Paramount+'s Dexter Prequel Is a Gripping Weekend Binge

Dexter: Original Sin brings back the iconic character in a fresh and engaging way.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:55am

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering shards, captured in dramatic studio lighting to create a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic that conceptually represents the edgy world of the Dexter series.The gritty, high-contrast visuals of Dexter: Original Sin evoke the franchise's signature dark and thrilling tone.Today in Miami

The original Dexter is one of the best thriller TV series of all-time. Now, creator Clyde Phillips is trying again with a prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, which premiered on Paramount+ and Showtime in 2024. The 10-episode single-season follows a teenage Dexter (played by Patrick Gibson) as he takes his first steps as a serial killer, with his father Harry (Christian Slater) guiding him. The series also delivers a compelling mystery as a faceless killer is on the loose and a small boy has been abducted. Dexter: Original Sin is not just simple fan service, as it explores the characters in new and interesting ways.

Why it matters

The ending of Dexter: New Blood left a bad taste in the mouths of fans, so Dexter: Original Sin is a chance to revisit the iconic character in a fresh way. The prequel format allows the series to delve into Dexter's origins and development as a serial killer, while also providing a new mystery for viewers to sink their teeth into.

The details

In Dexter: Original Sin, the viewer watches Dexter waking up and starting his day like usual, but this time his father, Harry, and sister, Debra, are also part of the iconic opening credit montage. The series is set back in Miami, which immediately feels nostalgic. Dexter is a teenager now, obsessed with his deadly desires, which Harry tries to direct towards using for good. The series also delivers a classic whodunit mystery, as a faceless killer is on the loose and a small boy has been abducted.

  • Dexter: Original Sin premiered on Paramount+ and Showtime at the end of 2024.
  • The series consists of a single 10-episode season.

The players

Dexter Morgan

The iconic character, now a teenager, who is obsessed with his deadly desires, which his father Harry tries to direct towards using for good.

Harry Morgan

Dexter's father, who understands his son's dark urges and tries to guide him, while also carrying the pain of his own sins and his wife's death.

Debra Morgan

Dexter's sister, who is lonely, mourning her mother, and badly wanting to be included in whatever secrets her father and brother are keeping from her.

Patrick Gibson

The actor who plays the teenage Dexter, capturing the character's mannerisms and speaking pattern without coming across as a clone of Michael C. Hall.

Christian Slater

The actor who plays the flawed and tragic Harry Morgan, a more difficult role than the guiding ghost version of the character in the original Dexter.

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What they’re saying

“Dexter: Original Sin shocked everyone when it premiered on Paramount+ and Showtime at the end of 2024.”

— Michael Block, Author

“Patrick Gibson nails it. He has the mannerisms of Dexter and the same speaking pattern without coming across as a clone.”

— Michael Block, Author

What’s next

Dexter: Original Sin has been well-received by fans and critics, and there is speculation that the series could continue with additional seasons exploring Dexter's early years.

The takeaway

Dexter: Original Sin is a compelling prequel that brings back the iconic character in a fresh and engaging way, delving into his origins and development as a serial killer while also delivering a gripping mystery. The series succeeds by focusing on character first, with strong performances from the cast, particularly Patrick Gibson as the teenage Dexter.