Following its first season finale, the HBO original series Lanterns has established a new record within the DC Universe (DCU), though likely not the one its creators intended. The series holds the lowest Rotten Tomatoes audience score in the franchise’s history, signaling a sharp divide between critical reception and fan sentiment.
The series currently sits at a 70% audience score, a figure that places it below the 72% rating previously held by Supergirl. This fan response stands in stark contrast to the show’s critical performance; professional reviewers have maintained a high approval rating for the project, which fluctuates between 91% and 92% on the aggregate site. This 20-point “Rotten Tomatoes gap” highlights a disconnect between the show’s approach as a prestige crime drama and the expectations of the core comic book audience.
The Finale and Fan Dissatisfaction
Much of the audience’s downward trend followed the season finale. According to reported claims from viewers, the dissatisfaction largely stems from the creative handling of Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler. In a significant departure from some source material expectations, the series depicted Jordan as a grizzled veteran whose eventual death served as a pivotal catalyst for the development of John Stewart.
The finale also provided a major lore revelation, confirming that the character Noah Macon was actually a Manhunter—the robotic precursors to the Green Lantern Corps. While critics praised the show’s True Detective-inspired atmosphere and narrative risks, many vocal fans expressed frustration over the “character assassination” of a flagship hero like Jordan so early in the new DCU timeline.
For comparison, other recent DCU projects have maintained significantly higher audience standing. James Gunn’s Superman (2025) holds a 90% audience score, while the second season of Peacemaker sits at 79%.
High Viewership and Future Development
Despite the polarizing reception among certain segments of the fanbase, Lanterns has proven to be a significant commercial success for HBO. The series averaged nearly 19 million global viewers per episode throughout its eight-episode run, suggesting that the “prestige drama” framing successfully reached a broad general audience beyond traditional comic book enthusiasts.
The future of the series remains in motion, though it will undergo a leadership change. While a second season is currently in early development, co-creator Damon Lindelof has confirmed he will not return for the next installment. The second season is expected to deal with the fallout of the Manhunter revelation and John Stewart’s transition into a more prominent role within the Green Lantern Corps. Whether the next chapter can bridge the gap between its high-brow critical acclaim and its recorded low in fan approval remains a primary question for the franchise moving forward.
