Showtime’s new leadership has made its first big programming decision, signaling a major shift for the Dexter franchise. Under the Paramount TV Studios team led by Matt Thunell, the network has committed to the flagship series Dexter: Resurrection, while officially pulling the plug on its prequel, Dexter: Original Sin.
Dexter: Resurrection Gets Season 2 Writers Room
Ahead of its Season 1 finale, Showtime has commissioned a Season 2 writers room for Dexter: Resurrection, with the intention of moving forward pending budget approval. The network considers the Michael C. Hall–led series vital for the longevity of the brand, making Resurrection the priority moving forward.
The series, a continuation of Dexter: New Blood, follows Dexter Morgan after he awakens from a coma, exploring his complicated relationship with his son Harrison. With strong viewership numbers — over 4.4 million cross-platform viewers in its first week — Resurrection has clearly outperformed its prequel counterpart.
Dexter: Original Sin Cancelled
Meanwhile, Dexter: Original Sin, which premiered in December 2024, will not continue. The prequel, set in 1991 Miami and starring Patrick Gibson as a young Dexter, initially garnered attention with guest stars like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Dempsey. However, despite solid viewership (2.68M by its finale), the project stalled.
Sources revealed that a writers room never opened for Season 2 of Original Sin, and production dates were never confirmed. Instead, the creative team — including showrunner Clyde Phillips — shifted focus to Resurrection, leaving the prequel in limbo until Showtime’s new leadership made its cancellation official.
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Impact on Showtime’s Strategy
The cancellation reflects a departure from Chris McCarthy’s prequel-heavy IP strategy, which once included plans for spin-offs like a Trinity Killer series. With Showtime now integrated more deeply into Paramount+, the future of other prequels remains uncertain.
For now, Dexter: Resurrection will serve as the cornerstone of Showtime’s programming slate, with star-studded casting additions including Uma Thurman, Peter Dinklage, Neil Patrick Harris, and Krysten Ritter.
Conclusion
With Original Sin officially cancelled and Resurrection renewed, Showtime is betting on the continued success of its flagship character. For fans, the focus now turns to how Dexter Morgan’s story will unfold in Season 2 of Dexter: Resurrection.
