At one point, Showtime’s crime thrillerDexterwas one of the best shows on TV. Like many shows that followedThe Sopranos, Dexterfocuses on a badguy that you can’t help but root for. Dexter (played famously by Michael C. Hall) is a blood spatter analysis expert for the Miami Metro Police Department, who moonlights as a serial killer in a secret double life. But here’s the catch: Dexter only kills murderers who escape the justice system, making him a twisted sort of vigilante.
The first four seasons ofDexterwere praised by both critics and audiences alike, ranking as some of the best seasons on television. Season 5 through season 8 saw a gradual decline in quality, all the way up to the show’s original and disappointing series finale. The villains became less interesting, and weak storylines and character arcs were introduced.
Despite this lackluster ending, Showtime will be resurrecting America’s favorite serial killer in a sequel series,Dexter: Resurrection.However, this isn’t the first time Showtime has tried doing this. And we really, really don’t think it’s a good idea to do it again.
Dexter Was Already Brought Back in Dexter: New Blood
Dexter: New Blood
The originalDexterended in 2013 not without its main character dying or getting arrested, like many fans suspected. Instead, it ended with Dexter in isolation as…a lumberjack? Most peopleloathedthis finale. In 2021, Showtime tried to remedy things and breathe new life into Dexter by bringing this character back in a sequel series.
Set ten years after the original finale,Dexter: New Bloodcontinues Dexter’s story in rural upstate New York and reunites him with his estranged son, Harrison (Jack Alcott), who just might share his father’s murderous desires. It brought back Michael C. Hall as Dexter and the original showrunner from seasons one through four, Clyde Phillips.
Dexter: New Bloodwashed out some of the sour taste that the original series had left in many fans' mouths. The series was positively received throughout its 10-episode run, scoring 77% with critics and 74% with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.Dexter: New Bloodstill had its flaws and underwhelming moments, and it was still a far cry from seasons one through four. But in the end,the show delivered a better, more fitting conclusion to Dexter’s story. Or so we thought.
Fan Interest in Dexter Has Waned
The announcement ofDexter: Resurrectionback in July came as a surprise to many fans. We’ve already gotten an ending for this character twice now, most recently withDexter: New Blood.Why are they bringing Dexter backagain?And more importantly,howare they bringing him back?Dexter: New Bloodended with the serial killer’s long-awaited death. How can this character return for another series? Are they doing a reboot that will undo everything that happened inDexter: New Blood?
The latter is certainly in play. It was originally announced in 2023 that there would be a second series ofDexter: New Blood,which would focus on Harrison. But this plan was scrapped in favor of a new sequel series that’s now become known asDexter: Resurrection.
Every Season of Dexter (Including New Blood), Ranked From Season 8 to Best
Audiences all across the world were captivated by the blood splatter analyst-turned-serial killer Dexter Morgan in the acclaimed crime drama Dexter.
The thing is, though – in an age of endless TV shows, does anyone really need another series about Dexter? Who’s asking for this show? Because it’s certainly not the fans. Just look at the ratings. AlthoughDexter: New Bloodwas positively received, its ratings pale in comparison to the original series. The series finale ofDexter: New Bloodattracted about 800,000 viewers compared to the 2.8 million viewers who tuned in for that awful, original finale.
Even if you factor in streaming, the numbers are clear: fan interest in Dexter has waned. And unlessDexter: Resurrectionpulls out some phenomenal reviews, it’s unlikely that fans will tune in for yetanothersequel series. Showtime might be able to resurrect Dexter, but they can’t resurrect fan interest as easily.
Let’s Wait and See How Dexter: Original Sin Performs
Dexter: Resurrectionisn’t the only Dexter series that Showtime has cooking. The network also announced a Dexter prequel series that will take place fifteen years before the original show.Dexter: Original Sinwill follow the years after Dexter’s college graduation, establishing how he develops his code while introducing younger characters from the original series. It will star Patrick Gibson as Dexter, Molly Brown as his step-sister Deb, and Christian Slater as Harry Morgan, the adoptive father who helped Dexter develop his code.Dexter: Original Sinis scheduled to premiere on July 31, 2025 on Showtime.
Every Person Dexter Killed Who Didn’t Fit Harry’s Code
Serial killer Dexter Morgan is known to adhere to a strict set of guidelines when choosing his victims, though he sometimes broke the Code of Harry.
Will Michael C. Hall make an appearance? Sort of. Hall will provide Dexter’s inner monologue, as he did in the original series. Given fans' waning interest in this character and the surplus of TV shows available, it might’ve been wise if Showtime had waited to see howDexter: Original Sinwas received before greenlighting another show.
At this point, it feels like Showtime is desperately trying to turn one of its properties into a franchise a laGame of Thrones. But when it comes toDexter,all they’re really doing is beating a dead horse to death.
