Lanterns is off to a blazing start for DC Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery.
The new HBO and HBO Max series pulled in 9.3 million global cross-platform viewers during its first three days of availability, according to Warner Bros. Discovery. In the U.S. alone, the premiere reached 6.6 million viewers across HBO and HBO Max, giving the show one of the strongest recent launches for the platform.
‘Lanterns’ HBO Max Premiere Lands Among the Platform’s Top Series Debuts
According to the studio, Lanterns now ranks among the top five HBO Max series premieres when looking at streaming performance. That is a strong early signal for DC Studios, especially as the company continues to rebuild and reshape its connected screen universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran.
The numbers also put Lanterns ahead of The Penguin, the acclaimed DC crime drama that previously gave HBO a major comic-book television win. While The Penguin had the advantage of spinning out of Matt Reeves’ The Batman universe, Lanterns appears to be generating its own momentum right out of the gate.
How ‘Lanterns’ Compares to ‘The Penguin’
The early comparison matters because The Penguin was widely viewed as a major success for HBO and DC. Beating that show’s initial performance gives Lanterns valuable industry buzz, particularly among fans watching to see whether DC’s television strategy can compete with the biggest genre titles on streaming.
It also suggests that audiences are still hungry for premium superhero storytelling when the concept feels fresh. Rather than leaning only on familiar Batman-related characters, Lanterns brings the Green Lantern corner of the DC universe back into the spotlight with a prestige-TV approach.
Why ‘Lanterns’ Is a Big Deal for DC Studios
For years, Green Lantern has been one of DC’s most recognizable but most underused franchises on screen. The cosmic mythology, intergalactic police force, and detective-style storytelling give Lanterns a different flavor from the usual superhero formula.
That may be part of the appeal. HBO audiences have shown they will turn out for comic-book shows when the writing, tone, and production values feel closer to prestige drama than standard franchise filler. If Lanterns can maintain audience interest beyond its premiere window, it could become one of the key building blocks in DC Studios’ new era.
Is HBO Max Available in the U.S., UK, and EU?
In the U.S., Lanterns is available through HBO and HBO Max. HBO Max is also available in select European markets, though availability can vary by country. In the UK, HBO programming has often been distributed through local partners, and HBO Max availability may depend on the platform’s regional rollout and licensing arrangements.
Viewers outside the U.S. should check their local HBO Max, Max, or Warner Bros. Discovery listings to confirm availability in their region.
Where to Watch ‘Lanterns’
Show: Lanterns
Where to watch: HBO and HBO Max in the U.S.; HBO Max or regional Warner Bros. Discovery platforms in supported EU markets; UK availability may vary by local distribution.
When to watch: The series premiere is available now on HBO and HBO Max where supported.
Tags: #Lanterns #HBOMax #DCStudios #ThePenguin #StreamingNews
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