HBO is set to premiere the new DC Universe series Lanterns this weekend, filling the Sunday night timeslot previously occupied by House of the Dragon. The series marks an expansion of James Gunn's DCU, premiering on August 16 and concluding on October 4.
New episodes of Lanterns will air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. The first season will consist of eight episodes, with no breaks in the weekly schedule. Episode titles have not yet been revealed.
Lanterns is the latest addition to Gunn's developing DCU, following the animated series Creature Commandos and the recent shift of Peacemaker season 2 into the new continuity. This series represents a significant live-action entry, focusing on a prominent DC hero.
The premiere of Lanterns arrives as DC Studios has been making strategic adjustments to its slate. Projects such as Paradise Lost and Waller have reportedly been canceled, and pitches for new Catwoman and Poison Ivy series were not accepted. The studio also experienced a box office disappointment with the film Supergirl earlier this year. DC fans and Warner Bros. will be looking to Lanterns to generate renewed enthusiasm for Gunn's vision of the DCU.
Despite these recent changes, several DCU projects remain scheduled or in development. Upcoming releases include Clayface on October 23, 2026; Man of Tomorrow on July 9, 2027; Mister Miracle in 2027; Creature Commandos (Season 2) in late 2027; The Batman: Part II on February 18, 2028; and Dynamic Duo on June 30, 2028.