View source for The Sandman (TV series)

{{Short description|Fantasy drama television series}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = The Sandman Netflix.jpg
| caption              = 
| genre                = {{Plainlist|
* [[Fantasy drama]]
* [[Supernatural horror]]
* [[Superhero fiction|Superhero]]<ref>{{cite web|first= Mansij |last= Asthana |title= 'New Superhero in Town', Netflix Unveils 'Sandman' Teaser & We're Totally Losing It |website= MensXP |date= June 7, 2022 |access-date= June 11, 2022 |url= https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/hollywood/109226-netflix-releases-the-sandman-teaser-next-tv-series-binge-watch-stranger-things.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first= Diane |last= Darcy |title= Every DC Superhero TV Series Arriving in 2022 |website= [[Comic Book Resources]] |date= January 4, 2022 |access-date= June 11, 2022 |url= https://www.cbr.com/dc-superhero-tv-series-2022/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/06/07/the-boys-ms-marvel-headline-summer-slate-superhero-shows/7502387001/|title=From 'The Boys' to 'Ms. Marvel' and 'She-Hulk,' here are the superhero shows to watch this summer|work=[[USA Today]]|first=Brian|last=Truitt|date=June 7, 2022|accessdate=August 6, 2022}}</ref>
}}
| based_on             = {{Based on|''[[The Sandman (comic book)|The Sandman]]''|[[Neil Gaiman]]|{{quad}}[[Sam Kieth]]|{{quad}}[[Mike Dringenberg]]}}
| developer            = {{Plainlist|
* Neil Gaiman{{nbsp}}&
* [[David S. Goyer]]{{nbsp}}&
* [[Allan Heinberg]]
}}
| starring             = {{Plainlist|
* [[Tom Sturridge]]
* [[Boyd Holbrook]]
* [[Vivienne Acheampong]]
* [[Patton Oswalt]]
}}
| music                = [[David Buckley]]
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 1<!--Only increment as a new season premieres, per the documentation of the template!-->
| num_episodes         = 11<!--Only increment as a new episode premieres, per the documentation of the template!-->
| list_episodes        = 
| executive_producer   = {{Plainlist|
* Allan Heinberg
* David S. Goyer
* Neil Gaiman
* [[Mike Barker (director)|Mike Barker]]
}}
| producer             = {{Plainlist|
* Samson Mücke
* [[Iain Smith (producer)|Iain Smith]]
* Alexander Newman-Wise
* Andrew Cholerton
}}
| cinematography       = {{Plainlist|
* Will Baldy
* George Steel
* Sam Heasman
}}
| editor               = {{Plainlist|
* Daniel Gabbe
* Shoshanah Tanzer
* Jamin Bricker
* Kelly Stuyvesant
}}
| camera               = 
| runtime              = 37–64 minutes
| location             = United Kingdom
| company              = {{Plainlist|
* PurePop Inc.
* The Blank Corporation 
* Phantom Four 
* [[DC Entertainment]]
* [[Warner Bros. Television]]
}}
| network              = [[Netflix]]
| released             = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|present}}
}}

'''''The Sandman''''' is a [[fantasy drama]] television series based on the [[The Sandman (comic book)|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 (character)|Morpheus]], the titular [[Sandman (DC Comics)|Sandman]]. The series stars [[Tom Sturridge]] as Morpheus, with [[Boyd Holbrook]], [[Vivienne Acheampong]], and [[Patton Oswalt]] in supporting roles.

Efforts to adapt ''The Sandman'' to film began in 1991, and 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 Sandman'' premiered on August 5, 2022, with a further episode premiering on August 19. It received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise going towards the casting, production design, costumes, faithfulness to its source material, visual effects, and performances, particularly those of Sturridge and [[David Thewlis]], though some criticized its pacing and story.
{{TOC limit|3}}

== Premise ==
[[Dream (character)|Morpheus]], the personification of [[dreams]] and one of the seven [[Endless (comics)|Endless]], is captured in an occult ritual in 1916. After being held captive for 106 years, Dream escapes and sets out to restore order to his realm, [[The Dreaming (comics)|The Dreaming]].<ref name="RT: Everything"/>

== Cast ==
{{further|List of The Sandman characters}}

=== Main ===
* [[Tom Sturridge]] as [[Dream (character)|Morpheus / Dream]], the [[personification]] of [[dream]]s and [[nightmare]]s, and the ruler of the [[Dreaming (comics)|Dreaming]].<ref name="Variety: Cast">{{cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |title={{'}}''Sandman''{{'}} Netflix Series Casts Tom Sturridge as Dream, Adds Gwendoline Christie, Charles Dance |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/sandman-netflix-series-cast-1234894383/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=January 28, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131223817/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/sandman-netflix-series-cast-1234894383/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CBR: Cast">{{cite web |last1=Cole |first1=Brynna |date=January 31, 2021 |title=''Sandman'': Every Actor & Character Confirmed for Netflix's Adaptation |url=https://www.cbr.com/sandman-netflix-cast-character-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203091724/https://www.cbr.com/sandman-netflix-cast-character-guide/ |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2021 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref>
* [[Boyd Holbrook]] as the [[Corinthian (comics)|Corinthian]], a [[nightmare]] who escaped the Dreaming.<ref name="Variety: Cast" />
* [[Vivienne Acheampong]] as [[Lucien (DC Comics)|Lucienne]], the librarian of the Dreaming, and its caretaker in Dream's absence.<ref name="CBR: Cast" /><ref name="Variety: Cast" />
* [[Patton Oswalt]] as the voice of [[Matthew Cable#Morpheus's Raven|Matthew the Raven]], Dream's emissary.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />

=== Co-starring ===<!--Actors who portray major characters and are credited as "Guest Starring" along with the main cast. -->
* [[David Thewlis]] as [[Doctor Destiny|John Dee]], Cripps's and Burgess's son, whose endeavor to find "truth" jeopardizes the world. Gaiman described Dee as a character "who could break your heart and keep your sympathy while taking you into the darkest places".<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />
* [[Jenna Coleman]] as Johanna Constantine, an [[occult detective]]. Coleman plays two versions of the character: the [[present day]] descendant based on [[John Constantine]], and her identical [[eighteenth century]] ancestor Lady [[List of The Sandman characters#Johanna Constantine|Johanna Constantine]].<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gaiman |first1=Neil |author-link=Neil Gaiman |date=May 26, 2021 |title='The Sandman's' Latest Castings – and the Stories Behind Them |url=https://about.netflix.com/en/news/the-sandman-latest-castings-and-the-stories-behind-them |access-date=May 27, 2021 |website=[[Netflix]]}}</ref>
* [[Gwendoline Christie]] as [[Lucifer (DC Comics)|Lucifer Morningstar]], the ruler of [[Hell (DC Comics)|Hell]]. This series' incarnation of Lucifer is much closer to the character's original depiction in the comics than his depiction in the 2016 ''[[Lucifer (TV series)|Lucifer]]'' television series. [[Neil Gaiman]] noted that it would be difficult to reconfigure the ''Lucifer'' version, portrayed by [[Tom Ellis (actor)|Tom Ellis]], so he would fit back into ''The Sandman'', although having Ellis reprise his role was considered.<ref name="Variety: Cast" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jacobs |first1=Mira |date=January 31, 2021 |title=Neil Gaiman Explains the Difference Between Sandman and Lucifer's... Lucifer |url=https://www.cbr.com/neil-gaiman-difference-sandman-lucifer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131144552/https://www.cbr.com/neil-gaiman-difference-sandman-lucifer/ |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2021 |website=[[Comic Book Resources]]}}</ref>
* [[Kirby Howell-Baptiste]] as [[Death (DC Comics)|Death]], the [[Death (personification)|personification of death]] and Dream's kinder, wiser sister.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />
* [[Ferdinand Kingsley]] as [[Hob Gadling]], Dream’s friend who has lived for hundreds of years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Sandman: Neil Gaiman Confirms Ferdinand Kingsley's Casting As Fan Favourite Hob Gadling – Exclusive |url=https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/sandman-neil-gaiman-confirms-ferdinand-kingley-hob-gadling-exclusive/ |access-date=August 6, 2022 |website=Empire}}</ref>
* Sandra James-Young as [[Unity Kinkaid]], Rose's benefactor and great-grandmother who has recently awakened from a century-long slumber.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />
* Kyo Ra as [[Rose Walker|Rose Walker / The Vortex]], a young woman searching for her lost brother who becomes a prey of the Corinthian.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Babb |first=Tiffany |title=Netflix's Sandman actor Vanesu Samunyai discusses her role as Rose Walker and growing alongside her character |url=https://www.thepopverse.com/netflix-sandman-vanesu-samunyai-kyo-ra-rose-walker-interview-san-diego-comic-con-sdcc |website=Popverse}}</ref>
* [[Razane Jammal]] as [[Lyta Hall]], Rose's friend and a widow mourning her husband.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />
* Eddie Karanja as [[List of The Sandman characters#Jed Walker|Jed Walker / The Sandman]], Rose's younger brother and the ward of Gault who protects him from his abusive foster parents via The Dreaming.

=== Recurring ===
<!--Actors who appear in two or more episodes and are credited as "Guest Starring" along with the main cast.-->
* [[Joely Richardson]] as [[List of The Sandman characters#Ethel Cripps|Ethel Dee (née Cripps) / Madame Daudet]], Burgess's fiancée and the mother of John Dee<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />
** [[Niamh Walsh]] as young Ethel Cripps.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" />
* [[Nina Wadia]] as the [[List of The Sandman characters#Three|Fate Mother]]
* [[Souad Faress]] as the [[List of The Sandman characters#Three|Fate Crone]]
* [[Dinita Gohil]] as the [[List of The Sandman characters#Three|Fate Maiden]]
* Gianni Calchetti as the Death Stalker, a serial killer.
* [[Asim Chaudhry]] as [[Cain and Abel (comics)|Abel]], a resident of the Dreaming based on the Biblical [[Abel]]<ref name="Variety: Cast" /><ref name="CBR: Cast" />
* [[Sanjeev Bhaskar]] as [[Cain and Abel (comics)|Cain]], a resident of the Dreaming and Abel's brother based on the Biblical [[Cain]].<ref name="Variety: Cast" /><ref name="CBR: Cast" />
* [[Mason Alexander Park]] as [[Desire (comics)|Desire]], the personification of [[desire]], and Morpheus' sibling.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />
* Cassie Clare as [[Mazikeen]] of the [[Lilin|Lilim]], a devoted ally of Lucifer Morningstar.
* [[John Cameron Mitchell]] as Hal Carter, Rose's friend and host of the bed and breakfast. Hal also moonlights as a drag queen and cabaret performer.
* [[Stephen Fry]] as [[Fiddler's Green (character)|Gilbert / Fiddler's Green]], a mysterious gentleman who becomes Rose's bodyguard.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />
* [[Mark Hamill]] as the voice of [[List of The Sandman characters#Mervyn Pumpkinhead|Mervyn Pumpkinhead]], a chain-smoking janitor whose head resembles a [[jack-o'-lantern]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moat |first=Charlie |date=August 4, 2022 |title='The Sandman': Who Voices Merv Pumpkinhead? |url=https://collider.com/the-sandman-who-voices-merv-pumpkinhead-mark-hamill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806025826/https://collider.com/the-sandman-who-voices-merv-pumpkinhead-mark-hamill/ |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]}}</ref>
* [[Donna Preston]] as [[Despair (comics)|Despair]], the personification of [[despair]], Morpheus' sister and Desire's twin.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11" /><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands" />
* [[Lloyd Everitt]] as [[Hector Hall]], Lyta's deceased husband whose ghost hides from Death in The Dreaming.
* Ben Wiggins as Carl, Rose's friend and house-sitter.
* [[Andi Osho]] as Miranda Walker, Unity's granddaughter, and Gault, an escaped nightmare from the Dreaming.
** [[Ann Ogbomo]] portrays Gault's true form, who seeks to become a Dream, protecting children from abuse.
* [[Cara Horgan]] and Daisy Badger as Chantal & Zelda, guests at Hal's B&B.
* [[Lily Travers]] and [[Richard Fleeshman]] as Barbie & Ken, guests at Hal's B&B.
* [[Sam Hazeldine]] and [[Lisa O'Hare]] as [[List of The Sandman characters#Clarice and Barnaby|Barnaby & Clarice]], Jed's abusive foster parents.
* [[Kerry Shale]], [[Danny Kirrane]], and Jill Winternitz as Nimrod, Fun Land, and The Good Doctor, a trio of serial killers.
* [[Lenny Henry]] as the voice of Martin Tenbones, a magical, doglike creature who appears in the dreams of Barbie.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1552430156417232896|user=netflix_sandman|title=Here is a glimpse of our beloved beast Martin Tenbones, voiced by none other than the legendary @LennyHenry|date=July 27, 2022|accessdate=August 3, 2022}}</ref>

=== Guest ===
<!--Actors who appear in only one episode and are credited as "Guest Starring" along with the main cast.-->
* [[Bill Paterson (actor)|Bill Paterson]] as Dr. [[List of The Sandman characters#John Hathaway|John Hathaway]]
* Laurie Kynaston as [[List of The Sandman characters#Alex Burgess|Alex Burgess]], Roderick Burgess' son.
** [[Benjamin Evan Ainsworth]] as young Alex Burgess.
** Benedick Blythe as older Alex Burgess.
* [[Charles Dance]] as Sir [[Roderick Burgess|Roderick Burgess / Magus]], an aristocratic occultist.<ref name="Variety: Cast" />
* [[Meera Syal]] as Erica, a vicar known as "Ric the Vic" who seeks out Johanna Constantine's help with a demonic possession.
* [[Clare Higgins|Claire Higgins]] as [[List of The Sandman characters#Mad Hettie|Mad Hettie]], a 280-year-old homeless woman and acquaintance of Johanna Constantine.
* [[Sarah Niles]] as Rosemary, a good Samaritan woman who helps John retrieve his ruby.
* Martyn Ford as Squatterbloat, a demon
* [[Munya Chawawa]] as [[Choronzon]], a demon-duke of Hell
* Deborah Oyelade as [[List of The Sandman characters#Nada|Nada]], a prehistoric African queen who was once romantically involved with Morpheus.
* Ernest Kingsley Jnr as Kai'ckul, an aspect of Dream seen through the eyes of Nada.
* [[Sam Strike]] as Todd
* Emma Duncan as Bette Munroe, a waitress and one of John Dee's victims.
* [[Steven Brand]] as Marsh Janowski, a diner staff and one of John Dee's victims.
* [[Laurie Davidson (actor)|Laurie Davidson]] as Mark Brewer, a diner guest and one of John Dee's victims.
* [[Daisy Head]] as [[List of The Sandman characters#Judy|Judy]], a diner guest and one of John Dee's victims.
* James Udom as Garry, a diner guest and one of John Dee's victims.
* [[Lourdes Faberes]] as Kate Fletcher, a diner guest and one of John Dee's victims.
* Samuel Blenkin as [[William Shakespeare|Will Shaxberd]], an aspiring [[playwright]].
* [[Ian McNeice]] as a bartender
* [[Lewis Reeves]] as Philip Sitz, a man pretending to be "The Boogieman".
* [[Roger Allam]] as the voice of Lord [[List of The Sandman characters#Azazel|Azazel]], a [[Duke]] of Hell.
* [[Peter de Jersey]] as Mr. Haldewell, Unity Kincaid’s solicitor
* [[Melissanthi Mahut]] as [[Calliope]], [[Homer]]'s [[Muses|muse]], and ex-wife of Morpheus / Dream.
* [[Arthur Darvill]] as Richard "Ric" Madoc, a struggling author who imprisons Calliope against her will.
* [[Derek Jacobi]] as Erasmus Fry, a writer of [[Greek mythology]] and the original captor of Calliope.

"Dream of a Thousand Cats" features the voices of [[Sandra Oh]] as The Prophet, [[Rosie Day]] as The Tabby Kitten, [[David Gyasi]] as The Grey Cat, [[Joe Lycett]] as The Black Cat, [[Neil Gaiman]] as The Skull Crow, [[James McAvoy]] as Golden-Haired Man, [[David Tennant]] as Don, [[Georgia Tennant]] as Laura Lynn, [[Michael Sheen]] as Paul,  Anna Lundberg as Marion, [[Nonso Anozie]] as the Wyvern, [[Diane Morgan]] as the Gryphon and [[Tom Wu]] as the Hippogriff.

== Episodes ==
{{Episode table |background=#495255 |overall= |title= |director= |writer= |writerT=Teleplay by |airdate= |released=y |episodes= 
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 1
 |Title           = Sleep of the Just
 |DirectedBy      = [[Mike Barker (director)|Mike Barker]]
 |WrittenBy       = [[Neil Gaiman]] & [[David S. Goyer]] & [[Allan Heinberg]]
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = While attempting to apprehend a [[nightmare]] known as the [[Corinthian (comics)|Corinthian]], [[Dream (comics)|Morpheus]], also known as Dream, is captured in an occult ritual by British aristocrat Roderick Burgess, who was attempting to capture [[Death (comics)|Death]]. Roderick steals Morpheus's totems of power: his [[Helmet|helm]], a pouch of sand, and a [[ruby]]; all of which are eventually taken by Roderick's resentful lover Ethel Cripps, who is pregnant with Roderick's child. Morpheus's imprisonment causes an epidemic of "sleepy sickness" which lasts for 106 years. In 2021, Roderick's son, Alex, is an old man who continues to keep Morpheus imprisoned and is cared for by his partner, Paul. After Paul "accidentally" erases part of the runes keeping Morpheus bound, Morpheus reaches into the dream of one of his guards to destroy his cage, allowing him to escape, condemning Alex to an eternal sleep. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #1 ("Sleep of the Just").<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=William |title=The Sandman season 1, episode 1 review, recap, and analysis: 'Sleep of the Just' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sandman-season-1-episode-1-review-recap-netflix/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=en |date=5 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 2
 |Title           = Imperfect Hosts
 |DirectedBy      = Jamie Childs
 |WrittenBy       = Allan Heinberg
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = Morpheus returns to the [[Dreaming (comics)|Dreaming]], his kingdom and the source of dreams. There, he finds his palace in ruins due to his prolonged absence. Morpheus visits [[Cain and Abel (comics)|Cain and Abel]], a pair of dysfunctional brothers, to retrieve their pet gargoyle Gregory, which will restore his power enough to summon the Fates. Morpheus successfully summons the Fates who inform him of the whereabouts of his equipment; the pouch of sand is in the possession of exorcist Johanna Constantine, his helm in the hands of a [[demon]] in [[Hell]], and the ruby used by Ethel's son [[Doctor Destiny|John Dee]]. Morpheus sets off on his quest to retrieve his items with assistance from his advisor Matthew the Raven. Back in the Dreaming, Morpheus sends a baby Gargoyle to Cain and Abel to replace their previous companion. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #2 ("Imperfect Hosts").<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=William |title=The Sandman season 1, episode 2 review, recap, and analysis: 'Imperfect Hosts' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sandman-season-1-episode-2-review-recap-easter-eggs/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=en |date=5 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 3
 |Title           = Dream a Little Dream of Me
 |DirectedBy      = Jamie Childs
 |WrittenBy       = Jim Campolongo
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = Morpheus tracks down Constantine, asking for the return of his pouch. However, Constantine remembers that she left it at her ex-girlfriend's apartment. They team up to track down the girlfriend whose home has been warped by the abuse of the powder. Constantine exorcises to cure the girlfriend of her addiction but is left distraught when Morpheus is reluctant to put her down. Seeing Constantine's guilt, Morpheus finally agrees to put her ex-girlfriend to rest before departing. Meanwhile, Ethel, whose life has been prolonged by a protection amulet, travels to an institution in [[Buffalo, New York]], to visit John, who has a dark obsession with Morpheus's ruby. She passes the protection amulet to John, immediately ages and dies. John then uses the amulet's powers to escape the institution. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #3 ("Dream a Little Dream of Me").<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=William |title=The Sandman season 1, episode 3 review, recap, and analysis: 'Dream A Little Dream Of Me' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sandman-season-1-episode-3-review-recap-easter-eggs/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=en |date=6 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 4
 |Title           = A Hope in Hell
 |DirectedBy      = Jamie Childs
 |WrittenBy       = Austin Guzman
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = To retrieve his helm, Morpheus descends into Hell where he meets [[Lucifer (DC Comics)|Lucifer Morningstar]], the realm's ruler. He finds the demon with the helm, but in order to get it back, the demon challenges Morpheus to a game of wits. Morpheus chooses to represent himself in the challenge, but the demon chooses Lucifer as his champion. Morpheus eventually wins the challenge by invoking hope, a concept which Lucifer recognizes as unbeatable, and is able to regain the helm. Before he leaves, Lucifer promises to one day kill Morpheus. John is offered assistance by a good Samaritan and retrieves the ruby, but not before Morpheus discovers its whereabouts and the fact that John has altered the item to attune to his own wishes and nobody else's. John passes the protection amulet to his terrified rescuer, deciding that he no longer needs it. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #4 ("A Hope in Hell") and #5 ("Passengers").<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=William |title=The Sandman season 1, episode 4 review, recap, and analysis: 'A Hope In Hell' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sandman-season-1-episode-4-review-recap-easter-eggs/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=en |date=7 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 5
 |Title           = 24/7
 |DirectedBy      = Jamie Childs
 |WrittenBy       = Ameni Rozsa
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = John, now in possession of the ruby, takes refuge in a local [[diner]]. There, he uses the ruby’s power to prevent the patrons and staff (and the world at large, shown via the television) from being able to lie, eventually driving them to murder each other or commit suicide. Morpheus arrives and transports John to the realm of dreams, where John appears to use the ruby's power to defeat Morpheus. Crushing the ruby in his hand, John exults in his victory, before Morpheus reveals himself and tells him that by destroying the ruby, its power was released back into its true master, Morpheus. Taking pity on John, Morpheus returns him to the institution, seemingly in a state of long-term sleep. Elsewhere, Morpheus's sibling [[Desire (comics)|Desire]] plots against him. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #6 ("24 Hours") and #7 ("Sound and Fury").<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=William |title=The Sandman season 1, episode 5 review, recap, and analysis: '24/7' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sandman-season-1-episode-5-review-recap-easter-eggs/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=en |date=8 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 6
 |Title           = The Sound of Her Wings
 |DirectedBy      = [[Mairzee Almas]]
 |WrittenBy       = Lauren Bello
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = Morpheus, now aimless after obtaining his tools, is visited by his sister, Death, and accompanies her as she escorts the deceased to the afterlife. Death attempts to show Morpheus the possibility of finding purpose and fulfillment in his duties as ruler of the Dreaming. In a flashback to the Middle Ages, Morpheus and Death visit a tavern where they encounter Hob Gadling, a commoner who vocally wishes to never die. Death agrees to spare Gadling for as long as he wishes. Hob and Morpheus continue to meet each other once every century. Hob maintains that no matter which turns his life takes, he still does not wish for death. Hob hypothesizes that Morpheus continues to meet with him because he is lonely and friendless, which greatly offends Morpheus. Due to Morpheus's capture by Burgess, he is unable to attend his regular meeting with Hob. When their usual location is sold, Hob chooses a new tavern a block away, hoping that Morpheus will find him. The two reunite in present day. Elsewhere, Desire continues their plans. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #8 ("The Sound of Her Wings") and #13 ("Men of Good Fortune").<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=William |title=The Sandman season 1, episode 6 review, recap, and analysis: 'The Sound of Her Wings' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sandman-season-1-episode-6-review-recap-easter-eggs/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=en |date=9 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 7
 |Title           = The Doll's House
 |DirectedBy      = [[Andrés Baiz]]
 |WrittenBy       = [[Heather Bellson]]
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = In 2015, [[List of The Sandman characters#Rose Walker|Rose Walker]] and her brother [[List of The Sandman characters#Jed Walker|Jed]] are separated when their parents divorce. In 2021, following the death of both parents, Jed is placed in the foster home system, despite Rose's attempts to locate him and claim legal guardianship. Rose is unknowingly a Vortex, a being who naturally attracts and manipulates dreams, and Desire and their twin sister Despair conspire to use Rose against Morpheus. Aware of Rose's nature, Morpheus plans to use her to track three errant residents of the Dreaming who are still at large. Rose and her friend Lyta Hall travel to England to meet Unity Kincaid, a wealthy recovered victim of sleep sickness. Unity reveals that she is Rose's biological great-grandmother. Unity offers to fund Rose's search for Jed, and Rose and Lyta travel to Florida. Unable to locate Jed in either the Dreaming or the waking world, Lucienne and Morpheus deduce that the rogue dream Gault has severed Jed's consciousness from the Dreaming. Rose approaches Lucienne and Morpheus in the Dreaming for assistance in finding Jed. Meanwhile, the Corinthian, hunting for Rose, is invited as the guest of honor for a serial killer convention. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #10 ("The Doll's House") and  #11 ("Moving In").{{fact|date=August 2022}}
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 8
 |Title           = Playing House
 |DirectedBy      = Andrés Baiz
 |WrittenBy       = Alexander Newman-Wise
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = Despite Lucienne's protests, Morpheus agrees to help Rose locate Jed. During the day, Rose and the other guests at the bed-and-breakfast post signs around [[Cape Kennedy]], which attracts the attention of the Corinthian. That night, Morpheus and Rose travel through the dreams of the guests, eventually crossing into Jed's dreams, which Gault has manipulated to provide an emotional escape from his abusive foster father. Morpheus rebukes and punishes Gault for stepping outside her duties, though Gault maintains that she disobeyed because she believed it was in Jed's best interest. Meanwhile, Lyta seemingly reunites with her deceased husband Hector in the Dreaming. Hector attempts to convince Lyta to stay in the Dreaming and have a baby with him, and when Lyta wakes up, she is visibly pregnant. The Corinthian locates Jed and murders his foster parents, kidnapping Jed to lure Rose to the serial killer convention. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #12 ("Playing House") and #15 ("Into the Night").{{fact|date=August 2022}}
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 9
 |Title           = Collectors
 |DirectedBy      = [[Coralie Fargeat]]
 |WrittenBy       = Vanessa James Benton
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = Lucienne and Matthew deduce that Lyta's pregnancy is the result of Rose's increasing power, which threatens to break the barriers between the Dreaming and the waking world. The Corinthian calls Rose with Jed, sharing their location at the "cereal convention." Rose travels to the hotel to meet them, accompanied by Gilbert, a fellow guest at Hal's B&B and a self-styled "gentleman." Lyta continues to meet Hector in her dreams, and finds that her pregnancy is advancing at a rapid rate. Morpheus notices increasing damage to the Dreaming, which Lucienne attributes to Rose, though Morpheus is unsure of her theory. Morpheus finds Lyta and Hector in the Dreaming and realizes that the Vortex has allowed Hector's spirit to inhabit the Dreaming, in lieu of him passing on to the afterlife. Morpheus banishes Hector from the Dreaming and informs Lyta that her unborn child will one day belong to him, as it was conceived in the Dreaming. Rose and Gilbert arrive at the hotel and search for Jed. While searching, the Corinthian and Gilbert recognize each other, causing Gilbert to flee to the Dreaming, where he is revealed to be a personified Fiddler’s Green, one of the other rogue Dreaming residents. Gilbert relays the Corinthian and Rose's location to Morpheus. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #14 ("Collectors").<ref name="Collectors">{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=William |title=The Sandman season 1, episode 9 review, recap, and analysis: 'Collectors' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sandman-season-1-episode-9-review-recap-easter-eggs/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=en |date=14 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 10
 |Title           = Lost Hearts
 |DirectedBy      = Louise Hooper
 |WrittenBy       = Jay Franklin
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|5}}
 |ShortSummary    = Morpheus interrupts the Corinthian's keynote speech to the serial killer convention, but the Corinthian shows Morpheus that Rose's power enables him to defend himself against his creator. Morpheus informs Rose of the great danger she poses to the waking world, prompting Rose to temporarily restore the Dreaming and allowing Morpheus to unmake the Corinthian. Morpheus punishes the convention attendees with clarity about their crimes, allowing Rose and Jed to leave unharmed. That night, Rose confronts Morpheus in the Dreaming. Rose is ready to sacrifice herself to save her friends and brother, but Unity joins them in the Dreaming and convinces Rose to transfer the Vortex into her, allowing Morpheus to end her life. Morpheus realizes that Desire impregnated Unity to pass the Vortex to her descendant, in an attempt to have Morpheus spill family blood. Morpheus confronts Desire, warning them against further schemes. Morpheus remakes Gault as a good dream, and endeavors to act as a more benevolent ruler of the Dreaming. In the waking world, Lyta gives birth to a son, and moves with Rose, Jed, and Hal back to New Jersey. After being reproached by the Dukes of Hell, Lucifer ponders revenge on Morpheus. {{hr}} Adapted in part from ''The Sandman'' #14 ("Collectors")<ref name="Collectors" /> and #16 ("Lost Hearts").<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=William |title=The Sandman season 1, episode 10 review, recap, and analysis: 'Lost Hearts' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/sandman-season-1-episode-10-review-recap-finale/ |website=GamesRadar |access-date=14 August 2022 |language=en |date=14 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
}}
{{Episode list
 |EpisodeNumber   = 11
 |Aux1_1          = "Dream of a Thousand Cats"
 |Aux1_2          = "Calliope"
 |DirectedBy_1    = Hisko Hulsing
 |DirectedBy_2    = Louise Hooper
 |WrittenBy       = Catherine Smyth-McMullen
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|8|19}}
 |ShortSummary    = Late one night, a Siamese cat holds a gathering of other cats to tell her story about her encounter with Morpheus. A long time ago, she met a tom-cat with whom she gave birth to a litter of kittens. This displeased her owners who took the kittens and threw them into a river, traumatizing the Siamese cat. In desperation, the cat dreamed of meeting Morpheus, in the form of a black cat, and begged him for a solution. Morpheus presented her with a parallel universe in which cats were the dominant species over humans until they fought back by dreaming, turning them into the cats mankind sees them as they are today. Upon finishing her story, the Siamese cat urges the other cats to perform the same enlightenment to which they will reclaim their status as the rulers of the earth. {{hr}} Struggling author Richard Madoc visits Erasmus Fry, an elderly former writer who has imprisoned a Greek muse named [[Calliope]] in his house. Madoc is given ownership of Calliope and later discovers that he can physically coerce her into providing him inspiration for his next novel (how he coerces her is not shown, but we see a scratch on his cheek from her fighting him). When Calliope realizes that Madoc doesn't intend to let her go, she sends a desperate plea to Morpheus, her former husband, who she has not seen since the tragic death of their son Orpheus. Upon receiving her plea and learning of what has happened to her, Morpheus becomes enraged and confronts Madoc. When he refuses to release Calliope, Morpheus punishes Madoc into receiving an uncontrollable stream of ideas until he injures his fingers during a breakdown. Madoc soon frees Calliope but discovers that he now has writers block from the enduring torture Morpheus gave him. Finally free, Calliope vows to make sure what happened to her doesn't happen to anyone else. She and Morpheus share a tender goodbye with her expressing hope that sometime in the future, she can visit him in his realm and they'll be able to grieve their son properly. {{hr}} Adapted from ''The Sandman'' #18 ("Dream of a Thousand Cats") and #17 ("Calliope").<ref name="DreamCountry">{{cite web |last1=Egan |first1=Toussaint |last2=Rivera |first2=Joshua |title=Surprise! Netflix’s The Sandman adapted your favorite issue (and you can watch it now) |url=https://www.polygon.com/23289083/sandman-2022-netflix-eleventh-episode-secret |website=Polygon |access-date=19 August 2022 |date=19 August 2022}}</ref>
 |LineColor       = 252850
 |NumParts        = 2
}}
}}

== Production ==
=== Development ===
==== As a film ====
Attempts to adapt ''[[The Sandman (comic book)|The Sandman]]'', an [[American comic book]] written by [[Neil Gaiman]] and published by [[DC Comics]] from 1989 to 1996, had languished in [[development hell]] since the 1990s.<ref name="announcement"/> ''[[Inquisitr]]'' wrote that "''Sandman''{{'s}} nature as a comic has been a very unique and life-changing experience for many and that made it very difficult and challenging to translate into the small and big screens."<ref name="Inquisitr: Affected">{{cite web |last1=Figueroa |first1=Jovi |title=Neil Gaiman Affected To See Gordon-Levitt Leave The 'Sandman' Movie |url=https://www.inquisitr.com/2860275/neil-gaiman-affected-to-see-gordon-levitt-leave-the-sandman-movie/ |website=[[Inquisitr]] |date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006034724/https://www.inquisitr.com/2860275/neil-gaiman-affected-to-see-gordon-levitt-leave-the-sandman-movie/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Gaiman was first asked about a film adaptation by DC's corporate sibling [[Warner Bros.]] in 1991, an offer to which he was apprehensive.<ref name="RT: Everything"/> Development on a film adaptation began in 1996,<ref name="Inquisitr: Affected"/> with [[Roger Avary]] attached to direct and [[Ted Elliott (screenwriter)|Ted Elliot]] and [[Terry Rossio]] writing the script. Elliot and Rossio's script merged the first two ''Sandman'' storylines, ''[[The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes|Preludes & Nocturnes]]'' and ''[[The Sandman: The Doll's House|The Doll's House]]'', into a single story. While Gaiman enjoyed the script, Avary was fired due to creative issues with executive producer [[Jon Peters]].<ref name="RT: Everything"/> Following this, William Farmer wrote a screenplay in 1998, which Gaiman did not like and called it "not only the worst ''Sandman'' script I've ever seen, but quite easily the worst script I've ever read."<ref name="Inquisitr: Affected"/> His script featured radical differences from the source material, such as casting [[Dream (character)|Dream]] as a villain and making him [[Lucifer (DC Comics)|Lucifer Morningstar]]'s brother.<ref name="RT: Everything">{{cite web |last1=Amaya |first1=Erik |title=Everything We Know About Netflix's Sandman Series |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/everything-we-know-about-netflixs-the-sandman-series/ |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |date=April 6, 2020 |access-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125072524/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/everything-we-know-about-netflixs-the-sandman-series/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

After reading Farmer's script, Gaiman became doubtful that ''The Sandman'' would be adapted to film. In 2007, he remarked that he would "rather see no ''Sandman'' movie made than a bad ''Sandman'' movie", but added that he "[felt] like the time for a ''Sandman'' movie is coming soon. We need someone who has the same obsession with the source material as [[Peter Jackson]] had with ''[[The Lord of the Rings|Lord of the Rings]]'' or [[Sam Raimi]] had with ''[[Spider-Man in film|Spider-Man]]''."<ref name="Inquisitr: Affected"/> He said that he could see [[Terry Gilliam]] directing the adaptation: "I would always give anything to Terry Gilliam, forever, so if Terry Gilliam ever wants to do ''Sandman'' then as far as I'm concerned Terry Gilliam should do ''Sandman''."<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lost_in_la_mancha/news/1677304/neil-gaiman-talks-isandman-good-omensi-adaptations/|title= Neil Gaiman Talks ''Sandman'', ''Good Omens'' Adaptations|first= Jeff|last= Giles|date= October 5, 2007|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131216154042/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lost_in_la_mancha/news/1677304/neil-gaiman-talks-isandman-good-omensi-adaptations/|archive-date= December 16, 2013|url-status= live}}</ref> In 2013, [[DC Entertainment]] president [[Diane Nelson (comics)|Diane Nelson]] said that a ''Sandman'' film was a project she considered a priority, considering the prospect as rich as the [[Harry Potter (film series)|''Harry Potter'' universe]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dc-chief-superman-wonder-woman-586081?page=2|title= DC Entertainment Chief Reveals What's Next for Superman, Wonder Woman and 5 Superheroes Who Deserve Movies (Q&A)|first= Borys|last= Kit|date= July 17, 2013|work= [[The Hollywood Reporter]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140804045508/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dc-chief-superman-wonder-woman-586081?page=2|archive-date= August 4, 2014|url-status= live}}</ref> 

[[David S. Goyer]], who had worked on the [[Batman in film|''Dark Knight'' Trilogy]],<ref name="RT: Everything"/> pitched a ''Sandman'' adaptation to Warner Bros. in 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.deadline.com/2013/12/joseph-gordon-levitt-eyeing-sandman-as-director-star-producer-at-warner-bros/ |title= Joseph Gordon-Levitt Eyeing ''Sandman'' as Director and Star, Producing with David Goyer at Warner Bros |first= Mike Jr.|last= Fleming |date= December 16, 2013 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140713192800/http://www.deadline.com/2013/12/joseph-gordon-levitt-eyeing-sandman-as-director-star-producer-at-warner-bros/ |archive-date= July 13, 2014 |url-status= live |access-date= December 16, 2013}}</ref> and by February 2014 was set to produce the film alongside [[Joseph Gordon-Levitt]] and Gaiman, with [[Jack Thorne (writer)|Jack Thorne]] writing. Warner Bros. planned for Gordon-Levitt to star and possibly direct.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.deadline.com/2014/02/jack-thorne-to-script-sandman-for-joseph-gordon-levitt/|title= Jack Thorne To Script ''Sandman'' For Joseph Gordon-Levitt|first= Mike Jr.|last= Fleming|date= February 26, 2014|website=Deadline Hollywood|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140711223037/http://www.deadline.com/2014/02/jack-thorne-to-script-sandman-for-joseph-gordon-levitt/|archive-date= July 11, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= April 14, 2014}}</ref> The film was set to be produced by [[New Line Cinema]] as part of a slate of films based on properties published under DC's [[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo]] [[Imprint (trade name)|imprint]], separate from the [[DC Extended Universe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2015/06/vertigo-dc-new-line-sandman-joseph-gordon-levitt-warner-bros-dc-comics-1201461778/|title=Vertigo DC Movies Like Sandman Going To New Line; Warner Bros Keeps Batman, Superman, Justice League, Other DC Titles|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr.|date= June 29, 2015|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150803032001/http://deadline.com/2015/06/vertigo-dc-new-line-sandman-joseph-gordon-levitt-warner-bros-dc-comics-1201461778/|archive-date= August 3, 2015|url-status= live}}</ref>{{efn|The final 29 issues of ''The Sandman'' were published under the [[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo]] imprint, which was aimed at a [[adult comics|mature audience]].}} [[Eric Heisserer]] was hired to rewrite the film's script in March 2016;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/joseph-gordon-levitts-sandman-movie-872895|title=Joseph Gordon-Levitt's ''Sandman'' Movie Finds Its Writer|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=March 4, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160410101108/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/joseph-gordon-levitts-sandman-movie-872895|archive-date= April 10, 2016|url-status= live}}</ref> immediately afterwards, Gordon-Levitt departed due to disagreements with Warner Bros. over the creative direction of the film.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2016/film/news/joseph-gordon-levitt-sandman-drops-out-1201723703/|title=Joseph Gordon-Levitt Drops Out of ''The Sandman''|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=March 5, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160827053732/http://variety.com/2016/film/news/joseph-gordon-levitt-sandman-drops-out-1201723703/|archive-date= August 27, 2016|url-status= live}}</ref> The following November, Heisserer turned in his draft but departed, stating that the project should be an [[HBO]] series instead of a film: "I … came to the conclusion that the best version of this property exists as an HBO series or limited series, not as a feature film, not even as a trilogy. The structure of the feature film really doesn't mesh with this."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/another-screenwriter-leaves-the-sandman-movie-saying-i-1788552482|title=Another Screenwriter Leaves the Sandman Movie, Saying It Has to Be a TV Show|work=[[io9]]|last=Rome|first=Emily|date=November 3, 2016|access-date=January 27, 2021|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126032419/https://io9.gizmodo.com/another-screenwriter-leaves-the-sandman-movie-saying-i-1788552482|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Transition to television ====
Due to the prolonged development period of the film, in 2010 DC Entertainment shifted focus onto developing a television adaptation. Film director [[James Mangold]] pitched a series concept to HBO while consulting with Gaiman on an unofficial basis, but did not materialize due to a "political turf war at WB".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slavin |first=Michael |date=May 27, 2020 |title=James Mangold on 'Logan' and the Art of Adapting Stories – Exclusive Interview |url=https://discussingfilm.net/2020/05/27/james-mangold-on-logan-and-the-art-of-adapting-stories-exclusive-interview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528091626/https://discussingfilm.net/2020/05/27/james-mangold-on-logan-and-the-art-of-adapting-stories-exclusive-interview/ |archive-date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=DiscussingFilm}}</ref> It was reported in September 2010 that [[Warner Bros. Television]] was licensing the rights to produce a TV series, and that ''[[Supernatural (U.S. TV series)|Supernatural]]'' creator [[Eric Kripke]] was their preferred candidate to adapt the saga.<ref name="RT: Everything"/><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/comic-icon-sandman-tv-series-54387| last= Hibberd|first= James|title= Comic icon ''The Sandman'' TV series in works|work= [[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date= November 30, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140610112205/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/comic-icon-sandman-tv-series-54387|archive-date= June 10, 2014|url-status= live|access-date= April 20, 2011}}</ref> Gaiman later revealed that he disapproved of Kripke's take, and development on the television adaptation halted because Goyer's film was progressing smoothly.<ref name="RT: Everything"/>

Around 2018, Gaiman was working on the television adaption of ''[[Good Omens (TV series)|Good Omens]]'', the book he had co-written with [[Terry Pratchett]], when Goyer approached him again about a television adaption of ''The Sandman''. By that point, Goyer had several additional successful screenplays including [[The Dark Knight trilogy|''The Dark Knight'' trilogy]]. Goyer connected Gaiman to screenwriter [[Allan Heinberg]], a fan of Gaiman's work. While Heinberg initially refused his offer to work on the series as he initially perceived it as "unfilmable", Goyer managed to convince him to do so as he was planning to adapt the comics as a series. Heinberg became the showrunner and executive producer, and collaborated with Gaiman, who was also an executive producer, while creating the series.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Heinberg |first=Allan |author-link=Allan Heinberg |date=July 29, 2022 |title=The Sandman: How the Netflix Series Was Born |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-sandman-netflix-series-born/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729193553/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-sandman-netflix-series-born/ |archive-date=July 29, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref> 

In June 2019, [[Netflix]] signed a deal with Warner Bros. to produce the series and gave it an order of eleven episodes,<ref name="announcement" /> the first ten of which were initially released together,<ref name="SandmanTeaser" /> and the eleventh as a bonus episode.<ref name="DreamCountry" /><ref name="BonusEpisode" /> According to ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', Warner Bros. pitched the series to multiple networks—including HBO, which declined to move ahead with it due to its massive budget. Netflix "snapped it up" as part of its attempts to obtain big [[intellectual property|intellectual properties]] and attract subscribers.<ref name="announcement">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sandman-tv-series-neil-gaiman-david-goyer-a-go-at-netflix-1220761|title='Sandman' TV Series From Neil Gaiman, David Goyer — With Huge Price Tag — a Go at Netflix|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|date=June 30, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2019|archive-date=November 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201121035748/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sandman-tv-series-neil-gaiman-david-goyer-a-go-at-netflix-1220761|url-status=live}}</ref> The series was developed by Gaiman, Goyer, and [[Allan Heinberg]], who also serve as executive producers.<ref name="WGA">{{cite web|url=https://directories.wga.org/project/1217265/the-sandman/|title=The Sandman|work=[[Writers Guild of America West]]|date=June 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108210452/https://directories.wga.org/project/1217265/the-sandman/|url-status=live|archive-date=January 8, 2022|access-date=January 8, 2022}}</ref><ref name="SeriesOrder">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/07/netflix-warner-bros-tv-sandman-adaptation-neil-gaiman-david-goyer-1202640201/|title=Netflix Orders 'The Sandman' Series Based On Neil Gaiman's DC Comic – Update|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Dino-Ray|last=Ramos|date=July 1, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2019|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701230612/https://deadline.com/2019/07/netflix-warner-bros-tv-sandman-adaptation-neil-gaiman-david-goyer-1202640201/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/07/01/sandman-series-netflix-neil-gaiman-david-s-goyer-confirmed/|title=Netflix Officially Orders The Sandman Series From Neil Gaiman and David S. Goyer|work=Comicbook.com|first=Patrick|last=Cavanaugh|date=July 1, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2019|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701234100/https://comicbook.com/dc/2019/07/01/sandman-series-netflix-neil-gaiman-david-s-goyer-confirmed/|url-status=live}}</ref> Gaiman said he would be more involved than he was with [[American Gods (TV series)|the 2017–2021 television adaptation]] of his ''[[American Gods]]'' (2001), but less than he was with [[Good Omens (TV series)|the 2019 adaptation]] of ''[[Good Omens]]'' (1990).<ref name="RT: Everything"/>

=== Writing ===
The creative team sought to faithfully adapt the source material, beginning with the first season adapting ''[[The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes|Preludes & Nocturnes]]'', ''[[The Sandman: The Doll's House|The Doll's House]]'',{{efn|name=fn1|Excluding ''The Sandman'' #9 ("Tales in the Sand")<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hadadi |first1=Roxana |title=The Sandman's Lost Dream |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/the-sandman-netflix-series-review.html |website=Vulture |language=en-us |date=5 August 2022}}</ref>}} and the first two issues of ''[[The Sandman: Dream Country|Dream Country]]''.<ref name="RT: Everything"/><ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands"/><ref name=":1" /><ref name="DreamCountry" /> The creators made significant narrative changes from the source material with Gaiman's approval, and also received feedback while creating the sets, with Heinberg saying "everything gets Neil’s eyes and his feedback". The team was inspired by the art from the comics, with the props and sets being created to be faithful to the comics. The series features changes intended to modernize the source material for a contemporary audience. For example, it begins in 2021 rather than 1989, with Dream now having been imprisoned for 105 years instead of 75 years. Other characters were similarly updated, as "... if we were creating this character now, what gender would the character be? ... who would they be? What would they be doing?".<ref name=":1" /><ref name="DigitalSpy">{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a33359669/neil-gaiman-update-netflix-the-sandman/|title=Neil Gaiman offers update on Netflix's The Sandman|work=[[Digital Spy]]|first1=Louise|last1=McCreesh|first2=Catherine|last2=Earp|date=July 19, 2020|access-date=July 21, 2020|archive-date=July 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721001035/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a33359669/neil-gaiman-update-netflix-the-sandman/|url-status=live}}</ref> Changes included expanding the role of [[Corinthian (comics)|The Corinthian]] into being the [[Big Bad]] for the first season, altering various characters and storylines, and removing references to other DC Comics characters such as [[Martian Manhunter]] and [[Mister Miracle]]. John Dee was not depicted as [[Doctor Destiny]] and [[John Constantine]] was reimagined as a female character, Joanna Constantine. Gaiman opted to remove references to the DC Universe as the overall ''Sandman'' series moved away from the initial ties with the DC Universe, as well as avoid potential implications that the series would tie into other DC Comics adaptions in the future.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web | url = https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/sandman-dc-comics-neil-gaiman-john-dee-john-constantine-1235334183/ | title = Neil Gaiman Explains Why Netflix's 'The Sandman' Doesn't Exist in the DC Universe, Even Though His Original Graphic Novels Do | first1 = Adam | last1 = Vary | first2 = Jennifer | last2 = Mass | date = August 8, 2022 | accessdate = August 8, 2022 | work = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] }}</ref> The role of [[Matthew Cable|Matthew]] was also expanded in the series for Morpheus to have someone communicate his thoughts with, which was depicted as thought bubbles in the comics and impractical to do in live-action.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Samantha |date=August 1, 2022 |title=How Does 'The Sandman' Series Connect to Neil Gaiman's Comics? |url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-sandman-based-on-comic-books-show |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805230929/https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-sandman-based-on-comic-books-show |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=[[Tudum Festival|Tudum]]}}</ref> However, Gaiman also felt that upon re-reading the comics, he "in a weird way did all the work" as he thought the comics "had kind of been rather ahead of its time", with Heinberg adding "The ''Sandman'' comics were leagues ahead of everybody in the late '80s in terms of the depiction of women, race, sexuality and gender". He also said "we knew we wanted to expand the world and make some changes" while creating the series.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Matthews |first=Cate |date=August 5, 2022 |title=How ''The Sandman'' Author Neil Gaiman Drew Inspiration From His Nightmares |url=https://time.com/6204063/neil-gaiman-interview-the-sandman-netflix/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805201530/https://time.com/6204063/neil-gaiman-interview-the-sandman-netflix/ |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> 

Goyer, Heinberg, and Gaiman met at Gaiman's house to discuss the first season, in which they came up with the story for the first episode in two days. They often discussed "Why is it essential that we tell the story of ''The Sandman'' right now?", with Heinberg stating that the answer "has informed every creative decision we’ve made since: ''The Sandman'' is an exploration of what it means to be human. To be mortal and therefore vulnerable. Capable of being hurt, but also capable of loving and being loved. ''The Sandman'' is the story of an honorable, arrogant king who slowly—very slowly—learns how to love. How to be a loving friend, a loving brother, a loving father."<ref name=":0" /> Goyer summarized the series as "a story about a god who, over the course of the story, sheds his godhood and becomes mortal and learns what it means to be mortal ... It’s a story about a really fucked-up dysfunctional family. The Endless, even though they are godlike beings, they all have their petty squabbles. Some of them hate each other. Some of them love each other. It’s just that when they have fights, entire worlds and universes suffer" and called it a [[melodrama]]. He opted to include the standalone issues in the series in which Morpheus did not appear, as he felt that it was "One of the things that’s wonderful about ''Sandman''" and felt those issues did not involve Morpheus, but was set in that world. He added that Morpheus was sometimes a protagonist and catalyst for events in the series. He described Morpheus as a character who "cares about humanity in the abstract, but not in the specific". Gaiman also felt that the Sleeping Sickness epidemic in the series was "incredibly apt" due to "some incredibly dreamlike moments because we were shooting during a [[COVID-19 pandemic|pandemic]]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Farnell |first=Chris |date=July 30, 2022 |title=How Netflix's The Sandman Brings the Neil Gaiman Masterpiece to Life |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/netflix-the-sandman-neil-gaiman-masterpiece/#disqus_thread |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730130034/https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/netflix-the-sandman-neil-gaiman-masterpiece/ |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref>

In an interview for [[Den of Geek]], the creators of the series indicated that "Work on writing a second season of ''The Sandman'' has already begun".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saavedra |first=John |date=2022-07-30 |title=How Netflix's The Sandman Brings the Neil Gaiman Masterpiece to Life |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/netflix-the-sandman-neil-gaiman-masterpiece/ |access-date=2022-08-20 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Casting ===
[[Patton Oswalt]], a longtime ''Sandman'' fan, was the first actor who was cast in the series; he was cast as the voice of [[Matthew Cable|Matthew the Raven]] the day before ''The Sandman'' was pitched to Netflix.<ref name="SlashFilm: CastExpands">{{cite web |last1=Bui |first1=Hoai-Tran |title='The Sandman' Netflix Series Expands With 12 More Actors, Including Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-sandman-cast-new-netflix/ |website=[[/Film]] |access-date=May 26, 2021 |date=May 26, 2021}}</ref> In September 2020, [[Tom Sturridge]] entered negotiations to portray Dream, after [[screen test]]ing alongside [[Tom York (actor)|Tom York]] and [[Colin Morgan]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sneider |first1=Jeff |title=Exclusive: 'The Sandman' Netflix Series Eyes Tom Sturridge to Star as Dream |url=https://collider.com/the-sandman-netflix-dream-actor-tom-sturridge/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=September 30, 2020 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118151610/https://collider.com/the-sandman-netflix-dream-actor-tom-sturridge/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while [[Liam Hemsworth]] and [[Dacre Montgomery]] were under consideration for the role of the [[Corinthian (comics)|Corinthian]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bui |first1=Hoai-Tran |title=Netflix's 'The Sandman' Considering Liam Hemsworth, Dacre Montgomery for the Villainous Corinthian |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/the-sandman-corinthian-casting/ |website=[[/Film]] |date=September 30, 2020 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027074750/https://www.slashfilm.com/the-sandman-corinthian-casting/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Casting news was kept tightly under wraps and was not publicly released when the first season began filming.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Minzner |first1=KJ |title=The Sandman Show Started Filming Without Announcing The Cast |url=https://screenrant.com/sandman-show-dc-vertigo-filming-cast-announcement-netflix/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=October 19, 2020 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117233701/https://screenrant.com/sandman-show-dc-vertigo-filming-cast-announcement-netflix/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to [[Boyd Holbrook]], the casting process was long, recalling that he auditioned around January 2020 but did not receive any further information until September.<ref name="Collider: Holbrook">{{cite web |last1=Chitwood |first1=Adam |title=Exclusive: Boyd Holbrook Talks Netflix's 'The Sandman', Reveals How Long They're Filming |url=https://collider.com/the-sandman-netflix-boyd-holbrook-interview-filming-details/ |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=January 29, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129173218/https://collider.com/the-sandman-netflix-boyd-holbrook-interview-filming-details/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2021, Sturridge, [[Gwendoline Christie]], Vivienne Acheampong, Holbrook, [[Charles Dance]], [[Asim Chaudhry]], and [[Sanjeev Bhaskar]] were announced to be starring in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/the-sandman-tom-sturridge-gwendoline-christie-vivienne-acheampong-boyd-holbrook-charles-dance-asim-chaudhry-sanjeev-bhaskar-netflix-neil-gaiman-1234681995/|title=Neil Gaiman's 'The Sandman' Casts Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie, Vivienne Acheampong, Boyd Holbrook, Charles Dance, Asim Chaudhry And Sanjeev Bhaskar|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Dino-Ray|last=Ramos|date=January 28, 2021|access-date=January 28, 2021|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128152209/https://deadline.com/2021/01/the-sandman-tom-sturridge-gwendoline-christie-vivienne-acheampong-boyd-holbrook-charles-dance-asim-chaudhry-sanjeev-bhaskar-netflix-neil-gaiman-1234681995/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sturridge had been unfamiliar with the source material but became a devoted fan after he was cast.<ref name="EmpireSDCC" />

In May 2021, [[Kirby Howell-Baptiste]], [[Mason Alexander Park]], Donna Preston, [[Jenna Coleman]], [[Niamh Walsh]], [[Joely Richardson]], [[David Thewlis]], Kyo Ra, [[Stephen Fry]], [[Razane Jammal]], Sandra James Young, and Oswalt were added to the cast.<ref name="Howell-Baptiste&11">{{cite web |last=Del Rosario |first=Alexandra |date=May 26, 2021 |title='The Sandman': Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mason Alexander Park & Donna Preston Among 12 Added To Netflix Series |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-sandman-netflix-series-kirby-howell-baptiste-mason-alexander-park-donna-preston-12-cast-1234764168/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526152531/https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-sandman-netflix-series-kirby-howell-baptiste-mason-alexander-park-donna-preston-12-cast-1234764168/ |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |access-date=May 26, 2021 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> The second casting announcement was met with backlash from a section of the ''Sandman'' fanbase, with some criticizing the casting of black actors, like Howell-Baptiste as [[Death (DC Comics)|Death]], as characters traditionally depicted as white in the comics.<ref name="IndieWire: GaimanFights">{{Cite web|last=Sharf|first=Zack|date=June 1, 2021|title=Neil Gaiman Fights Toxic Backlash Over Netflix's 'Sandman' Casting Non-Binary, Black Actors|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2021/06/neil-gaiman-sandman-backlash-nonbinary-black-actors-1234641362/|url-status=live|access-date=June 2, 2021|website=[[IndieWire]]|language=en|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602053630/https://www.indiewire.com/2021/06/neil-gaiman-sandman-backlash-nonbinary-black-actors-1234641362/}}</ref><ref name="DailyStar: SecondBatch">{{Cite web|last=Bari|first=Mehrul|date=June 2, 2021|title=On the second batch of casting decisions for Netflix and Neil Gaiman's 'The Sandman' adaptation|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/book-reviews/news/the-second-batch-casting-decisions-netflix-and-neil-gaimans-the-sandman-adaptation-2103633|url-status=live|access-date=June 2, 2021|website=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]] |language=en|archive-date=June 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602172421/https://www.thedailystar.net/book-reviews/news/the-second-batch-casting-decisions-netflix-and-neil-gaimans-the-sandman-adaptation-2103633}}</ref> Mehrul Bari of ''[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]'' felt that while the backlash against the casting announcement was clearly "rooted in flagrant phobias", some of the casting choices seemed like "[[stunt casting]]" that continued [[tokenism]] in Netflix productions and comic book adaptations.<ref name="DailyStar: SecondBatch"/> For example, Bari noted that aside from Death, the rest of the Endless, including Dream, were still played by white actors.<ref name="DailyStar: SecondBatch"/> Gaiman dismissed the backlash and suggested that fans critical of casting the [[Non-binary gender|non-binary]] actor Park as [[Desire (comics)|Desire]] had not actually read the ''Sandman'' comics (in which Desire is [[Androgyny|androgynous]]).<ref name="IndieWire: GaimanFights"/>

=== Filming ===
The series was originally to begin filming towards the end of May 2020, but was delayed due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="DigitalSpy"/> In September 2020, Gaiman revealed on his Twitter that filming was expected to begin in October "lockdown permitting".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-09-28/the-sandman-netflix-filming-3-weeks-neil-gaiman/|title=The Sandman TV series starts filming in 3 weeks, Neil Gaiman reveals|first=Lauren|last=Morris|website=Radio Times|date=September 28, 2020|access-date=October 14, 2020|archive-date=October 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009085711/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-09-28/the-sandman-netflix-filming-3-weeks-neil-gaiman/|url-status=live}}</ref> Filming commenced on October 15, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-sandman-netflix-begins-filming-neil-gaiman-cast/ |title=Netflix's Sandman Series Begins Filming, Neil Gaiman Teasing Casting Announcements |work=Comicbook.com |first=Jamie |last=Lovett |date=October 18, 2020 |access-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020230138/https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-sandman-netflix-begins-filming-neil-gaiman-cast/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filming for the first season was limited to the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite tweet|last=Gaiman|first=Neil|author-link=Neil Gaiman|title=One of those, yes. We had plans, but Covid changed them. Season 1 will all be shot in  the UK.|number=1317966955488464899|user=neilhimself|date=October 18, 2020|access-date=January 18, 2021|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118085905/https://twitter.com/neilhimself/status/1317966955488464899|url-status=live}}</ref> Holbrook began shooting his scenes in December 2020. Production for the first season was expected to last until June 2021.<ref name="Collider: Holbrook"/> In August 2021, Gaiman revealed on his [[Tumblr]] account that the first season had wrapped filming.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 5, 2021|title=The Sandman Season 1 Has Wrapped Filming|url=https://www.cbr.com/sandman-neil-gaiman-wraps-filming/|website=CBR|first=Mira|last=Jacobs|access-date=August 5, 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Post-production ===
The comic series' cover artist, [[Dave McKean]], came out of retirement to design the end-credits sequences for each episode.<ref name="EmpireSDCC" />

== Release ==
The series was released on August 5, 2022,<ref name="PremiereDate">{{Cite web|url=https://tvline.com/2022/06/06/the-sandman-release-date-netflix-the-corinthian-teaser-video/|title=''The Sandman'' Sets Summer Release Date at Netflix — Watch New Trailer|work=TVline|first=Kimberly|last=Roots|date=June 6, 2022|access-date=June 6, 2022}}</ref> and consists of ten episodes.<ref name="SandmanTeaser">{{cite web |url=http://thefutoncritic.com/video/2022/06/06/video-geeked-week-debut-the-sandman-teaser-date-announcement-panel-and-casting-news-949115/20220606netflix18/ |title=Video: Geeked Week Debut – "The Sandman" Teaser, Date Announcement, Panel & Casting News |work=The Futon Critic |date=June 6, 2022 |accessdate=June 7, 2022}}</ref> An eleventh episode was released on August 19 as a "two-part story collection".<ref name="DreamCountry" /><ref name="BonusEpisode">{{cite web | url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/sandman-animated-cats-calliope-sandra-oh-david-tennant-1235344094/ | title=Netflix's 'The Sandman' Drops New Episode Starring Sandra Oh, James McAvoy, David Tennant and Michael Sheen | date=August 19, 2022 }}</ref>

=== Marketing===
Gaiman, Heinberg, and the cast promoted the series at the [[San Diego Comic-Con]] in July 2022, where an official trailer debuted.<ref name="EmpireSDCC">{{cite web |last1=White |first1=James |title=SDCC 2022: The Sandman Debuts A New Trailer |url=https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/sdcc-2022-the-sandman-debuts-a-new-trailer/ |website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |access-date=July 26, 2022 |date=July 24, 2022}}</ref> Charles Pulliam-Moore of ''[[The Verge]]'' felt the trailer confirmed the series would retain the comic's "focus on the macabre" and featured "a sense of scale... that's hopefully going to be consistent throughout the show".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pulliam-Moore |first1=Charles |title=The Sandman's Comic-Con trailer teases endless possibilities |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/23/23275712/the-sandman-san-diego-comic-con-trailer-netflix |website=[[The Verge]] |access-date=July 26, 2022 |date=July 23, 2022}}</ref>

== Reception ==
=== Audience viewership ===
''The Sandman'' ranked at number one globally on Netflix's Top 10 titles three days after its release with 69.5 million hours viewed.<ref>{{Cite web |last= Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=August 9, 2022 |title='The Sandman' Dethrones 'Virgin River' On Top Of Netflix's Weekly Ratings, 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' Sets New High |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-sandman-netflix-weekly-rankings-virgin-river-uncoupled-keep-breathing-extraordinary-attorney-woo-1235088745/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810031200/https://deadline.com/2022/08/the-sandman-netflix-weekly-rankings-virgin-river-uncoupled-keep-breathing-extraordinary-attorney-woo-1235088745/ |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> In its first full week of streaming, ''The Sandman'' remained the most-watched show on Netflix's weekly Top 10 list of the most-watched TV shows, with 127.5 million hours viewed between August 8–14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cendrowicz |first=Laurence |date=August 16, 2022 |title=Netflix Top 10: 'The Sandman' Leads with 128 Million Hours Watched, 'Never Have I Ever' Season 3 Takes No. 2 Position |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/netflix-top-10-the-sandman-never-have-i-ever-1235342717/ |url-status=live |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

=== Critical response ===
The [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]] reported an approval rating of 86% with an average rating of 7.6/10, based on 95 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "While it may hold few surprises for fans of the source material, ''The Sandman''{{'}}s first season satisfyingly adapts an allegedly unfilmable classic."<ref>{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=the_sandman/|title=The Sandman|type=tv|season=1|access-date=August 6, 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Metacritic]], which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 66 out of 100 based on 27 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref>{{Cite Metacritic |id=the-sandman |title=The Sandman |type=tv |season=1 |access-date=August 5, 2022}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Amelia Emberwing of ''[[IGN]]'' gave a score of 9 out 10, praising the cast performances, particularly Sturridge's. She also praised the production values of the series, and felt that the series adapted its source material well, though was unsure if viewers who were unfamiliar with the source material would enjoy the series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Emberwing |first=Amelia |date=August 5, 2022 |title=The Sandman: Season 1 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-sandman-season-1-review-netflix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806031315/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-sandman-season-1-review-netflix |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]''<nowiki/>'s Rebecca Nicholson gave it a four out of five stars and summarized it as "transportive, playful at times, and certainly grand." She also praised the performances, their delivery of dialogue, its faithfulness to source material, and singled out the episode "24/7" as one of the best episodes of the year, though she expressed concerns as to how fans unfamiliar with the source material would enjoy the series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicholson |first=Rebecca |date=August 5, 2022 |title=The Sandman review – Neil Gaiman has created 2022's single greatest hour of TV drama |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/aug/05/the-sandman-review-neil-gaiman-has-created-2022s-single-greatest-hour-of-tv-drama |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805053451/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/aug/05/the-sandman-review-neil-gaiman-has-created-2022s-single-greatest-hour-of-tv-drama |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>  Judy Berman of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' also gave a positive review, praising its production design and casting, while also highlighting the standalone episodes, calling the series "easily one of the best small-screen comic adaptations ever made."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Berman |first1=Judy |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Netflix's Mesmerizing ''Sandman'' Adaptation Is Well Worth the Decades-Long Wait |url=https://time.com/6202652/the-sandman-netflix-review/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805070430/https://time.com/6202652/the-sandman-netflix-review/ |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref> Similarly, Glen Weldon of [[NPR]] also gave a positive review, highlighting its accuracy to the source material and felt that its changes improved the narrative of the series, writing "the changes introduced into the adaptation offer intriguing new variations on now-familiar themes without erasing what we love". He also praised its visuals and the performances, especially Sturridge's, whom he felt "captures the competing aspects of Morpheus that are forever roiling under his impassive surface — his haughtiness, his wounded vulnerability; his stiffness, his longing for connection. Also, his brittle anger, his ability to — almost, not quite, but almost — laugh at himself".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weldon |first=Glen |date=August 5, 2022 |title=For fans and non-fans alike, Netflix's 'The Sandman' is a dream come true |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/08/05/1114849432/for-fans-and-non-fans-alike-netflixs-the-sandman-is-a-dream-come-true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805092357/https://www.npr.org/2022/08/05/1114849432/for-fans-and-non-fans-alike-netflixs-the-sandman-is-a-dream-come-true |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=[[NPR]]}}</ref> At [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']], Caroline Framke praised the narrative structure of the series and story, writing that it "metes out its material with an economical approach (no episode runs over 54 minutes)", but criticized some of the visual effects and use of [[computer-generated imagery]] (CGI) and felt it did not replicate the art from the comics. However, she did state that the episode "24/7" had the best visuals in the series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Framke |first=Caroline |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Netflix's 'The Sandman' Keeps the Spirit of Neil Gaiman's Sweeping Comic Intact, Avoiding (Most Of) the Usual Streaming Pitfalls: TV Review |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-sandman-review-netflix-neil-gaiman-1235333550/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805070203/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-sandman-review-netflix-neil-gaiman-1235333550/ |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 14, 2022 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref> 

In a mixed review, Karama Horne of ''[[TheWrap]]'' called the series "visually stunning" and further praised its costumes, sound design, and the cast performances, while criticizing its pacing and noting that its "anthology style of storytelling" caused the plot to suffer, especially towards the season's end.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Horne |first=Karame |date=August 5, 2022 |title='The Sandman' Review: Netflix Series Is a Gorgeous Yet Flawed Adaptation |url=https://www.thewrap.com/the-sandman-netflix-review-neil-gaiman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805152041/https://www.thewrap.com/the-sandman-netflix-review-neil-gaiman/ |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=[[TheWrap]]}}</ref> Giving the series a B- grade, Sam Barsanti of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' called ''The Sandman'' a "generic fantasy series" that is too faithful to its source material, "doing what is essentially the bare minimum in replicating an acclaimed work of art and transferring it into a different medium", though he praised some of the performances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barsanti |first=Sam |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Netflix's The Sandman can't capture its source material's magic |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-sandman-review-netflix-tv-neil-gaiman-tom-sturridge-1849368418 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806032556/https://www.avclub.com/the-sandman-review-netflix-tv-neil-gaiman-tom-sturridge-1849368418 |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref> [[CNN]]'s Brian Lowry felt that the performances were "blunted by the narrative structure and dream-like storytelling". He gave a more critical review, praising its visuals, but noting the faithfulness to the source material as both a good and bad thing. He said that the "meticulous detail in replicating the look and tone [of the comic] doesn't create much emotional investment", noting the "episodic" chapters in the series which he thought negatively affected its pacing, but also felt that it would satisfy fans familiar with the source material.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowry |first=Brian |date=August 5, 2022 |title='The Sandman' finally fulfills the dream of adapting Neil Gaiman's acclaimed comic |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/05/entertainment/the-sandman-review/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805155739/https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/05/entertainment/the-sandman-review/index.html |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Writing for ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', Angie Han also noted its faithfulness to source material, and thought the series "prioritizes fidelity over creativity" which she thought " makes for a decent echo of the comics — but it stops well short of becoming a classic in its own right". She was mixed towards the changes in the series, saying they were "not too bad, and sometimes they're good", and praised the episode "The Sound of Her Wings" as the best in the series. She summarized her thoughts on the series by writing "it’s difficult not to notice that for a series all about the power of dreams to spark creativity, to inspire our best selves or our worst ones, to change the course of a life or a universe, ''The Sandman'' itself feels a bit short on imagination".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Han |first=Angie |date=August 5, 2022 |title='The Sandman' Review: Netflix's Neil Gaiman Adaptation Plays It Too Safe |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-sandman-netflix-neil-gaiman-1235192002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805073153/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-sandman-netflix-neil-gaiman-1235192002/ |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> In a negative review, Kelly Lawler of ''[[USA Today]]'' gave the series 1.5 out of 4 stars, calling the first season "a total failure", criticizing its pacing and its story, which she felt was "a pile of stories and moods randomly tossed on top of each other".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lawler |first=Kelly |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Review: Netflix's 'The Sandman' is absolutely gorgeous, and a total failure |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/08/05/the-sandman-review-netflix-show-gorgeous-failure/10213781002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806031433/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/08/05/the-sandman-review-netflix-show-gorgeous-failure/10213781002/ |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Netflix title}}

{{Navboxes
|title = ''The Sandman''
|list =
{{The Sandman (DC Comics)}}
{{Sandman}}
{{Neil Gaiman}}
{{David S. Goyer}}
{{DC Comics TV}}
{{Netflix original current series}}
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sandman, The}}

[[Category:2020s American drama television series]]
[[Category:2020s American horror television series]]
[[Category:2020s American LGBT-related drama television series]]
[[Category:2020s American supernatural television series]]
[[Category:2022 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:American fantasy drama television series]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy television series]]
[[Category:Demons in television]]
[[Category:English-language Netflix original programming]]
[[Category:English-language television shows]]
[[Category:Fiction about God]]
[[Category:Fiction about personifications of death]]
[[Category:Norse mythology in popular culture]]
[[Category:Occult detective fiction]]
[[Category:The Sandman (comic book)]]
[[Category:Television series based on works by Neil Gaiman]]
[[Category:Television series by Warner Bros. Television Studios]]
[[Category:Television series created by David S. Goyer]]
[[Category:Television shows about dreams]]
[[Category:Television shows based on DC Comics]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in the United Kingdom]]