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Dexter Watch Order
Watch Dexter in release order: the original 2006 series, then New Blood, the 1991-set prequel Original Sin, and Resurrection. Chronologically, the prequel comes first.
Dexter Watch Order: complete list
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Why this order?
Dexter is best watched in release order, and for most people that is also the simplest path. Start with the original series (2006-2013), eight seasons that follow Miami blood-spatter analyst Dexter Morgan as he hunts killers under cover of a respectable day job. From there move to Dexter: New Blood (2021), a direct sequel that picks up the story years later and gives the saga a proper ending. Then watch the prequel, Dexter: Original Sin (2024), before finishing with Dexter: Resurrection (2025), which continues the modern-day thread set in motion by New Blood. The reason release order works so well is the prequel. Dexter: Original Sin is set in 1991 and casts a younger actor as Dexter at the very start of his career, long before the original series begins. Watching it after the originals means you already know the man it builds toward, so its callbacks and dramatic irony land far harder. Drop it in chronologically and you lose much of that payoff. If you still prefer a timeline approach, the chronological order opens with Original Sin (1991), then the original series, then New Blood, and finally Resurrection. It is internally tidy, but it front-loads a prequel made for viewers who already love the character, not the ideal entry point for a newcomer. The one real gotcha is the ending. The original series finale was widely disliked, and New Blood exists specifically to address it, so do not stop at season eight thinking you are done. If you enjoy this brand of methodical serial-killer drama, the spiritual neighbors are You and Hannibal, both of which share Dexter's fascination with charming predators and the people who chase them.
How many episodes is Dexter?
Dexter has 126 episodes across the 4 series entries tracked in this guide.
- Dexter 96 episodes 2006-2013
- Dexter: New Blood 10 episodes 2021-2022
- Dexter: Original Sin 10 episodes 2024-2025
- Dexter: Resurrection 10 episodes 2025
Timeline 2006-2025
Every entry by release year: rows that share a year are a cluster, and the long droughts are called out on the rail.
- 2006 Dexter
- 15-year gap
- 2021 New Blood
- 2024 Original Sin
- 2025 Resurrection
Where to play it today
- Paramount+ with Showtime
- Showtime (via Paramount+ add-on)
- Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy)
- Apple TV (rent/buy)
Availability changes often and varies by region - links search each platform for Dexter.
Frequently asked questions
What order should I watch Dexter in?
Watch in release order: 1) the original series (2006-2013), 2) New Blood (2021), 3) the prequel Original Sin (2024), 4) Resurrection (2025). The prequel hits harder once you already know the character.
How many Dexter shows and seasons are there?
Four titles and 11 seasons between them: the original series (eight seasons, 96 episodes), the sequel New Blood (10 episodes), the prequel Original Sin (10 episodes), and Resurrection (10 episodes). That is 126 episodes for the whole saga so far.
Should I watch Original Sin first since it's a prequel?
Only if you prefer strict chronology. Original Sin is built for fans who already know Dexter, so its callbacks land best after the original series rather than before it.
Is New Blood a sequel or a reboot?
A direct sequel. New Blood is set ten years after the original 2013 finale and was made largely to give the story a better ending than that finale did. It was ordered as a 10-episode limited series rather than a ninth season, which is why there is no Dexter season 9 to look for.
Where does Resurrection fit in?
Last, in both release and chronological order. Resurrection (2025) picks up only weeks after the New Blood finale and continues that modern-day story, so watch New Blood first or the opening episode will not make sense.
Can I skip any of the Dexter shows?
Only the prequel. Original Sin is a self-contained 1991 origin story, so you can skip it and still follow everything else. The other three are one continuous thread: the original series, then New Blood ten years later, then Resurrection weeks after that. The original eight seasons are serialized as well, so there is no safe season to jump over, and the animated Dexter: Early Cuts shorts (three runs of web shorts, 2009-2012) are optional extras rather than part of the order.
Where can I watch all the Dexter shows?
In the US as of August 2026 all four are on Paramount+. Paramount's own viewing guide puts the original series and New Blood on any Paramount+ plan, while Original Sin and Resurrection need the Premium tier that includes Showtime. Rights vary by country, so check your local listings before you start.
Is Dexter finished, or is there more coming?
Not finished. Dexter: Resurrection was renewed for a second season on October 8, 2025, filming began in New York in April 2026, and showrunner Clyde Phillips has said it will be 10 episodes airing in October 2026, though Paramount+ has not confirmed an exact date. The prequel is over: Original Sin was renewed in April 2025 and then cancelled that August, so it ends after one season.
Last verified · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
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