By Calder Costantini – Staff Reporter

“Dexter” is a crime drama television series that aired on Showtime from 2006 to 2013 and was added to Paramount+ and Netflix in December 2024. The show is based on Jeff Lindsay’s novel “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” and developed by James Manos, Jr. There are eight seasons, plus three additional prequel and sequel seasons, named “Dexter: Original Sin” which follows Dexter as a teenager to put context to his crude ways. Next, there is “Dexter: New Blood,” following Dexter’s life after the original series. Finally, Paramount+ recently released “Dexter: Resurrection,” tailing Dexter’s action-packed life chronologically after “Dexter: New Blood.”

Dexter Morgan is a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Homicide in Miami, Florida. The show follows Dexter, who appears to be a quiet, intelligent, and socially awkward professional. Secretly, however, he is a serial killer who targets other murderers and people who have escaped justice, taught a moral code introduced to him by his adoptive father, Harry Morgan. Throughout the series, Dexter struggles to balance his two polar opposite personalities. The show blends crime investigation, dark humor, and psychological horror.

The reason “Dexter” stands out from other shows is that Dexter has a very interesting moral scheme within all of his relationships, and to put it simply, the idea of a serial killer who targets other killers and criminals is fascinating. The production is done so well that it makes audiences empathize with a serial killer who is psychologically captivating. The reason this series is so fascinating is that it makes you question the comparison between good and evil and the control of your own surroundings. Another strong point could include the outstanding acting in the show. Michael C. Hall, who plays Dexter Morgan, is perfect for Dexter. His mannerisms and subtle yet suspicious life fit write into how Dexter should be played. Hall manages to humanize a character who is morally built to be impossible to relate to anyone. Another good spin on the show is Dexter’s inner monologue. Throughout the whole series, we can hear Dexter’s thrilling and brilliant thoughts to get himself out of the deepest of situations. The monologue adds another layer to his moral compass and values as a person. The tone in which Dexter narrates this monologue can be chilling and sometimes even humorous.

The supporting cast of this series is also jaw-dropping. An actor like Jennifer Carpenter, who plays Dexter’s foul-mouthed and ambitious sister, Debra Morgan, is the perfect actor for what her role is. Debra is nothing like Dexter; she also works in the justice system as a uniform cop and soon-to-be lieutenant. She stops at nothing to arrest people who try to escape justice, and she is one of the smartest but short-tempered people in the show. Another great actor throughout the show is Julie Benz, who plays Rita Bennett, an average woman whom Dexter dates and marries. Rita has two kids, Astor and Cody, whom she had with her ex-husband. Julie Benz does a great job of making Rita the perfect stressed-out mother of two kids, who just tries to get by. Rita brings a normalcy to the show’s dark tone. Especially at the beginning of the show, Rita was a big part of humanizing Dexter and generating an audience to relate to Dexter. 

Although the production of this show is sensational, many people believe that the show gets repetitive. Through almost every episode, Dexter will find and kill a person who fits his code, and this tends to get very repetitive for some viewers. Many people also say that after Season 4, the villains get worse and the show gets more bland.

Overall, this show is one of the highest-rated and thrilling shows ever on television It is the perfect mix of horror, comedy, and drama, and the production knows exactly how to execute it. Michael C. Hall’s Hall ofFame performance in this show earned him many awards, including 5 Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe in 2010, as well as three more nominations for a Golden Globe in 2008, 2009, and 2012. Including 15+ more awards that Hall and the collective cast have won. Many people consider this one of the best shows ever aired on television – for good reason.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars