HBO’s new DC superhero show Lanterns is not the show you think it is. It’s about a couple of space cops: Kyle Chandler plays Earth’s Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, a grizzled, impulsive old-timer reluctantly training up his backup, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). Yet the story avoids cosmic sweep and spectacle in favor of a character-driven mystery and a grounded setting. Does this series thread the needle to appeal to comics nerds and newcomers alike? If you need more superhero stories, check out these episodes: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/06/26/nx-s1-5870615/supergirl-has-a-solid-hero-but-could-use-a-better-villain"target="_blank" >'Supergirl' has a solid hero but could use a better villain</a><a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/04/nx-s1-5698219/marvels-wonder-man-is-a-low-key-low-stakes-buddy-comedy"target="_blank" >Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ is a low-key, low-stakes buddy comedy</a> Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour:<a href="https://letterboxd.com/nprpopculture/"target="_blank" >Letterboxd</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pchh"target="_blank" >Facebook</a><a href="https://www.npr.org/newsletter/pop-culture"target="_blank" >Our weekly newsletter</a>Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at <a href="http://plus.npr.org/"target="_blank" >plus.npr.org</a>. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. <a href="https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR Privacy Policy</a>

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