanterns debuted on August 16, 2026, as an eight-episode series within the DCU’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King, the show is releasing one episode each week, with the season scheduled to conclude on October 4, 2026.

Hal Jordan and John Stewart are brought together by a murder investigation that takes them to Nebraska. Jordan, an experienced Green Lantern, is paired with Stewart, a recent recruit, as the two begin examining a case that leads them into a small town in the American heartland. However, soon the local investigation becomes increasingly dangerous as they uncover secrets surrounding the community.

As the case develops, the two are forced to work together to uncover the truth. Kyle Chandler plays Hal Jordan, with Aaron Pierre portraying John Stewart. Kelly Macdonald appears as Kerry, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe, and Garret Dillahunt as William Macon.

The series has received a strong response from critics. Lanterns currently holds a 95 percent critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 73 reviews. Meanwhile, its audience score stands at 85 percent.