What's the Status of the 'Dexter' Prequel?
The Dexter universe is expanding again with a new prequel series—and possibly one or two additional spinoffs. The Wall Street Journal confirmed in July 2023 that Showtime is developing multiple Dexter shows after the success of sequel series Dexter: New Blood, which premiered in November 2021. New Blood was the network’s most watched series ever, so it’s no surprise that execs are ready for another go-round with everyone’s favorite vigilante serial killer.
“The Dexter saga has been an undeniable creative and popular success for Showtime, both in its original, groundbreaking form and the record-setting Dexter: New Blood,” Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and Paramount Media Networks, said in a statement. “The series is a rich foundation for other shows in the lane of complex, subversive antiheroes that Showtime has always done so brilliantly. [Showrunner] Clyde [Phillips] is deep into compelling stories and characters that will satisfy the cravings of our multifaceted audience.
Phillips, for his part, said he “couldn’t be more excited” about revisiting the world of Dexter. “It’s a privilege to contemplate going even deeper with these complex and iconic characters—and the stories, themes and possibilities they inspire."
Keep reading for more details about Dexter: Origins.
What is Dexter: Origins about?
Dexter: Origins is a prequel series focusing on Dexter Morgan’s early days with the Miami Metro Police Department and his transformation into the serial killer he became by the time of the events of the original Dexter. The new show will begin as Dexter graduates college and joins the police force, with appearances from his father, Harry (played by James Remar in the original), and his sister, Deb (played by Jennifer Carpenter in Dexter and Dexter: New Blood).
In July 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that Origins will incorporate “stories of real-life serial killers of the time period.” That time period is probably the 1980s given that the original Dexter debuted in 2006. That’s also an era when the Miami area really was plagued by serial killers, including Eddie Lee Mosley and Manuel Pardo.
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How does Dexter: Origins connect to Dexter and Dexter: New Blood?
Dexter: Origins will be a prequel series to both Dexter and Dexter: New Blood. New Blood was a sequel to the original series, set 10 years after the events of the Dexter series finale. Origins will cover the period after Dexter graduates college and joins the Miami Metro Police Department, so there may also be appearances from other characters viewers met in the first two shows, albeit younger versions of them.
Will there be a Dexter: New Blood Season 2?
It’s not totally clear whether New Blood will continue past Season 1, which ended in 2022 with—spoiler alert—Harrison (Jack Alcott) killing his dear old dad, Dexter (Michael C. Hall). Initially, reports suggested that Showtime would move forward with a Season 2 focusing on Harrison, but in July 2023, The Wall Street Journal confirmed that Dexter: Origins would be first on the docket. There’s also talk of a separate spinoff series focused on the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow), so a true followup to New Blood is seemingly on the backburner.
Is there a trailer for Dexter: Origins?
Filming hasn’t started on Dexter: Origins, so there’s no trailer just yet, but watch this space for updates.
Who is in the Dexter: Origins cast?
No casting announcements have been made, but don’t hold your breath for too many familiar faces. Origins is a prequel series, so the characters from the original Dexter will be much younger here. Fans, however, are already eager to cast young Dexter, and the ideas they’ve come up with are endless. Popular options include Evan Peters, Will Poulter and Dacre Montgomery.
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Is Michael C. Hall in Dexter: Origins?
Michael C. Hall made his triumphant return as Dexter Morgan in 2021’s Dexter: New Blood, but he probably won’t appear in Origins because it’s quite literally telling the character’s origin story. Someone new will take on the role of a young Dexter, so the only way Hall would fit in is if there are flash-forwards to the events of New Blood or the original Dexter.
How many episodes are in Dexter: Origins?
Showtime hasn’t yet announced how many episodes will be in Dexter: Origins, but it has the vibe of a short limited series—so maybe six to eight.
What is the Dexter: Origins release date?
Dexter: Origins is still in the preliminary stages of production and thus doesn’t have a release date yet, but it won’t premiere until 2024 at the earliest.
How to watch Dexter: Origins
Dexter: Origins will eventually premiere on the Showtime network. Showtime content now streams via Paramount+, so it will be available to subscribers there as well.
Will Dexter: Origins come to Netflix?
Some Showtime series do eventually stream via Netflix, so Dexter: Origins may come to the streaming service after its season is over.
Will Dexter: Origins come to Hulu?
Showtime is available as an add-on to regular Hulu plans, so Dexter: Origins will be available for subscribers who pay for Showtime content.
