Dexter
"A serial killer with a heart..... just pray it's not yours."
A Showtime Original
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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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
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
Dexter Morgan
Jennifer Carpenter
Debra Morgan
Geoff Pierson
Tom Matthews
David Zayas
Angel Batista
James Remar
Harry Morgan
Aimee Garcia
Jamie Batista
Desmond Harrington
Joseph Quinn
C. S. Lee
Vince Masuka
Created by: James Manos Jr., Jeff Lindsay
Seasons (8 seasons, 96 episodes)
Season 1
12 episodes - 2006
Season 2
12 episodes - 2007
Season 3
12 episodes - 2008
Season 4
12 episodes - 2009
Season 5
12 episodes - 2010
Season 6
12 episodes - 2011
Season 7
12 episodes - 2012
Season 8
12 episodes - 2013