DC Studios’ next chapter is finally here as “Lanterns” premieres on HBO at 9 p.m. Eastern tonight, Sunday, Aug. 16.

The series transforms one of DC Comics’ most recognizable franchises into a grounded mystery thriller, blending detective drama with traditional superhero action.

If you’re hoping to find a way to watch the new show for free or without a cable subscription, read on for your current best savings.

Where to watch the ‘Lanterns’ premiere for free

DIRECTV

If you want to watch the “Lanterns” premiere without paying immediately, you can take advantage of DIRECTV’s 5-day free trial, which provides access to live HBO programming and on-demand content during the trial period.

After the trial, DIRECTV’s Entertainment package is $59.99 for the first month, before increasing to $89.99 per month. This package includes unlimited Cloud DVR and access to premium network add-ons.

With the HBO Max add-on, you can watch HBO content for free for the first two months before the subscription renews at $18.49 per month.

DIRECTV’s Premier package already includes HBO Max and is currently priced at $129.99 per month after the free trial period ends.

Philo Bundle+

For cord-cutters seeking a lower-priced alternative, Philo Bundle+ combines a traditional television experience with premium streaming services.

The package costs $33 per month and includes:

• More than 70 live channels
• HBO Max Basic with Ads
• AMC+
• discovery+
• Unlimited DVR storage for eligible content

Get Philo

For only $33/month, choose Bundle+ to combine Philo with HBO Max, AMC+, and Discovery+.

Get Philo Bundle+

Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle

The Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle reduces subscription costs by 42% compared with getting separate subscriptions to all three services. It also lets you access content from each streaming service from one account.

Bundle pricing includes:

With Ads

• Disney+
• Hulu
• HBO Max
• $19.99 per month

No Ads

• Disney+
• Hulu
• HBO Max
• $32.99 per month

Watch on Disney+

Bundle Disney+ with Hulu and HBO Max for 42% off or Disney+ with Hulu for 50% off.

Try Disney+

HBO Max

You can also get an HBO Max standalone subscription to watch episodes as they are released and on demand.

HBO Max options include:

• Basic with Ads: $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year
• Standard: $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year
• Premium: $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year

Watch on HBO Max

Watch on HBO Max for as little as $10.99 per month to access HBO’s full library of originals and more.

Get HBO Max

What is ‘Lanterns’ about?

HBO’s trailer introduces a story following veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan (portrayed by Kyle Chandler) and rookie Lantern John Stewart (played by Aaron Pierre) as they investigate a mysterious murder in the American heartland. What begins as a seemingly isolated case expands into a much larger mystery with implications for the broader DC Universe.

The new series’ approach differs from previous Green Lantern adaptations, emphasizing character development, suspense, and detective storytelling.

‘Lanterns’ cast

• Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan
• Aaron Pierre as John Stewart
• Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
• Ulrich Thomsen as Sinestro
• Kelly Macdonald
• Laura Linney
• Jason Ritter
• Garret Dillahunt
• Poorna Jagannathan
• Jasmine Cephas Jones
• J. Alphonse Nicholson

Nathan Fillion’s appearance is especially notable because it further connects “Lanterns” to the larger DC Universe established in recent DC Studios projects.