This October, Dexter® celebrated 20 years since its debut. Two decades later, Dexter Morgan remains at the centre of a franchise that continues to grow, with Dexter®: Resurrection Season 2 premiering on 30 October 2026 on Paramount+ UK & Ireland. Paramount+ starts at £5.99/€5.99 for the Basic with Ads monthly plan. Other plans include Standard £9.99/€9.99 monthly or Premium £12.99/€12.99 monthly. Annual plans are available.
The blood-spatter analyst who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer has become one of television’s most recognisable antiheroes. His story now spans four series: the original Dexter®, Dexter®: New Blood, the prequel Dexter®: Original Sin and Dexter®: Resurrection.
Here’s a look back at 20 years of Dexter®, the milestones that shaped the franchise and what comes next.
Key facts
- 20th anniversary: 1 October 2026
- Original premiere: 1 October 2006
- Original series: 8 seasons, 96 episodes
- Original run: 2006–2013
- Based on: Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter novels
- Dexter Morgan actors: Michael C. Hall and Patrick Gibson
- Latest series: Dexter®: Resurrection
- Where to watch: Paramount+ UK & Ireland
How it all began
On 1 October 2006, audiences met Dexter Morgan: Miami Metro blood-spatter analyst by day, vigilante serial killer by night.
The premise was bold and uncomfortable, placing viewers inside the mind of a killer who follows a strict moral code. Known as the Code of Harry, Dexter’s rules direct his murderous urges towards criminals who have escaped justice.
Michael C. Hall brought Dexter to life, balancing the character’s chilling behaviour with a surprising vulnerability. Adapted from Jeff Lindsay’s novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter, the original series ran for eight seasons and 96 episodes, establishing Dexter as one of television’s defining antiheroes.
How Dexter® became a franchise
What began as a single crime drama in 2006 has grown into the connected Dexter® Universe, with four series exploring different periods of Dexter Morgan’s life; his loves, his losses and his enigmatic inner-monologue.
Dexter®
The original series, which ran from 2006 to 2013, follows Dexter’s double life in Miami. While working as a blood-spatter analyst for Miami Metro Police Department, he secretly hunts murderers who have escaped punishment.
His complicated relationships with his sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter, 1923) and adoptive father Harry (James Remar) help define the series.
WATCH NOW: Dexter®
Dexter®: New Blood
In 2021, Dexter Morgan returned in Dexter®: New Blood, set roughly a decade after the original series.
Now living under an assumed identity in the fictional town of Iron Lake, New York, Dexter has spent years suppressing his murderous urges. But the arrival of his son Harrison (Jack Alcott) forces him to confront his past.
The revival brought Dexter’s story to a new generation and established the foundations for further installments.
WATCH NOW: Dexter®: New Blood
Dexter®: Original Sin
Set in 1991, Dexter®: Original Sin explores Dexter Morgan’s younger years in Miami.
Patrick Gibson portrays the young Dexter, while Michael C. Hall returns to provide the character’s now notorious inner voice.
The prequel revisits Dexter’s early experiences and explores how his murderous impulses and the Code of Harry shaped the man he would become.
WATCH NOW: Dexter®: Original Sin
Dexter®: Resurrection
Dexter®: Resurrection picks up weeks after the events of New Blood, bringing Michael C. Hall back as Dexter Morgan.
Set in New York City, the series follows Dexter as he attempts to reconnect with Harrison while becoming entangled with a dangerous group of serial killers. As if that wasn’t enough, Dexter Morgan has to take on one of his biggest battles yet: middle-age.
Season 1 premiered in 2025 with 10 episodes. Season 2 premieres on 30 October 2026, continuing the story during the franchise’s 20th anniversary year.
WATCH NOW: Dexter®: Resurrection
The milestones that defined 20 years
Over two decades, the Dexter® Universe has evolved from a singular television series into a franchise spanning different generations, timeline and a multitude of questionable characters.
Michael C. Hall becomes Dexter Morgan
Michael C. Hall’s performance has connected multiple eras of the franchise.
He portrays Dexter in the original series, New Blood and Resurrection, while providing the character’s inner voice in Original Sin.
His portrayal earned him a Golden Globe award and helped establish Dexter Morgan as one of television’s most memorable characters.
An acclaimed original run
The original Dexter® series earned a Peabody Award, 24 Emmy nominations and 10 Golden Globe nominations.
The American Film Institute also recognised the show among its top 10 television programmes on two occasions.
Dexter® finds a new generation
The franchise’s expansion has introduced Dexter Morgan to audiences who may not have watched the original series during its initial run.
New Blood revived the character’s story in 2021, while Original Sin explored his past through a younger actor.
Together, the shows demonstrate how the franchise has continued to attract viewers across multiple generations.
Why Dexter® still stands out
Twenty years after its debut, Dexter® continues to explore an uncomfortable question: Why do audiences find themselves rooting for a serial killer?
The series combines crime drama, dark comedy, family relationships and moral dilemmas, placing viewers inside Dexter Morgan’s conflicted world.
Dexter® emerged during an era of television defined by complicated antiheroes, alongside characters such as Tony Soprano and Vic Mackey.
Yet his strict moral code, fractured relationships and constant struggle with his darker impulses give the character a distinctive identity.
Across four series, the franchise has continued exploring those contradictions while introducing new settings, characters and threats.
How Dexter® celebrated its 20th anniversary
The Dexter® franchise marked its 20th anniversary on 1 October 2026.
The celebrations also included a special event at PaleyFest NY, held from 8–14 October 2026, at The Paley Museum in Manhattan, New York City.
The anniversary programme featured a special screening of the Dexter®: Resurrection Season 2 premiere, followed by a conversation with members of the cast and creative team.
The anniversary celebrations came during a significant year for the franchise, with another season of Resurrection preparing to premiere.
What’s next for the Dexter® franchise?
Dexter®: Resurrection Season 2 premieres Friday, 30 October 2026, on Paramount+ UK & Ireland.
Michael C. Hall returns as Dexter Morgan alongside Uma Thurman, Jack Alcott and James Remar.
Desmond Harrington also returns as Joey Quinn, joining the regular cast.
New series regulars include Brian Cox as The New York Ripper and Dan Stevens as The Five Borough Killer, alongside Bokeem Woodbine and Nona Parker Johnson.
The new season continues Dexter’s story in New York City, introducing dangerous new adversaries while exploring his relationship with Harrison.
How to watch every Dexter® series
You can explore the Dexter® Universe on Paramount+ UK & Ireland, including the original series and its three follow-ups.
Including:
- Dexter®: 8 seasons
- Dexter®: New Blood: 1 season
- Dexter®: Original Sin: 1 season
- Dexter®: Resurrection: Season 1, with Season 2 premiering 30 October 2026
Check Paramount+ UK & Ireland for current availability and the latest information on what’s streaming now.
Celebrate 20 years of Dexter®
Twenty years after Dexter Morgan first appeared on television, his story is far from over.
From his early days in Miami to his latest adventures in New York City, the Dexter® Universe continues to explore the character’s complicated relationships, moral contradictions and murderous impulses.
Whether you’re revisiting the original series or discovering Dexter® for the first time, explore the franchise on Paramount+ UK & Ireland ahead of the Dexter®: Resurrection Season 2 premiere on 30 October.
FAQ
When did Dexter® first premiere?
Dexter® premiered on 1 October 2006. The series celebrated its 20th anniversary on 1 October 2026.
How many Dexter® shows are there?
The Dexter® Universe consists of four television series: Dexter®, Dexter®: New Blood, Dexter®: Original Sin and Dexter®: Resurrection. You can stream all series now on Paramount+ UK & Ireland.
Is Michael C. Hall in every Dexter® series?
Yes. Michael C. Hall physically portrays Dexter Morgan in Dexter®, Dexter®: New Blood and Dexter®: Resurrection. He also provides Dexter’s inner voice in Dexter®: Original Sin, in which Patrick Gibson plays the younger character.
Where can I watch all the Dexter® shows?
The entire Dexter® Universe is available on Paramount+ UK & Ireland. Check the platform for the latest information on what’s streaming now.
Is Dexter®: Resurrection returning for Season 2?
Yes. Dexter®: Resurrection Season 2 premieres Friday, 30 October 2026, on Paramount+ UK & Ireland.
