The upcoming prequel series Dexter: Original Sin is set to premiere on Paramount+ with Showtime, offering a fresh take on the early years of TV’s most notorious serial killer, Dexter Morgan. Fans can catch the series streaming and on-demand starting December 13, with a linear debut on Showtime slated for December 15. International viewers will have access via Paramount+ on the same day.
In the first teaser for Dexter: Original Sin, original Dexter actor Michael C. Hall narrates, “I’m a killer but I wasn’t born this way; I was made,” setting the tone for the 10-episode series set in 1991 Miami. The story follows a young Dexter, played by Patrick Gibson, as he learns to harness his lethal impulses under the tutelage of his adoptive father, Harry, portrayed by Christian Slater. Harry’s code—designed to direct Dexter’s violent urges toward those who deserve it—adds layers of complexity, especially as Dexter embarks on a forensics internship at Miami Metro Police Department, setting the stage for his future double life.
Created by Clyde Phillips, who returns from the original Dexter series, Dexter: Original Sin stars Christina Milian as Maria LaGuerta, Reno Wilson as Bobby Watt, Molly Brown as Debra Morgan, James Martinez as Angel Batista, and Alex Shimizu as Vince Masuka. Patrick Dempsey takes on the role of Captain Aaron Spencer, while Sarah Michelle Gellar makes a special guest appearance as Tanya Martin.
Additional cast members include Aaron Jennings, Raquel Justice, Joe Pantoliano, Brittany Allen, Randy Gonzalez, Jasper Lewis, Carlo Mendez, Isaac Gonzalez Rossi, and Roberto Sanchez, each recurring in key roles that expand the universe of Dexter’s formative years. Notable roles include Pantoliano as Mad Dog, Allen as Dexter’s biological mother Laura Moser, and Gonzalez as Santos Jimenez.
The teaser trailer dives deep into the 1990s aesthetic, featuring iconic elements like vibrant music, distinct fashion, retro furniture, and even a glorious mustache sported by Patrick Dempsey. This throwback style not only enhances the show’s nostalgic appeal but could also spark a revival of ’90s trends in today’s fashion. Watch the trailer below.
The series is executive produced by Clyde Phillips, who is also the showrunner, Scott Reynolds, Michael C. Hall, Mary Leah Sutton, Tony Hernandez, and Lilly Burns, with Robert Lloyd Lewis producing. Michael Lehmann joins as the directing executive producer. Showtime Studios and Counterpart Studios are behind the production, with distribution managed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ markets.
The original “Dexter” series, which premiered in 2006, captivated audiences for eight seasons with the tale of Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst who also moonlighted as a vigilante serial killer, targeting those who escaped justice. The series, based on Jeff Lindsay’s novel “Darkly Dreaming Dexter,” was a cultural phenomenon that earned Michael C. Hall a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the complex character. Following its 2013 conclusion, Showtime revived the series in 2021 with “Dexter: New Blood,” exploring Dexter’s life under an assumed identity in Iron Lake, New York, and his strained relationship with his estranged son, Harrison.
With “Dexter: Original Sin,” fans will get an in-depth look at the making of a killer, diving into the origins of one of television’s most iconic characters. Mark your calendars for December 13, and get ready to step back into Dexter’s world from the very beginning.