I think I read somewhere that The Sandman production knew it was going to finish after a second season before they began filming it, before all the Gaiman issues came out. It looked like the plug was being pulled on it regardless.

CBS has cancelled the police shows "The Equalizer" after 5 seasons, "S.W.A.T." after 8 years, and "FBI: Most Wanted" after 6 years.

NBC cancelled the new "Night Court" after 3 years