You’d think after he drove a boat into a hurricane or got shot in the chest by his own son, Dexter Morgan would finally stay down. But honestly? The guy is basically the Michael Myers of premium cable. If you’re trying to figure out how many Dexter series are there, the answer has actually gotten pretty complicated over the last year.
It used to be simple. You had the original show, then a long silence, then a revival. Now? We’re looking at a full-blown "Dexter Cinematic Universe" that spans prequels, sequels, and even a weird animated side-project most people have totally forgotten about.
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As of right now, in early 2026, there are four main live-action series in the Dexter franchise, plus one digital spin-off. But "series" is a loose term here because some are limited runs and others are ongoing.
The Original Bloodline: Where It All Started
The OG Dexter ran from 2006 to 2013. It’s the eight-season marathon that made Michael C. Hall a household name. You’ve got the Trinity Killer, the Ice Truck Killer, and that "lumberjack" ending that made half the internet want to throw their TVs out the window. For a long time, this was it. 96 episodes. Done.
But Showtime couldn't leave it alone.
The Revivals and the New Era
Fast forward to 2021, and we got Dexter: New Blood. It was billed as a 10-episode limited series—a "fix" for the original finale. It moved the action from sweaty Miami to freezing Iron Lake, New York. We saw Dexter living as "Jim Lindsay," trying to be a normal guy until his son, Harrison, showed up.
Most fans thought New Blood was the end because, well, spoilers... Dexter looked pretty dead.
Then 2024 and 2025 happened, and the floodgates opened. Suddenly, we weren't just getting one more show; we were getting a history lesson and a miracle resurrection.
Dexter: Original Sin (The Prequel)
This one premiered in late 2024 and wrapped its first season in early 2025. It’s set in 1991 Miami. It features Patrick Gibson as a young Dexter and Christian Slater as Harry Morgan. It’s the origin story of the Code. Interestingly, while Patrick Gibson plays the body, Michael C. Hall is still there as the "inner voice" narrator.
Dexter: Resurrection (The Modern Sequel)
This is the big one that everyone is talking about right now. Dexter: Resurrection premiered in July 2025. It picks up right after the events of New Blood. How is he alive? Basically, he survived the shooting (barely) and woke up from a coma. Season 1 saw him heading to New York City to find Harrison.
The most recent news is huge: Dexter: Resurrection has already been renewed for a second season, which is expected to drop in the Fall of 2026 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the entire franchise.
The "Secret" Fifth Series: Early Cuts
If you want to be a real completionist, you have to count Dexter: Early Cuts. This was an animated web series that ran from 2009 to 2012. It’s mostly short vignettes that fill in the gaps of Dexter’s kills before the pilot episode of the original show. It’s cool, sort of stylized like a motion comic, but it’s definitely the "indie" sibling of the group.
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The Official Count: 5 Total
To settle the debate, here is the breakdown of the Dexter universe as it stands:
- Dexter (2006–2013): The original 8-season run.
- Dexter: Early Cuts (2009–2012): The animated web series.
- Dexter: New Blood (2021–2022): The first revival/limited series.
- Dexter: Original Sin (2024–2025): The 1990s prequel.
- Dexter: Resurrection (2025–Present): The ongoing sequel series.
Why the Confusion?
The reason people keep asking how many Dexter series are there is because of the weird "limited series" labeling. New Blood was supposed to be a one-off. Then there were rumors of a "Harrison" spin-off that eventually got folded into Resurrection.
Also, the naming is a bit of a mess. Original Sin and Resurrection were announced almost at the same time at Comic-Con 2024, leading people to think they were the same project. They aren't. One is the past; one is the present.
What You Should Watch Next
If you're caught up on the original and New Blood, your next move is definitely Original Sin. Even though it’s a prequel with a different actor, Michael C. Hall’s narration makes it feel like the same show. It gives a ton of context for why Dexter is the way he is in Resurrection.
If you’re a die-hard fan, keep an eye out for the Resurrection Season 2 premiere later this year. The showrunners have hinted at some massive cameos from the original Miami Metro cast—rumors are swirling about David Zayas (Batista) making a more permanent return to the screen.
Your Action Plan:
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- Check Paramount+ with Showtime: That’s where all of these now live.
- Watch Chronologically: If you want the full experience, go Original Sin -> Original Series -> New Blood -> Resurrection.
- Skip Early Cuts: Unless you’re a hardcore lore nerd, it’s not essential viewing for the main plot.
The "Dark Passenger" isn't going anywhere. With a second season of Resurrection on the horizon, it looks like we’ll be following Dexter Morgan well into 2027 and beyond.