Lanterns: HBO Believes DCU Show Is an Emmy Contender Like The Penguin

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As a movie critic, I’m thrilled to share that this week’s revelation of the 77th Primetime Emmy nominations has placed HBO in a unique position. The network now boasts the two most-nominated comic book series ever produced. Yet, HBO isn’t content with resting on these laurels. In fact, Casey Bloys, the network’s head honcho, has hinted that the forthcoming DC Universe series, titled “Lanterns,” is poised to join this esteemed club and make a strong contention for future Emmy awards.

Since the turn of the 21st century, numerous comic book shows have debuted, but only a select few have garnered award recognition. Notably, DC’s Watchmen, Marvel’s WandaVision, and Amazon’s The Boys stand out, as they were each nominated for over 20 awards in the years they became eligible.

Discussing with TheWrap about the impressive 142 Emmy nominations HBO and HBO Max earned across twenty unique shows this year, Bloys briefly glanced towards the future, mentioning an upcoming superhero series titled Lanterns.

Lanterns could be an awards darling like Watchmen and The Penguin

If there is any wood available, I plan on tapping on it because of my superstitions. I’m just going to say that I have a good feeling about it. As for the Emmy nominations, I’m not sure when they will be announced, but regardless of the window, I truly believe it could be a contender.

It’s not unreasonable for Bloys to consider Lanterns as an Emmy contender, given that it boasts a high caliber of talent associated with the DCU series. For instance, Kyle Chandler, who shares the lead role as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, has been recognized four times for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, even winning once for Friday Night Lights. Additionally, Damon Lindelof, renowned for the Emmy-favorite Watchmen series, is also involved with Lanterns as a writer and executive producer.

Compared favorably to the Emmy-winning series True Detective, Lanterns presents the story of Hal Jordan, a renowned member of the space police force called the Green Lanterns. In this series, he finds himself reluctantly taking on the role of mentor to a younger Green Lantern named John Stewart (portrayed by Aaron Pierre). As these two interstellar law enforcers delve deeper into their investigations, they become entangled in a ominous mystery set within America’s heartland, unraveling the secrets surrounding a murder.

The show titled “Lanterns” is set to debut on HBO at the beginning of 2026, making it a part of DCU’s initial chapter, “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.

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2025-07-16 22:58