Dexter poster

Dexter

"A serial killer with a heart..... just pray it's not yours."

TV Show TV-MA 2006 1h/ep 8.2 /10 Ended
Showtime A Showtime Original
Created by James Manos Jr., Jeff Lindsay

Dexter Morgan works a double life: by day he analyzes blood spatter for the Miami Metro Police, helping solve violent crimes, and by night he hunts people who, in his view, have escaped justice. He presents a calm, controlled exterior to colleagues and his adoptive sister, but he channels violent... Read more

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Where to Watch "Dexter"

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Streaming availability last verified: February 01, 2026

About Dexter

Dexter Morgan works a double life: by day he analyzes blood spatter for the Miami Metro Police, helping solve violent crimes, and by night he hunts people who, in his view, have escaped justice. He presents a calm, controlled exterior to colleagues and his adoptive sister, but he channels violent impulses into a strict, self-imposed code that directs whom he kills and why. The show follows how those two worlds intersect, with investigations, workplace relationships, and Dexter's private rituals shaping each episode without revealing major plot twists or final outcomes.

Created for television by James Manos Jr. and adapted from Jeff Lindsay's novels, Dexter premiered on Showtime in 2006. Michael C. Hall leads a strong ensemble that includes Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, James Remar, and Geoff Pierson, and the series ran across multiple seasons with a consistent crime drama framework.

The series received numerous award nominations and critical recognition over its run, with particular attention paid to Michael C. Hall's performance. While I won't list specific trophies, the show was widely discussed during awards seasons and drew attention from industry voters and critics alike.

Dexter left a noticeable mark on pop culture, helping normalize the noir antihero on cable television and sparking conversations about morality, justice, and empathy for flawed protagonists. Its opening sequences, tone, and stylistic touches have been referenced and parodied, and the character of Dexter became shorthand in discussions about sympathetic villains.

Critics and audiences responded strongly to the show's early seasons, reflected in its solid user rating of 8.229/10. Reviewers often highlighted the tension between procedural elements and character study, with recurring themes of identity, family ties, ethical ambiguity, and the limits of the law. As the series progressed opinions diversified, but its blend of crime drama and psychological portraiture kept viewers engaged throughout much of its run.

What Viewers Are Saying

8.2/10
from 5,221 ratings

Viewers praise Dexter for its originality, particularly the unique concept of a serial killer protagonist who also serves as a hero, as well as strong acting, writing, and suspenseful storytelling. Many appreciate the dark tone balanced with moments of lighter attitude, especially in the early seasons. However, audiences commonly express disappointment with later seasons, noting a decline in quality and narrative direction after season five, with some specifically criticizing the final season for its lack of satisfying closure.

Details

Release Date
October 01, 2006
Episode Length
1h
Rating
TV-MA
User Ratings
5,221 votes
Type
TV Series
Seasons
8
Episodes
96
Network
Showtime
Status
Ended
Genres
Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country
United States
Studio
Showtime Networks +4 more
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Michael C. Hall

Michael C. Hall

Dexter Morgan

Jennifer Carpenter

Jennifer Carpenter

Debra Morgan

Geoff Pierson

Geoff Pierson

Tom Matthews

David Zayas

David Zayas

Angel Batista

James Remar

James Remar

Harry Morgan

Aimee Garcia

Aimee Garcia

Jamie Batista

Desmond Harrington

Desmond Harrington

Joseph Quinn

C. S. Lee

C. S. Lee

Vince Masuka

Created by: James Manos Jr., Jeff Lindsay

Seasons (8 seasons, 96 episodes)

Season 1

Season 1

12 episodes - 2006

Season 2

Season 2

12 episodes - 2007

Season 3

Season 3

12 episodes - 2008

Season 4

Season 4

12 episodes - 2009

Season 5

Season 5

12 episodes - 2010

Season 6

Season 6

12 episodes - 2011

Season 7

Season 7

12 episodes - 2012

Season 8

Season 8

12 episodes - 2013

Frequently Asked Questions

Dexter is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.

Yes, you can buy on Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.

Dexter has 8 seasons with a total of 96 episodes.

With a rating of 8.2/10 from 5,221 viewers, Dexter is highly recommended and considered excellent by most viewers.

Dexter Morgan works a double life: by day he analyzes blood spatter for the Miami Metro Police, helping solve violent crimes, and by night he hunts people who, in his view, have escaped justice. He presents a calm, controlled exterior to colleagues and his adoptive sister, but he channels violent...

Dexter stars Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, Geoff Pierson, David Zayas, and James Remar.

Dexter was created by James Manos Jr. and Jeff Lindsay.

Dexter was released on October 01, 2006.

Dexter is a Crime, Drama, and Mystery series.

No, Dexter is a work of fiction. The TV series is based on the Dexter novels by Jeff Lindsay, with the show developed for television by James Manos Jr. and others.

In the 2013 series finale Dexter fakes his death and disappears from his old life, ultimately living alone as a lumberjack in Oregon. That ending was controversial and left some plot threads unresolved until a later revival revisited the character.

Yes, a limited series revival called Dexter: New Blood aired in 2021, picking up the story years after the original finale and providing a new conclusion to Dexter's arc. It's presented as a separate limited continuation rather than a ninth season.

No, Dexter is rated TV-MA and contains graphic violence, strong language, and mature themes, including serial killing and psychological trauma. It's intended for adult viewers and isn't suitable for children.