The Sandman (2022)
Kernel Score: 88% · 2,514 ratings
Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama, Action & Adventure
First aired: 2022-08-05
Seasons: 2 · 23 episodes
Is The Sandman worth watching?
Worth watching. The King of Dreams escapes captivity and goes hunting for his lost power, in a handsome, strange adaptation of Neil Gaiman's comics. It's imaginative and uneven, and viewers who dislike the casting changes were loud about it.
Watch it if you
- like dark fantasy with mythology
- enjoy anthology-style episodes
- are curious about Gaiman's comic
Skip it if you
- want fast, plot-driven fantasy
- dislike slow, moody storytelling
Best for: Binge weekend
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Sandman
- Stream: Netflix
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After years of imprisonment, Morpheus — the King of Dreams — embarks on a journey across worlds to find what was stolen from him and restore his power.
The Sandman parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that The Sandman is a TV-MA dark fantasy with mature themes of nightmares, witchcraft, and mythological horror.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Dark fantasy violence involving nightmares, demons, and supernatural threats, rated TV-MA.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like The Sandman
If you liked The Sandman, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Watchmen (2019) — 86%: Comic-inspired drama with big ideas
- Constantine (2014) — 86%: Occult comic-book mystery
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018) — 89%: Dark magic and gothic mood
- House of the Dragon (2022) — 90%: Dark epic fantasy drama
- Game of Thrones (2011) — 91%: Epic fantasy with a big cast
- The Umbrella Academy (2019) — 91%: Offbeat comic-book family drama
Cast
- Tom Sturridge as Morpheus / Dream
- Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne
- Patton Oswalt as Matthew the Raven (voice)
The Sandman FAQ
Is The Sandman worth watching?
Worth watching. The King of Dreams escapes captivity and goes hunting for his lost power, in a handsome, strange adaptation of Neil Gaiman's comics. It's imaginative and uneven, and viewers who dislike the casting changes were loud about it.
Where can I watch The Sandman?
In the US you can stream The Sandman on Netflix and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.
Is The Sandman OK for kids?
The Sandman is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that The Sandman is a TV-MA dark fantasy with mature themes of nightmares, witchcraft, and mythological horror.
What shows are like The Sandman?
If you liked The Sandman, try Watchmen, Constantine, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and House of the Dragon.