For the record I've never read a Sanderson novel, but I've heard they were rather socially conservative for the most part. No sex, no modern politics, no R-rated scenes. Moderate T for Teen level content.
Sanderson has also been pushing for Hollywood deals for a long time, but had no luck.
The most recent book suddenly had homos and non-binary and all that stuff. Then boom, TV deal signed.
Thoughts?
Sanderson saw how Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time got absolutely raped by the networks. He's said some stuff that doesn't totally burn his bridges but also made it clear that it's crap and he knows it.
I'm not thrilled about it being Apple, but there's not a single producer or network I WOULD trust today.
I'm cautiously optimistic that keeping enough control will at least keep them watchable. In his announcement, he said (basically) that Apple offered him the most control.
I'm a very big admirer and fan of Sanderson. I absolutely agree that the most recent Stormlight books have been some of his worse, the gay/alien/autistic relationship is drainingly bad, and I'm very afraid for the 2nd Stormlight sequence (the next 5 books).
Sanderson is one author who treats his fans with the utmost respect, and he's a very hard worker. I respect him for that a lot. I'm sorry he's been battered by the leftwing culture warriors.