While this is true, GL worked in the context of being on an ensemble in that show.

Hal Jordan has the personal ties to the main villain (Sinestro) the second biggest villain (Star Sapphire) is the central figure in Emerald Twilight, Rebirth, Sinestro Corp and Blackest Night. He starts the GL legacy on Earth.

Also unlike Jon, Hal is pretty consistent character. Jon Stewart has been reworked and altered so much over the years