Lanterns, a new series starring actor Kyle Chandler, has drawn comparisons to the critically acclaimed show True Detective. Created by James Gunn, the series initially aimed to be a grounded police drama in the style of True Detective, with producer Chris Mundy overseeing its production. Critics have pointed out similarities, especially in the storyline involving two intergalactic cops solving a murder in a small town. However, Chandler, who plays the character Hal Jordan, has expressed that while there are some parallels, the show is not meant to be a direct copy. Chandler acknowledged the similarities but emphasized that Lanterns has its own unique identity. "There are some similarities; there's no doubt," he said. "I guess the idea is similar, but I certainly didn't think that I was Woody Harrelson or Matthew McConaughey while we're shooting this thing. We really had our own thing." He stressed that the show is distinct in its execution and storytelling. Chandler was particularly impressed by the script, calling it "spectacular" and noting that it had "no red flags." Before committing to the role, he sought the opinions of his wife and daughter, and their positive feedback played a significant role in his decision. A key moment for Chandler was the first table read with his castmates, which he described as "the best read-through I've ever sat through." This experience solidified his confidence in the project. In addition to the strong script, Chandler highlighted the chemistry between him and his co-star Aaron Pierre, who plays John Stewart. Initially appearing as "exact opposites," the two actors quickly formed a bond and developed a comfortable working relationship. "We started having fun immediately and making fun of each other," Chandler said. "It was like two brothers meeting up after a long time and just having a great time." Lanterns is currently available to stream on HBO Max in both the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as on NOW in the UK.