Imagine: a measured, deliberate pace that doesn't ram the viewer but envelops them like thick fog over a night city. And then suddenly – a sharp plot twist that takes your breath away. That's exactly how the new sci-fi series "Lanterns" (Lanterns), which premiered on 16 August 2026 on HBO and the streaming platform Max. This is not just another show; it's a real injection of inspiration that makes you want to share your impressions immediately.
The first season consists of 8 episodes, which are broadcast weekly, allowing each episode to settle thoroughly in the mind. This is truly cool, vivid science fiction: brutal, witty, and incredibly stylish. Here, a new intrigue is born every minute. Take, for example, the second episode: its ending intrigues you to the point of goosebumps, and that's not a spoiler, but a promise that you won't be bored for a second.
A symphony of talents: the cast is at an unattainable height
The casting of the series is a bull's-eye. Each actor brings a unique energy to the project:
* Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan). A master of deep drama, known to us from "Friday Night Lights" (and a well-deserved Emmy), "The Wolf of Wall Street," and the large-scale "Godzillas." He brings steel, charisma, and unexpected vulnerability to the superhero role.
* Aaron Pierre (John Stewart). A British rising star whose career is currently soaring. After the thriller "Rebel Ridge," "Krypton," and the powerful voice of Mufasa in Disney's new prequel, he proves he can carry the weight of cosmic scale.
Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre are a wonderful pair
The main strength of the series so far is not even the special effects, but the acting duo.
Kyle Chandler plays Hal Jordan — an experienced, slightly battered by life, brutal, witty, and at times utterly unbearable character.
Many remember Chandler from the series Friday Night Lights, for which he won an Emmy, and Bloodline, as well as the films King Kong, Argo, The Wolf of Wall Street and the Godzilla universe.
Alongside him is Aaron Pierre as John Stewart.
Pierre is clearly on the rise today. He could be seen in Rebel Ridge, The Underground Railroad and Krypton, and quite recently it was his voice that spoke as Mufasa in the film "Mufasa: The Lion King".
And together they work brilliantly.
One is experienced, sarcastic and slightly tired of everything in the world. The other is serious, composed and still trying to figure out the rules of the game.
Between them arises exactly the chemistry that such a series needs: a bit of irritation, a bit of rivalry, plenty of sharp lines — and gradually emerging respect.
It is no coincidence that critics also specifically note the chemistry between Chandler and Pierre.
And here is Nathan Fillion
Also appearing is Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner — an actor whom science fiction fans almost don't need to be introduced to.
Captain Mal from the cult "Firefly", Richard Castle from "Castle", John Nolan from "The Rookie" — Fillion is excellent at playing characters who simultaneously irritate, amuse and charm.
And Kelly Macdonald plays Sheriff Kerry. She is known from Trainspotting, No Country for Old Men, Gosford Park and Boardwalk Empire.
Overall, the cast here is very strong — and it helps the series immensely.
The second episode — this is where we were completely hooked
If the first episode introduces the world and sets up the pieces, then the second one already begins to tighten the noose of intrigue.
Especially its ending.
No, there will be no spoilers.
Although in the case of "Lanterns" this is almost a funny warning: here, roughly every ten minutes, a new mystery, suspicion, or detail appears, after which you have to somewhat reconsider everything you had come up with before.
And you want to immediately turn on the next episode.
But it's not there yet.
This, perhaps, is the main drawback of "Lanterns".
Stylish. Brutal. Witty.
"Lanterns" is not like typical loud superhero fare.
The series is more adult, calm, and composed. There's no feeling that every five minutes the viewer must be shown another computer-generated catastrophe.
Instead, there is a restrained visual style, quality special effects, good science fiction, a detective intrigue, and humor that appears exactly when needed.
It is brutal — but not heavy-handed.
Serious — but not dreary.
Fantastical — but surprisingly grounded.
And just damn stylish.
Atmosphere and Verdict
"Lanterns" is a stylish, cozy, and at the same time magnificent project. The quality special effects here do not steal the show, but serve an impeccably maintained visual style. The series breathes, lives, and keeps you on edge, offering a perfect balance between epic scope and intimate, witty dialogue.
What the Ratings Say
As of now, "Lanterns" has:
Rotten Tomatoes — 94% positive critic reviews.
Metacritic — 71/100.
IMDb — 8,0/10.
And now the main thing.
⭐ Gaya Rating — 9.1/10
Truly great science fiction. Stylish, intriguing, witty, and unexpectedly cozy.
If "Lanterns" maintains the level of its first two episodes, it could well turn out to be one of our favorite science fiction series of the year.
