Netflix dropped The Sandman Seaason 2, Volume 1 on July 3, 2025, it is the first part of the final instalment and Volume 2 will be released later this month. Early reviews painted a mixed picture. Critics argued that the show feels weighed down by heavy exposition and a grim, pretentious tone while some appreciated the strong character dynamics and emotional stakes. The TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s comic book series of the same name debuted on Netflix in 2022 and was renewed for a second season the same year. However, in January 2025, Netflix announced the show would conclude with a 10-episode second season. This left many fans shocked, and speculations rose questioning Netflix for such an abrupt ending. Was it the behind-the-scenes scandal, low reception, or something else? Here’s the real reason for the show ending so soon.
Why is The Sandman ending?
Netflix‘s decision to end a series out of nowhere isn’t new. The platform is infamous for ending and, at times, dropping shows regardless of a good fan following. However, in the case of The Sandman, the reason was different. Showrunner, Allan Heinberg explained that the show focused solely on ‘Dream’s’ journey and did not cover all the aspects from the comic. Once they mapped ‘Dream’-centric content from Gaiman’s comics in 2022, the content was simply enough for two seasons and no more. He told Variety:
“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,”
Co-creator, David S. Goyer echoed the same sentiment, stating that they burned through the story faster than anticipated and wanted to stay faithful to the saga. That said, the timing aligned closely with the s**ual misconduct storm surrounding Neil Gaiman. Many suspect that Netflix quietly simplified its options amid the controversy.

What is the controversy around the writer of The Sandman?
In 2024-25, Neil Gaiman, the author of the original comics, faced serious s**ual misconduct accusations from multiple women, ranging from non-consensual activity to coercion and assault. Reportedly, one accuser alleged abuse in front of his child, and another described exploitation under an NDA. Gaiman denied these claims, calling them misremembered or distorted.
The fallout hit Gaiman hard; many of his adaptations, such as Good Omens, The Graveyard Book, and Coraline: The Musical, were cancelled or truncated, while his partnership with Dark Horse was also severed. Netflix moved forward with the final season of The Sandman, but the allegations cast a shadow over its release, and many believed they helped define the narrative around its ending.
What to expect from Season 2 of The Sandman?
The story picks up with ‘Dream’, played by Tom Sturridge, as he reconstructs the Dreaming and deals with family drama, particularly with his sibling ‘Desire’, who has returned with a vengeance. There is a reappearance of a formal lover, and the drama maintains the comic’s rich mythology.
It is visually lush, but many find the storytelling overly pretentious. The season has its highlights, especially in terms of splendid acting; yet, many find it lacking in narrative momentum and emotional resonance. The rush to end the show has left it as a bundle of everything and nothing at once.
Fans’ Reaction towards The Sandman ending
Fans have responded with heartbreak, betrayal, and division. Reddit threads reveal deep emotional ruptures. A user on Reddit said “I feel so much anger and grief … it was more than literature or pop culture to me.” and another one said, “Now it just feels like a predator toeing the line … I can’t bring myself to part with [Sandman], but I need time.”
Many decided to part ways with the series, not wanting to support an alleged s**ual offender and his creation. They refused to separate art from the artist. However, some still defend the artistry, arguing that the creative team deserves credit for bringing the show to screen, a struggle and disagreement of opinion echoed in the fandom.
Have you watched The Sandman? What do you think can art be separated from the artist?
Also Read: ‘The Sandman Season 2 Volume 1’ Hits Rough Water As Neil Gaiman Scandal Adversely Impact The Reviews