The Sandman (TV series)

The Sandman is an American fantasy drama television series based on the 1989–1996 comic book written by Neil Gaiman and published by DC Comics. The series was developed by Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg for the streaming service Netflix and is produced by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. Like the comic, The Sandman tells the story of Dream / Morpheus, the titular Sandman. The series stars Tom Sturridge as the title character with Boyd Holbrook, Vivienne Acheampong, and Patton Oswalt in supporting roles.

Efforts to adapt The Sandman to film began in 1991 but floundered in development hell for many years. In 2013, Goyer pitched a film adaptation of the series to Warner Bros. Goyer and Gaiman were set to produce alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who was planned to star and possibly direct. However, Gordon-Levitt exited over creative differences in 2016. Due to the prolonged development of the film, Warner Bros. shifted its focus to television. Netflix signed a deal to produce the series in June 2019 and filming lasted from October 2020 to August 2021. The series has received positive reviews from critics with praise going toward the casting, production design, costumes, faithfulness to its source material, visual effects, and performances.

The Sandman premiered on August 5, 2022, with 10 episodes available immediately. An additional special episode became available on August 19. In November 2022, it was renewed for a second season which premiered across two parts on July 3 and 24, 2025, concluding with a special episode on July 31. In January 2025, it was announced that the series would end with the second season.

Premise

Morpheus, the personification of dreams and one of the seven Endless, is captured in an occult ritual in 1916. He escapes in 2022, after being held captive for 106 years. He sets out to restore order to his realm, the Dreaming.