The Sandman season 2 may be released in parts, similar to how Stranger Things season 4 was released, rather than through Netflix’s conventional binge format. All ten episodes of season 1 of The Sandman were released in early August, and two weeks later, a bonus episode was also made available. Both the ratings and reviews for the show’s premiere were favourable. The second season of The Sandman was officially revealed by Netflix in November 2022, several months after the first one’s release.
In line with Stranger Things season 4, Variety says that Netflix is thinking about releasing The Sandman season 2 in instalments. According to Peter Friedlander, the head of Netflix’s U.S. and Canadian scripted series, “Everything is on the table when it comes to ‘Sandman.” Putting everything on the table is a brave, shrewd decision since Neil Gaiman’s invention is a massive IP that already has a sizable fan base even before its Netflix release date.
The Sandman received a renewal in November, and Gaiman personally advocated for the renewal. The Sandman showrunner Allan Heinberg stated in an interview that preparations for the following season appeared to have begun much earlier. For twenty weeks, he claimed, they met in a writer’s room to discuss and compose the initial draughts of The Sandman season 2 as well as to break down storylines and create plot outlines. In order to prepare for season 2, he even went as far as to hold preliminary discussions with production design and VFX. It’s very likely that Heinberg intends to use this to reassemble the season one team.
What could be the possible reason to release Season 2 in parts?
It would make sense for The Sandman to abandon Netflix’s usual binge format, as the shift toward episodic, or even weekly, releases would better mimic the publication of a comic issue. Additionally, this would follow the trend of two volumes being adapted per season. If Netflix has actually been transparent with The Sandman, there may be frequent updates and transparency from the streamer, leading to a more audience-focused show. Only two of The Sandman’s twelve softcover volumes were featured in season 1. There could be at least four more seasons if the tendency of two volumes every season continues.
