Dexter: Original Sin has been canceled after its renewal announcement as Paramount shifts focus to Michael C. Hall-led Dexter: Resurrection season 2.
Fans of the Dexter franchise are in for a twist worthy of the infamous killer himself. Paramount has officially scrapped Dexter: Original Sin, despite previously announcing a second season renewal, while moving ahead with plans to expand Dexter: Resurrection.
The prequel series Dexter: Original Sin, which premiered in December 2024 and wrapped in February 2025, was originally set in 1991 and explored the beginnings of Dexter Morgan’s dark urges. Patrick Gibson starred as young Dexter, with Michael C. Hall providing the iconic inner monologue. The cast also included Molly Brown, Christina Milian, Christian Slater, James Martinez, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Patrick Dempsey. Clyde Phillips, the longtime Dexter showrunner, returned to lead the series, alongside executive producers Hall, Scott Reynolds, Mary Leah Sutton, Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, and Michael Lehmann.
Despite an April announcement of renewal, sources confirm that no production schedule had been set and the series had quietly been on hiatus. The decision not to move forward came amid the Skydance-Paramount merger, with new leadership, including Matt Thunell, reassessing Showtime’s entire scripted slate. Thunell and his team opted to put the focus on Dexter: Resurrection, which brings Hall back on screen as Dexter Morgan.
Dexter: Resurrection debuted its first season on July 11, with the finale set for September 5. The series has already made a strong impression, earning a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and drawing 4.4 million multiplatform viewers in its first week. Paramount is now preparing to open a writers room for a potential second season.
The shift underscores Showtime’s ongoing evolution, as its once-expansive scripted lineup has slimmed down and rebranded under Paramount+ with Showtime. Current offerings include The Chi, The Agency, Yellowjackets, and now Dexter: Resurrection.
Though Dexter: Original Sin won’t continue, the decision highlights Paramount’s commitment to keeping Hall’s portrayal of Dexter Morgan at the center of the franchise’s future.
