Dexter(TV series)

Dexteris an Americancrime dramaseries that aired onShowtimefrom October 1, 2006, to September 22, 2013.Set inMiami,the series centres onDexter Morgan(Michael C. Hall), a forensic technician specializing inblood spatter analysisfor the fictional Miami Metro Police Department, who leads a secret parallel life as a vigilanteserial killer,hunting down murderers who have not been adequately punished by the justice system due to corruption or legal technicalities. The show's first season was derived from the novelDarkly Dreaming Dexter(2004), the first in aseries of novelsbyJeff Lindsay.It was adapted for television byJames Manos Jr.,who wrote the first episode.Subsequent seasons evolved independently of Lindsay's works while using many of the same characters and concepts.

Dexter
Genre	Crime drama Psychological thriller Dark comedy Mystery Police procedural
Based on	Darkly Dreaming Dexter byJeff Lindsay
Developed by	James Manos Jr.
Showrunners	Clyde Phillips(seasons 1-4) Chip Johannessen(season 5) Scott Buck(seasons 6-8)
Starring	Michael C. Hall Julie Benz Jennifer Carpenter Erik King Lauren Vélez David Zayas James Remar C. S. Lee Desmond Harrington Aimee Garcia Geoff Pierson
Theme music composer	Rolfe Kent
Composer	Daniel Licht
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No.of seasons	8
No.of episodes	96(list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers	James Manos, Jr. Sara Colleton John Goldwyn Daniel Cerone Charles H. Eglee Michael C. Hall Chip Johannessen Clyde Phillips Manny Coto Wendy West Tim Schlattmann Melissa Rosenberg Jace Richdale Scott Buck
Producers	Timothy Schlattmann Lauren Gussis Scott Reynolds Arika Lisanne Mittman Drew Z. Greenberg Dennis Bishop
Production locations	Miami,Florida,U.S. Long Beach, California,U.S.
Cinematography	Terry Stacey Romeo Tirone Martin J. Layton Jeffrey Jur
Running time	47–58 minutes
Production companies	The Colleton Company John Goldwyn Productions Clyde Phillips Productions 801 Productions Devilina Productions Showtime Networks
Original release
Network	Showtime
Release	October 1, 2006(2006-10-01)– September 22, 2013(2013-09-22)
Related
Dexter: New Blood

The series enjoyed mostly positive reviews throughout its run. The first four seasons were widely praised, but reception dropped considerably as the series progressed. The show has received myriad awards, including twoGolden Globeswon by Hall andJohn Lithgowfor their roles as Dexter Morgan andArthur Mitchell,respectively. Season four airedits season finaleon December 13, 2009, to a record-breaking audience of 2.6million viewers, making it the most-watched original series episode ever on Showtime at that time.

In April 2013, Showtime announced that season eight would be the final season ofDexter.The season eight premiere was the most watchedDexterepisode, with more than 3million viewers total.The original broadcast ofthe series finaleon September 22, 2013, drew 2.8million viewers, the largest audience in Showtime's history.

In October 2020, it was announced thatDexterwould return with a ten-episode limited series titledDexter: New Blood,with Hall reprising the title role andClyde Phillipsasshowrunner,a position he occupied during the original series' first four seasons. The first season premiered on November 7, 2021, and concluded on January 9, 2022. A continuation ofNew Bloodis in development.In January 2023, aprequelseries titledDexter: Original Sin,was announced as being in development, with Clyde Phillips once again returning as showrunner. This series will follow a younger Dexter as he begins his career with the Miami Metro police department.

Plot

See also:List ofDexterepisodes

Orphaned at age three, when he witnessed his mother's brutal murder with a chainsaw, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) was adopted by Miami police officer Harry Morgan (James Remar). Recognizing the boy's trauma and the subsequent development of his sociopathic tendencies, Harry trained Dexter to channel his gruesome bloodlust into vigilantism, killing only heinous criminals who slip through the criminal justice system. To cover his prolific trail of homicides, Dexter gains employment as a forensic analyst, specializing inblood spatter pattern analysis,with the Miami Metro Police Department. Dexter is extremely cautious and circumspect; he wears gloves and uses plastic-wrapped "kill rooms", carves up the corpses, and disposes of them in the Atlantic Ocean'sGulf Streamto reduce his chances of detection. Dexter juggles his two personas, recognizing each as a distinct part of himself that must cohesively work as one. He depends on their interaction, as a means of survival and normality. Although his homicidal tendencies are deeply unyielding, as he originally claims (via narration), throughout the series he strives to feel (and in some cases does feel) normal emotions and maintains his appearance as a socially responsible human being.

Cast and crew

Cast

See also:List ofDextercharacters

Michael C. Hallplays the title role onDexter

Besides Hall playing thetitle character,the show's supporting cast includesJennifer Carpenteras Dexter's adoptive sister and co-worker (and later Boss )Debra,andJames Remaras Dexter's adoptive father, Harry Morgan. Dexter's co-workers includeLauren Vélezas Lieutenant (later Captain) María LaGuerta, Dexter and Debra's supervisor,David Zayasas Detective Sergeant (later Lieutenant) Angel Batista, andC. S. Leeas lab tech Vince Masuka (promoted to title credits in season two).

Erik Kingportrayed the troubled Sgt James Doakes for the first two seasons of the show.Desmond Harringtonjoined the cast in season three asJoey Quinn;his name was promoted to the title credits as of season four.Geoff Piersonplays Captain Tom Matthews of Miami Metro Homicide.Julie Benzstarred as Dexter's girlfriend, then wife, Rita in seasons one to four, with a guest appearance in season five. Rita's children, Astor and Cody, are played byChristina RobinsonandPreston Bailey(who replaced Daniel Goldman after the first season). Dexter's infant son Harrison is played by twins, Evan and Luke Kruntchev, through season seven; in season eight, Harrison was played by Jadon Wells.Aimee Garciaplays Batista's younger sister, Jamie.

Notable appearances in season one areChristian Camargoas Rudy andMark Pellegrinoas Rita'sabusiveex-husband Paul.Jaime Murrayportrayed Lila Tournay in season two, a physically attractive but unhinged British artist who becomes obsessed with Dexter.Keith Carradine,as Special FBI Agent Frank Lundy, andJimmy Smits,as ADA Miguel Prado, each appeared in season-long character arcs in seasons two and three, respectively.David Ramsey,who playsconfidential informantAnton Briggs in season three, returned in season four, becoming romantically involved with Debra Morgan.John Lithgowjoined the cast in season four as the "Trinity Killer".Carradine returned in season four, reprising his role as newly retired FBI Special Agent Frank Lundy, who was hunting the Trinity Killer.Courtney Fordwas featured in season four as an ambitious reporter who mixes business with pleasure, getting romantically involved with Quinn while simultaneously fishing for sources and stories.Julia Stilesjoined the cast in season five asLumen Pierce,a woman who gets involved in a complex relationship with Dexter after the tragedy that culminated the previous season. Season five also hadJonny Lee Millercast as the motivational speakerJordan Chase,Peter Wellercast as Stan Liddy, a corrupt narcotics cop, andMaria Doyle Kennedycast as Sonya, Harrison's nanny. In season six,Mos Defwas cast as Brother Sam, a convicted murderer turned born-again Christian, andEdward James OlmosandColin Hanksguest-starred as Professor James Gellar and Travis Marshall, members of a murderous apocalyptic cult. Seasons seven and eight featured multiple guest stars, includingRay Stevensonas Ukrainian mob Boss Isaak Sirko, a man with a personal vendetta against Dexter;Yvonne Strahovskias Hannah McKay, the former accomplice of a spree killer;Jason Gedrickas strip club owner George Novikov, also part of the mob; andCharlotte Ramplingas Dr. Evelyn Vogel, a neuropsychiatrist who takes an interest in Dexter;Ronny Coxas the Tooth Fairy killer;Sean Patrick Flaneryas Jacob Elway, a private investigator who Debra works for.

Margo Martindalehad a recurring role as Camilla Figg, a records office worker who was close friends with Dexter's adoptive parents.JoBeth Williamsportrayed Rita's suspicious mother, Gail Brandon, in four episodes of season two.Anne Ramsayportrayed defense attorney Ellen Wolf, Miguel's nemesis.Valerie Cruzplayed a recurring role as Miguel's wife, Sylvia. In season six,Billy Brownwas cast as transferred-in Detective Mike Anderson to replace Debra after her promotion to lieutenant.Josh Cookeplayed Louis Greene, a lab tech and Masuka's intern, in seasons six and seven, andDarri Ingolfssonplayed Oliver Saxon in season eight.

Crew

The main creative forces behind the series were executive producersDaniel Cerone,Clyde Phillips, andMelissa Rosenberg.Cerone left the show after its second season. Executive producer and showrunner Phillips departed the series, after a record-setting season-four finale, to spend more time with his family;24co-executive producerChip Johannessentook over Phillips' post.Head writer Melissa Rosenberg left after season four, as well.

After the conclusion of season five, Chip Johannessen was revealed to be leaving the show after a single run,andScott Buckwould take over as showrunner from season six onward.

Production

Exterior filming

Although the series is set inMiami, Florida,many of the exterior scenes are filmed inLos AngelesandLong Beach, California.Many landmark buildings and locations in Long Beach are featured throughout the series.The finale episode's airport scene takes place atOntario International AirportinOntario, California.

Marketing

In preparation for the United Kingdom launch of the series,Fox UKexperimented with anSMS-basedviral marketingcampaign. Mobile phone owners received the following unsolicited SMS messages addressed to them by name with no identifying information other than being from "Dexter": "Hello (name). I'm heading to the UK sooner than you might think. Dexter." The SMS message was followed by an email directing the user to an online video "news report" about a recent spree of killings. Using on-the-fly video manipulation, the user's name and a personalized message were worked into the report—the former written in blood on a wall near the crime scene, the latter added to a note in an evidence bag carried past the camera. While the marketing campaign succeeded in raising the profile of the show, it proved unpopular with many mobile owners, who saw this as spam advertising aimed at mobile phones. In response to complaints about the SMS element of the campaign, Fox issued the following statement:

The text message you received was part of an internet viral campaign for our newest showDexter.However, it was not us who sent you the text, but one of your friends. We do not have a database of viewer phone numbers. The text message went along with a piece on the net that you can then send on to other people you know. If you go to [the website] you will see the page that one of your friends has filled in to send you that message. Therefore I suggest you have a word with anyone who knows your mobile number and see who sent you this message. For the record, we did not make a record of any phone numbers used in this campaign.

Reception

Critical reception

MetacriticandRotten Tomatoesscores per season

Although reception to individual seasons has varied, the overall response toDexterhas been positive. The first, second, fourth, and seventh seasons received critical acclaim, the third and fifth seasons received generally positive reviews, while the sixth and eighth seasons received mixed to negative reviews. While remarking on some of the show's more formulaic elements (quirky detective, hero with dense workmates, convenient plot contrivances), Tad Friend ofThe New Yorkermagazine remarked that when Dexter is struggling to connect with Rita or soliciting advice from his victims, "the show finds its voice."

Thereview aggregatorwebsiteMetacriticcalculated a score of 77 from a possible 100 for season one, based on 27 reviews, making it the third-best reviewed show of the 2006 fall season. This score includes four 100 percent scores (from theNew York Daily News,San Francisco Chronicle,Chicago Sun-TimesandPeople Weeklymagazine).Brian Lowry, who had written one of the three poor reviews Metacritic tallied for the show,recanted his negative review in a year-end column for the trade magazineVariety,after watching the full season.On Metacritic, season two has a score of 85 with all eleven reviews positive;season three scored 78 with 13 reviews;season four scored 77 with 14 reviews;season five scored 76 with eleven reviews;season six scored 62 with 10 reviews;season seven scored 81 with seven reviews;and season eight scored 71 with ten reviews.

OnRotten Tomatoes,season one has an 83 percent approval rating with a score of 8.0 out of 10, and the consensus: "Its dark but novel premise may be too grotesque for some, butDexteris a compelling, elegantly crafted horror-drama. ";season two has a 96 percent approval rating with a score of 7.6 out of 10 and the consensus: "The Bay Harbor Butcher secures his nefarious spot among the great television anti-heroes in a taut second season that is both painfully suspenseful and darkly hilarious";season three has a 72 percent approval rating with a score of 8.3 out of 10 and the consensus: "America's most amiable serial killer has lost some of his dramatic edge, but this third outing continuesDexter's streak of delivering deliriously twisted entertainment ";season four has an 88 percent approval rating with a score of 8.4 out of 10 and the consensus: "The inherent comedy of Miami's favorite psychopath contending with domestic bliss and the unspeakable horror of John Lithgow's Trinity killer coalesce into one ofDexter's most sensational seasons ";season five has an 84 percent approval rating with a score of 7.5 out of 10 and the consensus: "Michael C. Hall's remarkable performance invites viewers into Dexter's heart of darkness in a sorrowful fifth season that explores whether a hollow man can become a real boy";season six has a 38 percent approval rating with a score of 6.3 out of 10 and the consensus: "Heavy-handed symbolism, an unimpressive villain, and a redundant arc for America's favorite serial killer all conspire to makeDexter's sixth season its worst yet ";season seven has an 79 percent approval rating with a score of 7.5 out of 10 and the consensus: "Season seven represents a return to form forDexter,characterized by a riveting storyline and a willingness to take some risks ";and season eight has a 33 percent approval rating, a score of 5.5 out of 10, and the final consensus: "The darkly dreamingDexterlays to rest once and for all in a bitterly disappointing final season that is so hesitant to punish its anti-hero for his misdeeds, it opts to punish its audience instead. "

Popular reception

The season-three finale, on December 14, 2008, was watched by 1.51million viewers, giving Showtime its highest ratings for any of its original series since 2004, whenNielsenstarted including original shows onpremium channelsin its ratings.The season-four finale aired on December 13, 2009, and was watched by 2.6million viewers. It broke records for all of Showtime's original series and was their highest-rated telecast in over a decade. The season-five finale was watched by a slightly smaller number of people—2.5million. The show was declared the ninth-highest rated show for the first ten years ofIMDbPro (2002–2012).The seventh season as a whole was the highest rated season ofDexter,watched by 6.1million total weekly viewers across all platforms.

Awards and nominations

Main article:List of awards and nominations received byDexter(TV series)

John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, and Jeff Lindsay at the 67th AnnualPeabody AwardsforDexter

Dexterwas nominated for 24Primetime Emmy Awards,including in the category ofOutstanding Drama Seriesfour times in a row, from 2008 to 2011, andOutstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series(for Hall) five times in a row, from 2008 to 2012. It has also been nominated for tenGolden Globe Awards(winning two), sevenScreen Actors Guild Awardsand received aPeabody Awardin 2007.

On December 14, 2006, Hall was nominated for aGolden Globe Awardat the64th Golden Globe Awards.In 2008, the show was nominated for aPrimetime Emmy Awardfor Outstanding Drama Series for its second season (Showtime's first-ever drama to be nominated for the award), and its star for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. It won neither, losing toBreaking BadactorBryan Cranston.In 2010, Hall and Lithgow, in their respective categories, each won a Golden Globe for their performances in season four.

Cultural impact

U.S. broadcast

In December 2007, when CBS publicly announced that it was consideringDexterfor broadcast reruns in the wake of the shortage of original programming ensuing from the2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike,theParents Television Council( "PTC" ) protested the decision.When the network began posting promotional videos of the rebroadcast onYouTubeon January 29, 2008, PTC president TimothyF. Winter, in a formal press release, again called for CBS not to air the show on broadcast television, saying that it "should remain on a premium subscription cable network" because "the series compels viewers to empathize with a serial killer, to root for him to prevail, to hope he doesn't get discovered".Winter called on the public to demand that local affiliates pre-emptDexterand warned advertisers that the PTC would take action against any affiliates that sponsored the show.

Following Winter's press release, CBS added parental advisory notices to its broadcast promotions and ultimately ratedDexterTV-14for broadcast.On February 17, 2008, the show premiered edited primarily for "language" and scenes containing sex or the dismemberment of live victims.The PTC later objected to CBS' broadcasting of the final two episodes of season one in a two-hour block, and to the episodes' starting times, which were as early as 8 pm in some time zones.

Association with real crimes

Several comparisons and connections between the TV show and its protagonist have been drawn during criminal prosecutions. In 2009, 17-year-old Andrew Conley said the show inspired him to strangle his ten-year-old brother.In an affidavit filed inOhio Countycourt, in Indiana, police said Conley confessed that he "watches a show calledDexteron Showtime, about a serial killer, and he stated, 'I feel just like him.' "

In Spain, on July 25, 2009, a man and his girlfriend killed his brother and pregnant partner. The man owned the completeDexterseries DVD collection and the methods used to avoid leaving blood traces were inspired by the show.

On November 4, 2010, in Sweden, a 21-year-old woman known asDexter-mördaren( "The Dexter killer" ) orDexter-kvinnan( "The Dexter woman" ) killed her 49-year-old father by stabbing him in the heart.During questioning, the woman compared herself to Dexter Morgan, and a picture of the character would appear on her phone when her father called her. In July 2011, she was sentenced to seven years in prison.

In Norway, Shamrez Khan hired Håvard Nyfløt tokill Faiza Ashraf.Nyfløt claimed thatDexterinspired him, and he wanted to kill Khan in front of Faiza, similar to the television series, to "stop evil".

Association was established betweenMark Twitchell,ofEdmonton,Alberta, Canada, during his first-degree murder trial, and the character of Dexter Morgan. After weeks of testimony and gruesome evidence presented in court, Twitchell was found guilty of the planned and deliberate murder of 38-year-old Johnny Altinger on April 12, 2011.

British teenager Steven Miles, 17, was sentenced to 25 years in prison on October 2, 2014, for stabbing and dismembering his girlfriend Elizabeth Rose Thomas, 17, inOxted, Surrey.Police discovered Thomas' body on January 24, 2014, and determined the cause of death to be a stab wound to the back. Miles was arrested on suspicion of murder. Miles pled guilty to the crime on September 9. According to Surrey Police, Miles had dismembered Thomas' body following her death, wrapping up limbs inplastic wrap,and had attempted to clean up the crime scene before he was found by a family member. Miles had been reported to be obsessed with the television seriesDexter.Miles reportedly had analter egonamed Ed, whom Miles claims made him carry out the murder.

On January 11, 2022, inNew Orleans, Louisiana,34-year-old Benjamin Beale was arrested after police discovered a decapitated body inside a freezer in a painted bus.The body was confirmed, over a week later, to be that of Julia Dardar, a missing mother of two children.They even discovered a grimDexterprofile painting with guns and knives, as this murder was inspired by the "Ice Truck Killer" from the show's first season.

Theme song and series music

The opening title theme forDexterwas written byRolfe Kentand scored by American composerDaniel Licht.The series music for each episode was overseen byGary Calamarof Go Music and coordinated by Alyson Vidoli.

• "Dexter Main Title" (Rolfe Kent) – 1:40
• "Tonight's the Night" (Michael C. Hall, Daniel Licht) – 1:07
• "Conoci La Paz" (Beny Moré) – 3:03
• "Uruapan Breaks" (Kinky) – 2:21
• "Flores Para Ti" (Raw Artistic Soul featuring Rafael Cortez) – 5:16
• "Blood" (Michael C. Hall, Daniel Licht) – 0:59
• "Con Mi Guaguanco" (Ray Armando) – 7:12
• "Perfidia" (Mambo All-Stars) – 2:37
• "Sometimes I Wonder" (Michael C. Hall, Daniel Licht) – 0:29
• "Born Free" (Andy Williams) – 2:25
• "Dexter Main Title" (Kinky) – 1:41
• "Escalation" (Daniel Licht) – 2:09
• "Shipyard" (Daniel Licht) – 2:03
• "Deborah Loves Rudy/The House" (Daniel Licht) – 3:12
• "I Can't Kill" (Daniel Licht) – 2:21
• "Voodoo Jailtime" (Daniel Licht) – 2:58
• "New Legs" (Daniel Licht) – 2:01
• "Photo Albums" (Daniel Licht) – 3:22
• "Courting the Night" (Daniel Licht) – 1:22
• "Hide Your Tears" (Daniel Licht) – 1:36
• "Wink" (Daniel Licht) – 2:08
• "Astor's Birthday Party" (Daniel Licht) – 2:00
• "Epilogue/Bloodroom" (Daniel Licht) – 3:44
• "Blood Theme" (Daniel Licht) – 2:25
• "Die This Way" (Daniel Licht, Jon Licht) – 3:55
• "Fight or Flight" (Daniel Licht) – 1:41 (ITunes Bonus)
• "Nowhere to Hide" (Daniel Licht) – 1:43 (ITunes Bonus)
• "The Ice Truck Killer" (Daniel Licht) – 2:56 (ITunes Bonus)
• "The Fortune" (Daniel Licht) – 1:17 (ITunes Bonus)
• "Second Season Suite" (Daniel Licht) – 2:01 (ITunes Bonus)

Other media

Dexter: Early Cuts

Dexter: Early Cutsis an animatedweb seriesthat premiered on October 25, 2009.Hall reprises his role as the voice of Dexter.

KTV Media InternationalBullseye Artproduced and animated the webisodes, working closely with Showtime for sound editing, Interspectacular for direction, and illustratorsKyle Baker,Ty Templeton,Andrés Vera Martínez, and Devin Lawson for creating distinctive illustrations. The webisodes are animated in 2.5D style, where flat two-dimensional illustrations are brought to life in three-dimensional space. The first season was created and written byDexterproducer/writer Lauren Gussis. She was nominated for a Webby for her writing in the first season.

The first web series precedes the narrative of the show and revolves around Dexter hunting down the three victims that he mentions in the sixth episode of season one, "Return to Sender".Each victim's story is split into four two-minute chapters.

A second season of the web series titledDexter: Early Cuts: Dark Echo,one story in six chapters, premiered on October 25, 2010. It was written byTim Schlattmannand illustrated byBill SienkiewiczandDavid Mack.The story begins immediately following Dexter's adoptive father Harry's death.

Season 3 centers around Dexter's first encounter with a pair of killers. Each story is told in several two to three-minute chapters.

Album soundtrack

In August 2007, the album soundtrack entitledDexter: Music from the Showtime Original Serieswas released featuring music from the television series. The album was produced by Showtime and distributed by Milan Records. The digital download version offers five additional bonus tracks from the show's first two seasons.

Comic book

Marvel Comicsreleased aDexterlimited seriesin July 2013. The comic books are written by creatorJeff Lindsayand drawn by Dalihbor Talajic.Another limited series, calledDexter: Down Under,was published in 2014.

Home media releases

DVD/Blu-ray releases
DVD Name	Release Date	Ep #	Additional Content
The Complete First Season	Region 1: August 21, 2007 Region 2: May 19, 2008 Region 4: February 14, 2008	12	2 Episode Audio Commentaries by the Cast The Academy of Blood: A Killer Course! Witnessed in Blood: A True Murder Investigation N Technology 2 episodes of Showtime'sBrotherhood
The Complete Second Season	Region 1: August 19, 2008 Region 2: March 30, 2009 Region 4: August 21, 2008	12	2 episodes of Showtime'sBrotherhood,Season 2 Via E-Bridge Technology 2 episodes fromThe Tudors,Season 2 &Californication
The Complete Third Season	Region 1: August 18, 2009 Region 2: August 16, 2010 Region 4: August 20, 2009	12	Cast Interviews with Michael C. Hall, Lauren Velez, C.S Lee, David Zayas, Jennifer Carpenter, Julie Benz Victims Match Inside the Writers Room Bringing Miami to LA Miami's Finest Photo Gallery First two Episodes ofUnited States of Tara,Season 1
The Complete Fourth Season	Region 1: August 17, 2010 Region 2: November 29, 2010 Region 4: November 4, 2010	12	Californication:Season 3: Episodes 1 & 2 Lock 'N Load:Season 1 – Episode 1 The Tudors:Season 4 – Episodes 1 & 2 Via E-Bridge Technology Cast Interviews with Michael C. Hall, Clyde Phillips, David Zayas, John Lithgow, C.S Lee, Julie Benz, Lauren Velez, Jennifer Carpenter, James Remar
The Complete Fifth Season	Region 1: August 16, 2011 Region 2: September 5, 2011 Region 4: August 18, 2011	12	Californication:Season 4 – Episodes 1 & 2 Interviews with: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, C.S. Lee, Lauren Vélez, Julia Stiles, James Remar, Desmond Harrington, Chip Johannessen, and David Zayas Reflecting on Season 5: Julia Stiles The Borgias:Season 1 – Episodes 1 & 2 Episodes:Season 1 – Episodes 1 & 2 Homeland:Trailer
The Complete Sixth Season	Region 1: August 14, 2012 Region 2: June 18, 2012 Region 4: June 20, 2012	12	House of LiesEpisodes 1 & 2 Interviews with David Zayas, Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, Lauren Vélez, CS Lee, Colin Hanks, and Desmond Harrington.
The Complete Seventh Season	Region 1: May 14, 2013 Region 2: June 3, 2013 Region 4: June 19, 2013	12	Ray DonovanPilot Episode The Borgias:Season 2 – Episodes 1 & 2 Biographies
The Complete Eighth and Final Season	Region 1: November 14, 2013 Region 2: December 2, 2013 Region 4: November 27, 2013	12	From Cop To Killer, featurette Behind the Scenes With the Creators Dissecting a Scene Ray Donovan:Season 1 – Episodes 1 & 2
Blu-ray Name	Release Date	Ep #	Additional Content
The Complete First Season	Region A: January 6, 2009 Region B: June 18, 2012	12	2 Episode Audio Commentaries by the Cast The Academy of Blood: A Killer Course! Witnessed in Blood: A True Murder Investigation Podcast First Episode ofDexter,Season 3 First two Episodes of United States of Tara, Season 1
The Complete Second Season	Region A: May 5, 2009 Region B: June 18, 2012	12	Tools of the Trade Podcasts Featurette: "Blood Fountains" Featurette: "Dark Defender" One episode of the upcoming Showtime seriesNurse Jackie One episode of the new Showtime seriesUnited States of Tara
The Complete Third Season	Region A: August 18, 2009 Region B: June 18, 2012	12	First two Episodes ofThe Tudors,Season 3 Dexter By Design – Book Experts Cast Interviews with Michael C. Hall, Lauren Velez, C.S Lee, David Zayas, Jennifer Carpenter, Julie Benz First two Episodes ofUnited States of Tara,Season 1
The Complete Fourth Season	Region A: August 17, 2010 Region B: November 4, 2010	12	Californication:Season 3 – Episodes 1 & 2 The Tudors:Season 4 – Episodes 1 & 2 2009 Comic Con Panel (Best Buy Exclusive)
The Complete Fifth Season	Region A: August 16, 2011 Region B: August 18, 2011	12	The Borgias:Season 1 – Episodes 1 & 2 Episodes:Season 1 – Episodes 1 & 2 Interviews with: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, C.S. Lee, Lauren Vélez, Julia Stiles, James Remar, Desmond Harrington, Chip Johannessen, and David Zayas Reflecting on Season 5: Julia Stiles
The Complete Sixth Season	Region A: August 15, 2012 Region B: June 18, 2012	12	TBA
The Complete Seventh Season	Region A: May 14, 2013 Region B: June 3, 2013	12	TBA
The Complete Eighth and Final Season	Region A: November 12, 2013 Region B: November 27, 2013	12	TBA

Games

On September 13, 2009, Icarus Studios released a video game based on the events of season one, for theiPhoneplatform, via theiTunesapp store. The game was released for theiPadon October 15, 2010, and forPCson February 15, 2011. The cast and crew ofDexterwere very supportive, with some of the cast providing full voice work for the game, including Hall. The game has received many positive reviews, including an 8/10 fromIGN.No additional content for the game has been released or announced as planned; plans to release the game on thePlayStation 3andXbox 360seem to have been canceled, asno recent informationregarding the expansion of the game onto these platforms has been given and both consoles have been discontinued.

In July 2010, Showtime launchedDexter Game OnduringComic-Con.The promotion relied on community involvement, part of which required participants to use theSCVNGRapplications available for theAndroid,iPad,iPhone, andiPod Touchplatforms to complete treks around the five cities where the game was available. The final trek led to a kill room, where the Infinity Killer had recently claimed a victim. A link was found in the room to a (fake) company called Sleep Superbly, which began an extensive Showtime-maintainedalternate reality gamethat continued untilDexter's season-five premiere.The alternate reality game involves players working cooperatively to help catch the Infinity Killer and identify his victims; several other characters help. During the game, players communicate with the Infinity Killer, among many others. The game spansCraigslist,Facebook,Twitter,and countless unique sites created for the game. Players can even call phone numbers. The characters and companies are controlled by real people, adding an extra layer of realism and the ability for intelligent conversation. To maintain a realistic feeling in the game, Showtime does not put its name or advertisements on most sites or pages created for the game.

In September 2010, the Toronto-based company, GDC-GameDevCo Ltd., released aDexterboard game.

On August 13, 2015, thehidden objectmobile gameDexter: Hidden Darknesswas released for all iOS devices, with the announcement that Android support would be available soon. Players, acting as Dexter Morgan, solve crimes and hunt down killers to "feed" the dark passenger.

Merchandise

In February 2010, EMCE Toys announced plans to releaseaction figuresbased on the series.

In March 2010,Dark Horse Comicsreleased a seven-inchbustofDexter Morgan,as part of itsLast Toys on the Leftseries.In April 2010, it released abobblehead dollbased on the show character, the Trinity Killer.

A variety of merchandise items is available from Showtime including an apron, bin bags, blood slidebeverage coastersandkey rings,drinking glasses, mugs, pens made to look like syringes of blood, posters, and T-shirts.

In June 2021 Flashback announced a highly detailed1⁄6th scale figure of Dexter Morgan.

Prop sales

In January 2014, in partnership with Hollywood Props, Dexter Corner created an auction site and sold hundreds of original props used in the series; part of the auction's proceeds were donated to theLeukemia & Lymphoma Society.Showtime has also offered a limited selection of props for sale.

Spin-offs

Dexter: New Blood(2021–22)

Main article:Dexter: New Blood

In October 2020, Showtime announced thatDexterwould return with a 10-episode limited series, starring MichaelC. Hall in his original role, with Clyde Phillips returning as showrunner.On November 17, 2020, it was announcedMarcos Siegais set to direct six episodes of the limited series as well as executive produce alongside Hall,John Goldwyn,Sara Colleton,Bill Carraro, andScott Reynolds.Production began in February 2021, with a fall 2021 premiere date.In January 2021,Clancy Brownwas cast as Kurt Caldwell, Dexter's mainantagonistand David Magidoff was cast as Teddy.In February 2021,Jamie Chungand Oscar Wahlberg were cast in recurring roles.In June 2021, it was announced thatJohn Lithgowwould reprise his role asArthur Mitchell.In July 2021, it was revealed that Jennifer Carpenter would return as well, with both Lithgow and Carpenter appearing in their characters during flashback scenes.It premiered on November 7, 2021, on Showtime.

Dexter: Original Sin

A prequel series titledDexter: Original Sinis also in development with a straight-to-series order. It takes place in 1991, fifteen years before the events of the original show. Depicting the earlier years of Dexter's life, the show will follow his years after college graduation, and his first introduction to various characters from the original series. Members of his family will feature as main characters.

The series will starPatrick Gibsonas Dexter, Molly Brown as Debra andChristian Slateras Harry Morgan.

Other cast includesPatrick Dempseyas Aaron Spencer,James Martinezas Angel Batista,Christina Milianas Maria LaGuerta,Alex Shimizuas Vince Masuka,Reno Wilsonas Bobby Watt andSarah Michelle Gellaras Tanya Martin.The series is scheduled to premiere on December 15, 2024, onShowtime.

Dexter: Resurrection

A sequel series titled asDexter: Resurrectionwas announced withMichael C. Hallreprising his role as Dexter atSan Diego Comic-Conon July 26, 2024.

Future

In February 2023, it was announced thatDexter: New Bloodwill continue with a story centered around Dexter's son, Harrison Morgan. In the new season, a continuation of the series, the character struggles with his own violent nature and whether he will follow in his father's footsteps.

Additional spin-off series, depicting the origins of various other characters from the original show including the Trinity Killer are also in development. The new franchise is being overseen byClyde Phillips,creator ofDexter.The multiple television shows will be developed through Showtime's merger withParamount+.

Further reading

• Clyman, Jeremy, Psy.D. (November 3, 2011)."Reel Therapy: Family Theory Explains Dexter's Darkness (Who is Dexter's dark passenger?)".Psychology Today.RetrievedSeptember 5,2016.{{cite news}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
• DePaulo, Bella (September 1, 2010)."Analyzing Dexter: Psychologists and Criminologists Explain Why They Are Smitten".HuffPost.Archivedfrom the original on November 17, 2021.RetrievedNovember 17,2021.(Updated May 25, 2011)
• DePaulo, Bella; Leah Wilson (2010).The Psychology of Dexter.Benbella Books.ISBN978-1-935251-97-2.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2020.RetrievedOctober 25,2020.
• Lindsay, Jeff (2009).Darkly Dreaming Dexter(1st ed.). Vintage Crime/Black Lizard.ISBN978-0-307-47370-7.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2020.RetrievedOctober 25,2020.
• Teuteberg, Jasmin (2009).America's Favourite Serial Killer.Stockholm University.ISBN978-3-640-44920-0.Archivedfrom the original on November 16, 2020.RetrievedOctober 25,2020.
• Ryan, Christopher, Ph.D. (February 13, 2012). "Sex at Dawn: Being Dexter Morgan (What's so bad about being a serial killer?)".Psychology Today.{{cite news}}:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

External links

• DexteratIMDb
• DexteratMetacritic
• DexteratRotten Tomatoes