Dexter: Original Sin

In 1991 Miami, Dexter Morgan is a young man caught between an ordinary life and a dangerous impulse. As his violent urges intensify, he learns to control them under the watch of his adoptive father, Harry, who teaches him a strict Code that steers Dexter toward targets who, in their eyes, deserve to be killed. Dexter starts a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department, where confronting crime by day complicates his secret by night. The series follows his early attempts to balance school, secrecy, and the practical rules Harry sets down, showing how a forensic mind and a hidden appetite shape the person he becomes, without revealing later twists or outcomes, and how his choices ripple through others.

Released in 2024, the show was created by Clyde Phillips, James Manos Jr., and Jeff Lindsay, and stars Patrick Gibson as young Dexter, alongside Christian Slater, Molly Brown, James Martinez, and Christina Milian, framed as an origin story.

As a prequel to a well known franchise, it reignited conversations about the original Dexter's moral ambiguity and popularized interest in origin stories for antiheroes. Fans and commentators pointed to the series' period setting and character focus as fresh angles on a familiar mythos, and Christian Slater's Harry attracted particular attention.

Early reception has been largely positive, with a vote average of 8.172/10 from viewer ratings. Reviewers highlighted strong performances, especially Patrick Gibson and Christian Slater, and noted recurring themes like nature versus nurture, secrecy, the ethics of vigilantism, and how mentorship shapes identity. Critics also noted the period detail.

As of its initial run the series hadn't received major industry awards, though it drew critical attention and audience discussion. It may become an awards contender in future seasons, depending on how the show continues to resonate with viewers and awards voters.