If you're looking for something new to binge on Netflix, The Sandman was one of 2022's most popular shows, and is just about to get a second season.
That's the good news out of the way. Now, the bad news is, back in February Netflix announced the show was being cancelled, with the second season wrapping up the show.
What is The Sandman?
The Sandman started out as a critically acclaimed and best selling DC comic, written by Neil Gaiman.
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The series follows Morpheus, the Sandman and Lord of Dreams, as he attempts to restore normality after being held captive for more than a century.
Led by Tom Sturridge, the show features major stars such as Charles Dance, Stephen Fry, Gwendoline Christie, and Mark Hamill.
Although the show is coming to an end, The Sandman has been considered a success, with critics giving it an 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Was The Sandman cancelled because of Neil Gaiman?
Neil Gaiman has been responsible, or at least partly responsible for some of my favourite shows. Sadly, due to recent allegations, he has also been responsible for their demise too - you will be missed, Good Omens.
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The official story is that the decision to cancel the show and keep it as a short two-season show was made back in 2022, but only announced this year.
Given season two entered production in November 2023, the allegations against Gaiman didn't emerge until July 2024, and the new trailer hints season two will tackle all the big remaining storylines from the comics - it would have taken some major last minute rejigging if the plan had originally been to have multiple new seasons.
According to Variety, showrunner Allan Heinberg said of the show's final season: “The Sandman series has always been focused exclusively on Dream’s story, and back in 2022, when we looked at the remaining Dream material from the comics, we knew we only had enough story for one more season.”
What has Neil Gaiman been accused of?
Back in 2024 Neil Gaiman was accused of sexually assaulting five women. A year later, more women have come forward, including his former nanny, bringing the total count to eight as it stands.
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He denies the claims, even calling accusations from his former nanny 'a sham'.
An investigation by New Zealand authorities deemed there was not enough evidence for a criminal case.
What fans think about The Sandman ending
The accusations have had a wide-reaching impact on projects tied to Neil Gaiman.
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Season 3 of Amazon's Good Omens has been reduced to a single 90-minute episode, Netflix cancelled Dead Boy Detectives, and Disney have pushed the brakes on The Graveyard Book.
Over on Reddit, fans of the show aren't convinced that the official story is true, with many of them showing their disgust for Neil Gaiman's alleged actions and the impact it's had on shows associated with his work.
LADbible has contacted Netflix for a comment.
Topics: Netflix, Entertainment, TV and Film, TV
Kegan Marquez