Does Lanterns want to be a comic book show?
Aug 17, 2026 · 1h 2m
Summary
TV critics Alan Sepinwall and Katherine O’Donnell discuss HBO’s *Lanterns*, praising Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre while critiquing the show’s tonal confusion and repetitive exposition. They also review the cult classic *The Middleman* and share personal updates, including Sepinwall’s audiobook recording struggles and O’Donnell’s European travels. The episode concludes by announcing *Party Down* as the winner of their Patreon poll for an upcoming workplace comedy episode.
Topics discussed
Introduction to TV is Good podcast
Patreon poll results and upcoming topics
Carrie Coon comparison and host's voice issues
Recording audiobooks and European TV watching
Watching Bones in German and a firefighter reality show
Promoting The Bluey Years book and pre-orders
Lanterns: Green Lantern lore and show creators
Lanterns: Tone confusion and underused powers
Lanterns: Comparisons to Superman and other DC shows
Lanterns: Pacing, exposition, and character dynamics
Lanterns: Guy Gardner, audience split, and final thoughts
The Middleman: Premise and ABC Family context
The Middleman: Comic book style and fast pacing
The Middleman: Robot Penny and musical gags
The Middleman: Natalie Morales and Matt Keeslar
Next week's topic and closing credits
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