• Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 5, 2022
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 273 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 74 out of 273
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User Reviews

  1. Aug 5, 2022
    10
    Whether you are a fan of the comics or not, you will weep for a gargoyle.

    What more do you need to know?
  2. Aug 6, 2022
    10
    I was expecting something much worse! Sandman is a really difficult comic book to translator into a TV show. But I really get the feeling that it is done with love and care. Also good cast, nice settings, good script. Couldn’t hope for more
  3. Aug 6, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fantastic adaption with spot on casting! From someone who was a fan of the comics when they were being published and didn't think it could possibly translate to the screen. Expand
  4. Aug 5, 2022
    10
    Great atmosphere, visuals and acting. Great cast and the protagonist do a great job on portraying an eternal proud, yet gentle-somehow emotional, being. Prolly will get some hate from those people who want and at the same time don’t want copy&paste from original material. Happy to see DC can still throw good series even if the DC movie universe keep failing.
  5. Aug 5, 2022
    7
    Very exciting for fans of the comics, it's a dream to see this materialised as a big budget show. However, too much green-screens and cgi and adaptation decisions that reminds you frequently this is a "Netflix" production.
  6. Aug 6, 2022
    10
    I don't know if I'll live long enough for anything to move me as Gaiman's Sandman has? Perhaps I won't. This will have to sustain me for the length of my days but I am confident it will. The power. The magic. The splendor. Everything about it transcends our little world and makes us somehow a part of the Universe of the Endless.
  7. Aug 8, 2022
    10
    Ambiance, action, histoire, costume lieu tout est envoûtant : serie parfaite pour moi
  8. Aug 8, 2022
    9
    First of all, I must specify that I have read all the comics in the series (and for some issues (like Preludes and Nocturnes) more than ten times). I am therefore already familiar with the twisted and dreamlike universe of Neil Gaiman. I was extremely excited when the television adaptation of the comic book was announced, and I was eagerly awaiting its release. My expectations wereFirst of all, I must specify that I have read all the comics in the series (and for some issues (like Preludes and Nocturnes) more than ten times). I am therefore already familiar with the twisted and dreamlike universe of Neil Gaiman. I was extremely excited when the television adaptation of the comic book was announced, and I was eagerly awaiting its release. My expectations were immense; these have been largely exceeded. The Sandman by Netflix is ​​a delight for neophytes as well as regulars of the graphic novel.
    The adaptation is prodigious. Everything is fabulous and smoothly conducted.
    My main concern was about the appearance of the protagonist who, in the comics, has a somewhat original physique. However, Tom Sturridge plays "Morpheus" wonderfully. He IS Morpheus, in his voice, his gestures, his physique. The cast is very great. I'm thinking of the "Corinthian" (Boyd Holbrook) who seems straight out of a case, or the excellent Gwendoline Christie, interpreter of the terrible "Lucifer Morningstar".
    The photography and staging are exquisite, especially the breathtaking dream realm shots, helping to set the overall mood, because that's the power of this adaptation. This bizarre, dreamlike, flirting atmosphere between the disturbing and the magnificent specific to Gaiman's productions hovers over the series. I am thinking in particular of the episode "24 hours" which alone justifies viewing the series. The soundtrack is not left out either; David Buckley won with tremendous work through his art.
    Unfortunately, and since nothing is perfect, I can't help but notice the forced and awkward inclusivity. Inclusiveness is good, but not like this. Inclusiveness is representing everyone, not just one side. Every romantic relationship is gay, and if it's straight, it's deeply dysfunctional. On the contrary, and this is the irony, the comics involve certain LGBT characters in several brilliant issues. No need to force, let the adaptation do its job.

    I highly recommend the series, whether you've read the comics or not!
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  9. Aug 6, 2022
    9
    I read the comics and as a reader I feel the adaptation was pretty solid. It was amazing most of the time with a few missteps here and there. The best thing is: most of us, fans, feared the series would suck, it does not and that is huge. Such a rich source material deserved a proper adaptation and Netflix delivered it.
  10. Aug 6, 2022
    10
    The series respects the spirit of the comic while adapting itself to the media and of course new spectators . The input of Gaiman kept the series from deviating too much, but people need to understand that he grew in the 30 years since the comic was written. Ok can't write anymore the text box is buggy in mobile. After 200 characters the post button doesn't let you see what you write... OkThe series respects the spirit of the comic while adapting itself to the media and of course new spectators . The input of Gaiman kept the series from deviating too much, but people need to understand that he grew in the 30 years since the comic was written. Ok can't write anymore the text box is buggy in mobile. After 200 characters the post button doesn't let you see what you write... Ok now I'm under the button, this is terrible ui.... Anyway, not a perfect adaptation, but a perfect series. Expand
  11. Aug 7, 2022
    10
    The people complaining of “wokeness” while at the same time whining that the writers didn’t keep to the source material have obviously missed the whole point of Sandman. Not only was Gaiman highly involved in the development but the anti-‘woke’ crowd misses the point that retelling a story in a different time, in a slightly different way, allows the spirit of Sandman story to shineThe people complaining of “wokeness” while at the same time whining that the writers didn’t keep to the source material have obviously missed the whole point of Sandman. Not only was Gaiman highly involved in the development but the anti-‘woke’ crowd misses the point that retelling a story in a different time, in a slightly different way, allows the spirit of Sandman story to shine through. I’m sure the whiners would be whining about the casting choices of the Audible edition too if they had the patience to consume the story in that medium.

    Those that desperately seem to want the “original” Sandman sans less “wokeness”, seems to ignore how progressive Sandman was at the time: it depicted “foreigners” and other sexualities and ways to live that was rarely seen at the time in the comic medium. Now Gaiman had the chance to green light further changes in that direction and humanity progresses a little further in understanding itself.

    Also, guys: you realize that the whole thing is made up right? The fact you’re more obsessed with the fake “straight white man bad” narrative than some of the actual outright departures from “canon” shows your colors are more political in nature than any real care you have for the story.
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  12. Aug 7, 2022
    10
    A great adaptation of the comic book masterpiece. The best series I've watched this year.
  13. Aug 5, 2022
    9
    really entertaining if youre open to these kinds of shows. haters are gonna hate it just has that vibe but if you liked the witcher youll def like this. Honestly this is probably netflix's best release of the year
  14. Aug 7, 2022
    10
    Este sitio deberia eliminar a todos esos trolls que dan 0 a cualquier show en este sitio.
    El show no es perfecto, pero quede fascinado por su historia, espero ver una segunda temporada.
  15. Aug 6, 2022
    9
    The show gets off to a bit of a slow start, but then the episode titled 24/7 happens and woooo boy does it get good. The acting is superb, and the methodical pacing gives every character weight. The acting really pulls you in. I really don’t care about whether the characters in the shows I watch are gay, straight, or whatever else there is… but I really hope that only gay characters areThe show gets off to a bit of a slow start, but then the episode titled 24/7 happens and woooo boy does it get good. The acting is superb, and the methodical pacing gives every character weight. The acting really pulls you in. I really don’t care about whether the characters in the shows I watch are gay, straight, or whatever else there is… but I really hope that only gay characters are in every single show in the future. Not because I personally care, but because the whiny incel tears give me life. It just gives me the warm and Fuzzies to see bigots lose their favorite stories over the most lame and petty reasons. Expand
  16. Aug 8, 2022
    7
    I had a great time with the first 6 episodes, but episodes 7 through 10 were absolutely awful, cringey, and boring. Do yourself a favor and stop watching after episode 6 and hope that the next season is similar to the first half of this one, otherwise it won't be worth a watch.
  17. Aug 9, 2022
    9
    Great adaption of the source material, I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope there will be a second season.
  18. Aug 8, 2022
    8
    I liked it a lot - as a fan of the comic I think the show really nailed the adaptation part. There are some slow moments (teh first episode stands out as one such) that could make it hard for new viewers to get attached, but if they pass that hurdle - it's a great show.
    Except for those pacing problems and minor grievances (a bit of the CGI is not as good as in the rest of the series, one
    I liked it a lot - as a fan of the comic I think the show really nailed the adaptation part. There are some slow moments (teh first episode stands out as one such) that could make it hard for new viewers to get attached, but if they pass that hurdle - it's a great show.
    Except for those pacing problems and minor grievances (a bit of the CGI is not as good as in the rest of the series, one or two minor plot points changed) I'd recommend it to all that like interesting worlds, creative characters and a good story. Sturridge is awezome as Morpheus, and the "controversial" parts that some "fans" are crying about are great as well (especially Death and Desire stand out, and Gwendoline Christie makes for an adequately imposing Lucifer).

    Loved the show, would recommend. Don't mind the trolls and toxic "fans" that don't know the source material and spew gibberish about how "changed" the show is compared to the comic. It's not, inclusivity was a point, and a strong one, in the comic as well.
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  19. Aug 9, 2022
    7
    I'm really enjoying it. Dream is perfectly cast. Is it a shot for shot recreation of the graphic novel, but it's very engaging. The only criticism I have is the main arc. I enjoyed the tangents far more than the main story, which was about Rose Walker (who was kind of obnoxious tbh).
  20. Aug 8, 2022
    7
    I had a lot of concerns about this adaptation. Although it has the dreary Netflix style, the first two episodes have been good overall. The story is surprising in some ways, deviating a little from the original one but still being interesting. Hope the rest of the season follows this approach.
  21. Aug 8, 2022
    8
    For those on here complaining about changes to the source material, race and gender swapping etc…Neil Gaiman wrote the series with Goyer. Your complaints are ludicrous to the point of idiocy and actually suspect. Despite the series imperfections and issues (the last 4 episodes are substantially weaker than those previous imo), I’m so glad we saw this realized.
  22. Aug 9, 2022
    10
    Seems hilarious to me people review bombing because it’s “woke” like these people never read past the first trade!! So they changed the cast around to fit modern times… The point is the story is nearly a 1/1 of the comic. Like get over yourselves. Bunch of wimpy crybabies. Show was fantastic. Just superb.
  23. Aug 8, 2022
    9
    Amazing adaptation of one of the best comic series of all time. Stuck to the comics much more than I thought they would be able to and I loved every minute! Bravo!
  24. Aug 7, 2022
    10
    A must watch a very good serie and if you blame anything then the problem is you
  25. Aug 9, 2022
    10
    I went into this not knowing anything about it other than the creator is one of my wife's favorite authors. The first season was captivating and enjoyable, and I can't wait for the next season.
  26. Aug 9, 2022
    9
    It's simply great, but i give it an 9 because the series can be a little bit confusing for viewers who have not read the comics or are not familiar with the mythology such as myself, otherwise it is simply great.
  27. Aug 9, 2022
    8
    I had a lot of concerns going into this, but enjoyed it more than expected. The lead does an excellent job of portraying Dream. Some of the other casting choices were not as successful. Still, what had always been regarded as an unfilmable work has been brought to screen largely successfully. For the more passionate fans of the source material I would recommend the Audible series whichI had a lot of concerns going into this, but enjoyed it more than expected. The lead does an excellent job of portraying Dream. Some of the other casting choices were not as successful. Still, what had always been regarded as an unfilmable work has been brought to screen largely successfully. For the more passionate fans of the source material I would recommend the Audible series which has a near perfect cast and hews much more closely to the comic series. Expand
  28. Aug 9, 2022
    9
    Gripping from the beginning to end. It filled me with a mixture of different emotions from start to finish. Anger, Sadness, happiness, disgust and surprise to name a few. Which in my opinion is what a TV show is meant to do. I am a fan of the show Lucifer on Netflix and find myself gravitated towards shows that portray Satan and other such beings as I find it fascinating. The portrayal ofGripping from the beginning to end. It filled me with a mixture of different emotions from start to finish. Anger, Sadness, happiness, disgust and surprise to name a few. Which in my opinion is what a TV show is meant to do. I am a fan of the show Lucifer on Netflix and find myself gravitated towards shows that portray Satan and other such beings as I find it fascinating. The portrayal of Satan/ Lucifer by Gwendoline Christie is refreshing, as I believe it depicted that from the comics very accurately. There are some great acting performances across each episode. The stand out for me was that of David Thewlis who portrayed John Dee (Doctor Destiny). He really got you understanding why he was doing what he did and even agreeing with him. Which is what I believe a good bad guy should do. Expand
  29. Aug 9, 2022
    7
    A review from someone who has not read the source material...

    I'm halfway through the season so I feel qualified to give an opinion....yeah its good. Not amazing, but definitely watchable. An over reliance on sub par looking CG does make the show feel a bit cheap. The acting is good, Sturridge is a bit one note though, which makes it feel hard to connect with him. Dialogue is sometimes
    A review from someone who has not read the source material...

    I'm halfway through the season so I feel qualified to give an opinion....yeah its good. Not amazing, but definitely watchable. An over reliance on sub par looking CG does make the show feel a bit cheap. The acting is good, Sturridge is a bit one note though, which makes it feel hard to connect with him. Dialogue is sometimes clunky and a bit cringe as well. Some storylines, like Dream and Lucifer's battle in hell were extremely silly and underwhelming. Patton Oswalt's raven sidekick feels straight out of a Disney movie. So the show definitely has its flaws.

    It feels most similar to American Gods, another show that I enjoyed but got sick of past its first season. I hope the season finishes on a strong note.

    It just feels like it should have been a big budget HBO show, but on Netflix it feels a bit rushed, a bit cheap.
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  30. Aug 9, 2022
    9
    What a tv show...first i love the actors. The main character is played by a very talented, born for this role actor. Most of the evil characters are 10/10, well written and with complex motivation and background. The cgi is meh in some places but great in others. The main plot is good and it has beautiful moments. The secondary stories are very interesting. I enjoyed the show and i hopeWhat a tv show...first i love the actors. The main character is played by a very talented, born for this role actor. Most of the evil characters are 10/10, well written and with complex motivation and background. The cgi is meh in some places but great in others. The main plot is good and it has beautiful moments. The secondary stories are very interesting. I enjoyed the show and i hope they'll make a season 2 Expand
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 28
  2. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. Reviewed by: David Sims
    Aug 23, 2022
    75
    At its best, the show is strong fantasy entertainment that functions as a great introduction to Gaiman’s writing. But the barrier to entry is high, and the cost of jumping into such an intricate saga might be too much for some.
  2. Reviewed by: Joel Keller
    Aug 5, 2022
    60
    While not our cup of tea, we definitely see how appealing The Sandman would be to fans of Gaiman and his work. We’re just not sure it’s particularly accessible to those of us who are new to the story.
  3. Reviewed by: Tom Long
    Aug 5, 2022
    75
    “The Sandman” stands out visually. A parade of fine actors — Joely Richardson, Charles Dance, Stephen Fry — weave in and out, with David Thewlis particularly strong as an escaped mental patient. Still, the show remains comic-book thin on character and plot conveniences are everywhere. “The Sandman” dreams of being more than it is, but it’s still pretty good.