Lanterns season two has not been officially commissioned or cancelled by HBO, despite growing signs that the DC Studios drama could continue beyond its first run.
The eight-part series, starring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, is due to conclude its first season on Sunday. The story follows the two Green Lanterns as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.
Lanterns season two remains undecided
Showrunner Chris Mundy has been developing ideas for a possible second season, with a writers’ room reportedly assembled to explore potential storylines.
Mundy said the team was “about six weeks into laying out a season” and would soon begin discussing it with others. Christopher Cantwell, Nakkiah Lui, Zack Whedon, Selwyn Seyfu Hinds and Vanessa Baden Kelly have also been identified as writers working with him on the potential follow-up.
That work does not amount to a formal series order, however, and neither HBO nor DC Studios has announced a renewal.
There has been a further indication that the programme was designed to continue. DC Studios co-chief executive James Gunn referred to the eighth episode as the show’s “season finale”. When asked whether he meant a season rather than a series finale, he replied: “Season finale, correct.”
Strong viewing figures for HBO drama
Lanterns has also delivered strong early viewing figures. Its premiere attracted 9.3 million global viewers across HBO and HBO Max in its first three days, including 6.6 million in the United States.
The debut was among HBO Max’s five biggest series premieres. Episode three subsequently reached 10 million global viewers and seven million in the US over its first three days, becoming the show’s highest-performing episode at that stage.
HBO has not linked those figures to a decision on a second season, leaving the programme’s future formally unresolved.
The first-season finale will air on Sunday October 4 at 9pm ET/PT on HBO and will also be available to stream on HBO Max.
While the future of Lanterns itself remains uncertain, Pierre is expected to return as John Stewart in the upcoming DC Universe film Man of Tomorrow, meaning the character’s story will continue beyond the television series.
