The Dexter franchise has been on a wild ride lately, and fans are feeling the whiplash. After the original series found a massive new audience on Netflix, Paramount+ jumped at the chance to revive the property, greenlighting multiple spin-offs. Among them was Dexter: Original Sin, a prequel that earned decent reviews and seemed poised for a long run. But in a surprising twist, Paramount initially renewed it for a second season, only to reverse course and cancel it before production could begin. Another planned prequel, focusing on a young Trinity Killer with John Lithgow voicing the older version, was also scrapped before it ever got off the ground. That leaves Dexter: Resurrection as the sole survivor of the franchise's expansion.
Now in its second season, Dexter: Resurrection was supposed to be the show that brought fans back in droves, especially with Michael C. Hall reprising his iconic role as the blood-spatter analyst with a dark hobby. The first season was a hit, and Paramount was quick to renew it. But the second season's premiere has not exactly set the streaming world on fire. With just two episodes out, the show currently sits at number eight on Paramount+'s top 10 chart. Meanwhile, the original Dexter series, which first aired over two decades ago, is pulling in more viewers and holding steady at number four, gaining momentum every day.
It's a fascinating turn of events that highlights the enduring appeal of the original series, even as the new spin-off tries to carve its own path. The nostalgia factor is clearly strong, and many viewers may be revisiting the show that started it all, perhaps to refresh their memories before diving into the new episodes. Or maybe they just prefer the classic vibe of the early 2000s, when Dexter Morgan was a fresh and thrilling antihero.
Season 2 of Dexter: Resurrection isn't just relying on old favorites, though. The cast has been bolstered by some serious talent. Dan Stevens, known for his roles in the MonsterVerse and the upcoming RoboCop reboot, joins as one of the new killers Dexter has to deal with. Brian Cox, the Emmy-nominated star of Succession, also steps into the fray as another formidable antagonist. Their addition brings a new level of prestige and intrigue to the series, even if the numbers aren't reflecting it just yet.
For those who are curious about the new season, new episodes drop weekly on Paramount+. And if you're in the mood for more killer content, you might want to check out our recap of the Sleepy-Eyed Killer's brutal end. It's a wild ride.
The streaming landscape is always shifting, and it's not uncommon for older shows to outperform their newer counterparts, especially when they have a dedicated fanbase. The original Dexter series has a special place in many viewers' hearts, and its continued success on the platform is a testament to its quality and lasting impact. Whether Dexter: Resurrection can climb the charts remains to be seen, but for now, the old guard is holding strong.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if the new episodes can capture the audience's attention and climb the ranks. The show has a lot going for it, including a compelling premise and a stellar cast. But it's facing stiff competition from its own predecessor, which is a unique challenge. Only time will tell if Dexter: Resurrection can step out of the shadow of the original and claim its own streaming crown.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Dexter: Resurrection and all your favorite shows. And if you're looking for more rankings, check out our list of every Spider-Man movie ranked or every James Bond actor ranked for some fun debates.
