The Sandman's Neil Gaiman has revealed what's taking so long for the show to be officially renewed.
Inspired by the writer's comic book of the same name, the show hasn't been confirmed to return on Netflix just yet, despite earning stellar ratings.
In a Twitter exchange, Gaiman responded to a fan asking why the streamer hasn't greenlit the series for a second season, writing: "Because Sandman is a really expensive show."
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"And for Netflix to release the money to let us make another season we have to perform incredibly well," Gaiman continued.
"So yes, we've been the top show in the world for the last two weeks. That still may not be enough."
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It seems like it all boils down to viewership, but this doesn't mean that a second season is off the table given The Sandman has performed well so far, particularly for a new series.
Related: Netflix responds to The Sandman viewer complaints in statement
Having premiered earlier this month, the show garnered 69.5 million hours viewed in its first three days of release, dethroning Virgin River as the top streaming content for the first week of August.
This figure doubled in its second week and further increased with the release of a bonus episode, starring Killing Eve's Sandra Oh, Good Omens' David Tennant and Michael Sheen, as well as James McAvoy and Nonso Anozie.
The Sandman follows the personification of dreams Morpheus (Tom Sturridge) as he escapes captivity after 106 years, determined to restore order to his realm, The Dreaming.
Alongside Sturridge, the ensemble cast also includes Doctor Who star Jenna Coleman, The Good Place's Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie and Boyd Holbrook, who will next be seen in the fifth chapter in the Indiana Jones franchise.
The Sandman season 1 is streaming on Netflix.
The Sandman Volume 1: 30th Anniversary Edition: Preludes and Nocturnes
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Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
