A new HBO series riffs on DC Comics' 'Green Lantern'

NPR | By John Powers

Published August 14, 2026 at 2:12 PM EDT

With sharp dialogue and a strong cast, Lanterns is a mashup of superpower action, odd couple comedy, and old school cop story. It boasts the pleasures, and betrays the perils of pushing the comic book envelope.

John Powers

John Powers is the pop culture and critic-at-large on NPR's Fresh Air with Terri Gross.

See stories by John Powers

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.