The Sandman (2022) is a fantasy drama television series developed by Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg, based on Gaiman's acclaimed comic book series of the same name.
The show premiered on Netflix on August 5, 2022, and consists of 11 episodes in its first season. It stars Tom Sturridge as Dream, also known as Morpheus, the personification of dreams. The cast includes Boyd Holbrook, Vivienne Acheampong, Gwendoline Christie, and Charles Dance, among others.
The narrative follows Dream, who is captured and imprisoned for a century by a mortal wizard, Roderick Burgess. His absence leads to chaos in both the Dreaming and waking worlds. Upon escaping, Dream embarks on a quest to reclaim his lost artifacts and restore order to his realm. Throughout his journey, he encounters various characters, both familiar and new, as he confronts the consequences of his long absence.
The show has been praised for its faithfulness to the source material, impressive production design, and strong performances, particularly by Sturridge and Christie. Critics have highlighted its rich storytelling and the blending of myth and dark fantasy elements. Following its successful debut, The Sandman was renewed for a second season in November 2022.
With a production budget of approximately $165 million, the series has been well-received, holding a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a generally positive reception from viewers and critics alike. The show combines elements of horror, drama, and science fiction, creating a unique viewing experience that appeals to fans of the original comic and new audiences alike.