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After the rise of morally complex characters in shows like The Sopranos (1999-2007) and The Shield (2002-2008), antiheroes dominated television. However, Dexter Morgan stood apart. In Dexter (2006-2013), the Miami-based blood spatter analyst was a unique serial killer who directed his violent tendencies toward those he believed deserved it—often other murderers.
Adapted from Jeff Lindsay's novel series, the show became a cultural phenomenon for Showtime and a career-defining role for Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under), who masterfully balanced Dexter’s likability and sinister nature. However, the later seasons received mixed reviews, with the finale sparking widespread debate among fans.
In Dexter: New Blood, a limited series premiering on Showtime starting November 7, the network aims to craft a fresh conclusion for Dexter. Here’s everything we’ve uncovered about the next chapter in the story of America’s favorite fictional killer. (Warning: spoilers for the original series ahead.)
1. Dexter: New Blood is set a decade after the events of the original Dexter series.
In the 2013 series finale, Dexter's meticulously crafted facade of normalcy crumbles. He loses custody of his son, Harrison, and his sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) is left in a vegetative state after being shot. Dexter takes her body out to sea and vanishes during a hurricane. Believed dead by everyone in Miami, Dexter reappears years later, seemingly working as a lumberjack in a secluded Oregon area.
Dexter: New Blood begins approximately 10 years later, with Dexter employed at Fred's Fish and Game shop in the fictional town of Iron Lake, New York, under the alias Jim Lindsay (a tribute to Dexter author Jeff Lindsay). While he has managed to control his murderous impulses, a new danger in the once-peaceful town threatens to reignite his dark desires.
2. At least two original cast members from Dexter are confirmed to return.
On Dexter, death has never stopped characters from reappearing. In the original series, Dexter’s adoptive father, Harry Morgan (James Remar), acted as a moral guide, appearing as a spectral figure in Dexter’s mind. In Dexter: New Blood, this role may shift to Dexter’s late sister, Deb. During a Television Critics Association event, Carpenter described her role as “far from a traditional ghost” and hinted that her influence over Dexter could surpass even Harry’s.
John Lithgow is also set to reprise his role as Arthur Mitchell, also known as the Trinity Killer, the iconic villain from the show’s fourth season and often regarded as Dexter’s most formidable foe. It remains unclear whether Lithgow’s appearance will be through flashbacks or as a symbolic figure influencing Dexter’s actions.
Can we expect more familiar faces? Showrunner Clyde Phillips hinted at Comic-Con 2021, stating that “some returning cast members from the original series will blow people’s minds.” In a tweet, actor Erik King, who portrayed the beloved Sergeant James Doakes, teased, “there might be a few surprises, MF,” suggesting a potential comeback.
3. Dexter’s son, Harrison, will make a return.
Due to his dangerous double life as a serial killer, Dexter decided to leave his young son Harrison in the care of his girlfriend Hannah McKay (Yvonne Strahovski) before vanishing. In Dexter: New Blood, Harrison (Jack Alcott) is now a teenager and is expected to reunite with his long-lost father to address unresolved tensions and emotions.
4. Dexter finds himself with a new romantic interest.
While trying to maintain a low profile in Iron Lake, Dexter finds himself inevitably connected to law enforcement once again. In the limited series, he becomes involved with Angela Bishop (Julia Jones), the town’s police chief. Though specifics of their relationship remain unclear, it’s evident that Dexter’s return to his deadly habits will test their bond.
5. Dexter forms an unlikely friendship with a deer.
As a serial killer, Dexter struggles to find someone he can trust, which explains why he often turns to imaginary conversations with deceased loved ones. One confidant who poses no threat is a deer, which Hall has mentioned Dexter befriends early in the series. According to Hall, the deer symbolizes Dexter’s longing for purity and goodness—a connection he strives to nurture and grow closer to.
6. Dexter: New Blood unfolds over a two-week timeline.
The limited series offers a brief but intense look into Dexter’s current life. The story is set to occur over a span of two weeks in Iron Lake, providing ample time for Dexter to confront his Dark Passenger and reignite his deadly impulses.
7. Dexter: New Blood is not a continuation of season 9 of Dexter.
The shift from Miami’s sunny beaches to the snowy landscapes of Iron Lake isn’t the only transformation. According to executive producer Scott Reynolds, the original series’ format—where Dexter targets a major foe while dealing with minor threats along the way—has been largely abandoned. “We moved away from that approach and focused on making it more personal,” Reynolds explained. “This story revolves around Harrison, family dynamics, and the impact of having a father who is a serial killer on those around him.”
Are you a TV enthusiast? Do you spend your weekends binge-watching your favorite shows? Would you like to uncover intriguing facts about the most iconic series of the past two decades and the creators behind them? Then grab a copy of our new book, The Curious Viewer: A Miscellany of Streaming Bingeable Shows from the Last 20 Years, available October 19!
