‘Lanterns’ lands lowest DC Universe audience score on Rotten Tomatoes

HBO’s Lanterns has earned an unwanted distinction in the DC Universe after its first season ended, with the series recording the franchise’s lowest audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

According to the website’s listing on October 13, the show has a 69% Popcornmeter score based on more than 2,500 audience ratings. Its critical reception is considerably stronger, with a 91% Tomatometer score from 86 reviews. The figures highlight a clear divide between professional critics and audience members.

The rating also puts Lanterns behind other DC Universe projects, including Peacemaker season two, which has a 79% audience score, and Supergirl, at 72%, according to figures cited by TVLine in its October 12 report.

Audience criticism has focused on the series’ approach to the Green Lantern mythology. Rather than leaning heavily into colourful intergalactic adventures and large scale superhero spectacle, Lanterns centres on a murder investigation in rural America. The story follows new recruit John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, and veteran Lantern Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler.

Some viewers have argued that the grounded detective format does not deliver the cosmic elements they expected from a Green Lantern adaptation. Others have objected to the portrayal of Jordan, whose cynical and weary personality differs from the more upbeat version familiar to some comic book readers.

One viewer criticised the series for failing as a superhero, Green Lantern and detective story. Another complained that the show concealed alien characters and powers, saying it worked better when viewed separately from the established mythology.

However, the audience score does not mean the series has been universally rejected. Its 91% critics’ rating indicates broad approval among professional reviewers, and the contrast has fuelled debate about what viewers want from the new DC Universe.

Rotten Tomatoes scores can change as additional ratings are submitted. For now, Lanterns remains a striking example of the gap between critical approval and audience response.