A Dexter prequel series and a continuation of Dexter: New Blood are officially part of Showtime's plans for the franchise. The network is also exploring spinoffs based on other characters from the franchise, including John Lithgow's Trinity Killer.
When Showtime and Paramount CEO Chris McCarthy confirmed Showtime is merging with Paramount Plus, he teased plans to double down on franchise building using IP already at the company's disposal, which includes expanding on the Dexter franchise. The original series is about the exploits of the titular Miami Metro PD blood spatter analyst and serial killer. After concluding in 2013, Dexter was revived in 2021 as Dexter: New Blood, which attempted to provide a more satisfying ending by reuniting the titular serial killer with now-teenage son Harrison, whom Dexter abandoned at the end of the original series because he felt it was best to spare his loved ones from the danger that follows him.
Now, McCarthy announced Dexter: Origins has been given a straight-to-series order, with Dexter seasons 1-4 and New Blood showrunner Clyde Phillips returning as executive producer. Dexter: Origins will follow the character during his early years as a serial killer, starting as he graduates college to join Miami Metro and meets young versions of characters from the original show. Dexter's adoptive father, Harry, and his teenage sister Deb will also be a focus of the prequel. A continuation of Dexter: New Blood is also in development. The new version of the series will follow Harrison as he flees to New York and wrestles with his inner darkness, wondering if he is doomed to follow in his father's footsteps and give in to his urges. The network is also exploring additional spinoffs, including one chronicling the origins of the Trinity Killer.
"The DEXTER saga has been an undeniable creative and popular success for SHOWTIME, both in its original, groundbreaking form and the record-setting DEXTER: NEW BLOOD," said McCarthy in a statement. "The series is a rich foundation for other shows in the lane of complex, subversive antiheroes that SHOWTIME has always done so brilliantly. Clyde is deep into compelling stories and characters that will satisfy the cravings of our multifaceted audience." Phillips expressed his enthusiasm about continuing the Dexter franchise, saying, "I couldn’t be more excited about exploring and expanding the universe of DEXTER. It’s a privilege to contemplate going even deeper with these complex and iconic characters – and the stories, themes and possibilities they inspire. I’m thrilled that Chris and my friends at SHOWTIME want me to help them grow this truly unique and amazingly successful franchise."
With nearly every studio attempting to expand on their respective franchises, it should not be surprising to see Showtime doing the same with Dexter, arguably one of its most recognizable characters. The serial killer isn't the only one receiving spinoffs, as Showtime also announced plans to expand the Billions universe with Billions: Miami, Billions: London, Millions, and Trillions.
Still, both Dexter finales were negatively received by fans, so one might wonder why Showtime is investing in a franchise most consider past its prime. However, Dexter: New Blood still drew an audience despite its predecessor's maligned finale, so there might still be interest in the new spinoffs and prequels.
Dexter: Origins is moving forward at Showtime, and Dexter: New Blood season 2 is in development.
Source: Paramount