11 DC Shows to Watch Before ‘The Sandman’ Vol. 2

If you're hooked on the dreamy, dark universe of The Sandman, waiting for the next chapter feels like an eternity. But with Dream and the rest of the Endless returning to our screens later this month, there's no better time to dive into the wider DC universe.

Whether you're new to DC's more offbeat offerings or a longtime fan looking for something fresh, here are 11 shows that are just as addictive as The Sandman.

1. ‘iZombie’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, iZombie has 92% from critics and 69% from the audience.
• On IMDb, iZombie is rated 7.8/10.

Based on a Vertigo comic (just like The Sandman), iZombie mixes zombie horror with police procedural elements. When Liv becomes a zombie, she discovers eating brains gives her access to the deceased's memories. The perfect excuse to solve murders!

Available on: Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.

2. ‘Harley Quinn'

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Harley Quinn has 96% from critics and 85% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Harley Quinn is rated 8.4/10.

Don't let the animation fool you! Harley Quinn is a wildly adult take on the DC universe. This show is what happens when you let DC's characters swear, scheme and smash their way through Gotham without anyone holding them back.

Available on HBO Max.

3. ‘Watchmen’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Watchmen has 96% from critics and 57% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Watchmen is rated 8.2/10.

If you loved The Sandman's ambitious storytelling, Watchmen delivers the same confidence in tackling big ideas. This HBO sequel to the iconic graphic novel creates a bold new chapter that feels both fresh and respectful to the source material.

Available on HBO Max.

4. ‘Krypton’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Krypton has 80% from critics and 68% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Krypton is rated 6.8/10.

This Superman prequel set on his home planet delivers high-concept sci-fi with a dash of political intrigue. While it only lasted two seasons, Krypton's gorgeous visuals and mythology make it a worthy addition to any Sandman fan's watchlist.

Available on: Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.

5. ‘Gotham’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Gotham has 77% from critics and 68% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Gotham is rated 7.8/10.

This origin story explores the city's corruption through the eyes of a young Jim Gordon. With a dark, pulpy style reminiscent of The Sandman's grittier moments, Gotham excels at reimagining iconic villains and painting a portrait of a city gone mad.

Available on HBO Max.

6. ‘Peacemaker’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Peacemaker has 93% from critics and 89% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Peacemaker is rated 8.3/10.

The show delivers superhero comedy. John Cena's Peacemaker is a walking contradiction: a guy who loves peace so much he'll kill anyone to get it. With its killer soundtrack and genuinely emotional moments, it's a total must-watch.

Available on HBO Max.

7. ‘Young Justice’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Young Justice has 72% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Young Justice is rated 8.6/10.

Now this is what we call a cult classic! Unlike the sanitized versions of teen heroes you might expect, Young Justice gives its characters real problems to deal with. The show builds an expansive universe that rivals The Sandman in ambition.

Available on HBO Max.

8. ‘Swamp Thing’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Swamp Thing has 92% from critics and 76% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Swamp Thing is rated 7.3/10.

Though tragically cut short, Swamp Thing is peak eco-horror with DC flair. It follows Dr. Abby Arcane investigating a virus. With stunning practical effects, it's perfect for Sandman fans who love the horror elements.

Available on: Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.

9. ‘Doom Patrol’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Doom Patrol has 98% from critics and 77% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Doom Patrol is rated 7.7/10.

Weird, wonderful, and unapologetically bizarre: Doom Patrol is what happens when DC lets its freak flag fly. Following a group of misfit heroes with strange powers, this show embraces the wackier side of comics while still delivering genuine emotional depth.

Available on HBO Max.

10. ‘Titans’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Titans has 89% from critics and 67% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Titans is rated 7.5/10.

This dark, gritty take on the Teen Titans isn't your Saturday morning cartoon. Following Robin (now Nightwing) and his team, Titans is not afraid to get brutal when the story demands it.

Available on HBO Max.

11. ‘Human Target’

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Human Target has 75% from critics and 89% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Human Target is rated 7.7/10.

Human Target follows Christopher Chance, who quite literally becomes his clients to protect them. While the show only ran for two seasons, it's packed with slick action sequences and Mark Valley's charming performance in the lead role.

Available on: Fandango At Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV.