“Lanterns” Episode 7 Hits 7 Million U.S. Viewers in Three Days as Season Reaches Average of Nearly 19 Million Globally
The seventh episode of “Lanterns” has reached 7 million viewers in the U.S. in its first three days of availability, according to Nielsen’s measurement of linear viewers on HBO’s cable channel plus streams on HBO Max. The DC Universe series is averaging above 12 million viewers per episode to date in the U.S., and nearly 19 million when international viewing is added.
The numbers come from Variety’s reporting on the series’ performance. HBO has not provided a global tally for “Lanterns” Episode 7.
How the Episode 7 Total Was Reached
Nielsen measured linear viewers on HBO’s cable channel alongside streams on HBO Max to arrive at the 7 million figure. That combined total puts the episode slightly ahead of HBO’s most similar recent series, “It: Welcome to Derry,” which drew 6.5 million U.S. viewers in three days with its most-watched episode.
The comparison is notable because “Derry” later hit a global average of 19.7 million viewers. “Lanterns” is currently averaging nearly 19 million across all markets.
Other Recent HBO Comparisons
Variety offers several other HBO dramas for context:
| Series | Episode/Finale Viewers | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| “Euphoria” (Season 3 finale) | 8.7 million in three days | 25 million per episode |
| “The Pitt” (Season 2 finale) | 9.7 million in the U.S. | 15.4 million per episode |
| “It: Welcome to Derry” | 6.5 million in three days | 19.7 million global average |
“Lanterns” sits above “Derry” and “Pitt” in the three-day window, and it matches or exceeds their season averages.
New Viewers Keep Arriving
The show is also bringing in fresh faces. 1.5 million new viewers watched the series premiere within the last week, indicating continued audience growth as the season progresses.
The Finale Is Coming This Sunday
The series finale will be released this Sunday.
The Comparison With “Derry”
“Lanterns” is currently averaging nearly 19 million viewers across all markets, putting it ahead of the global average of 19.7 million that “Derry” reached. That comparison is notable because “Derry” drew 6.5 million U.S. viewers in three days with its most-watched episode — a figure “Lanterns” Episode 7 has now surpassed.
What This Means for HBO’s DC Line
“Lanterns” follows HBO’s last DC series, “The Penguin,” which concluded with an average of more than 27 million viewers per episode in 2024.
The comparison with “Derry” suggests “Lanterns” could keep climbing.
The Bottom Line
“Lanterns” has found a consistent audience across HBO and HBO Max. Its three-day total of 7 million viewers in the U.S. puts it ahead of HBO’s most recent comparable series, and its new viewer count shows the show continues to attract people who had not tuned in before.
The finale this Sunday will likely cap off a strong season for the DC Universe series.
“Lanterns” is also continuing to bring in new viewers as the season progresses, with 1.5 million new viewers watching the series premiere within the last week.
The show’s momentum is real, and the final episode will test whether it can hold that audience through the end.
Source material: “‘Lanterns’ Episode 7 Hits 7 Million U.S. Viewers in Three Days as Season Reaches Average of Nearly 19 Million Globally,” Variety.
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