• Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 1, 2006
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1770 Ratings

User score distribution:
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User Reviews

  1. Jan 26, 2014
    9
    No way to give a 10 after the last 8th awful season. It destroyed the myth of one of the best screenplays ever. The last episode then was the apotheosis of absurd. I can't describe all the incongruity in it. In few words: how to ruine a wonderful serie in one step. Crazy absurd awful... can't find other adjectives.
  2. Feb 6, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is by far one of, if not, favorite shoes ever. I was upset it ended at season eight. Very unique and interesting. It took me till this year (2014) to watch them. Once I started I continued to watch until I seen all episodes. I would even watch episodes during work. I would encourage those that put the show together to continue with the series and or make a movie. However, Great job guys on the work. Expand
  3. Feb 6, 2014
    9
    Just watched the first season on Netflix. Hall's acting and the writing for his character, the dialog/monologue I mean, are brilliant. Some of the plot twists are a little far fetched, even if you accept the basic (highly unlikely) premise. Like Rudy/Brian was really able to scuba dive, find and bring up one of Dexter's victims? And I understand some people's discomfort with shows likeJust watched the first season on Netflix. Hall's acting and the writing for his character, the dialog/monologue I mean, are brilliant. Some of the plot twists are a little far fetched, even if you accept the basic (highly unlikely) premise. Like Rudy/Brian was really able to scuba dive, find and bring up one of Dexter's victims? And I understand some people's discomfort with shows like this pushing the envelope and perhaps desensitizing the audience. But it doesn't really help that problem if I don't watch it on Netflix, and I'm too old to desensitize! Expand
  4. Mar 26, 2014
    9
    Excellent first season - I read the books and this is definitely superlative to the source material - I'm sure even the author would agree... don't you?
  5. Jun 4, 2014
    10
    The first was truly the best. Season 1 was Dexter at his darkest, a chilling monster with a demented moral code. It also ends perfectly, unlike all the seasons which followed it. Great television. If you're new to the series I would even go so far as to suggest you treat Dexter as a miniseries and only watch this season. (if not, at least stop after season 4.)
  6. Sep 4, 2014
    10
    It is mind captivating, and has a wonderful twist in each individual season. The seasons decline in terms of being well thought out, but even with that, it is still one of the best shows to have been ever made. Period. You are pulled in with a killer plot (pun) and a very well acted cast. You couldnt ask for a better, and well rounded show...
  7. Jul 9, 2014
    7
    I just started watching Dexter on Netflix and find it to be quite captivating. I like that it can be of suspense/thriller but still involve comedy. It is a good show and I shall continue to watch it.
  8. Oct 13, 2014
    9
    This series Envelopes a dark side of humanity that exists in all of us...all of us have a desire to kill to some degree, whether it be when we hypothesize about avenging a family member or any other situation that would warrant us to kill we can all relate to the "dark passenger"
  9. Oct 23, 2014
    9
    Top notch show in my books... although the last season was somewhat disappointing, and the final episode SUCKED in comparison to the shows that were popular/ ending around the same time. Much love to season 4 though, so epic.
  10. Oct 13, 2014
    9
    Dexter first season is smart from the begining to the end, it suprises you and keeps you awake with it's creativity and non-predictable story, it just introduces you the great actor that Michael C. Hall is, by his face you know that Dexter is empty inside, a hollow monster that lives a lie trying to share his feeling with someone that could possibly deal with his truth without wanting toDexter first season is smart from the begining to the end, it suprises you and keeps you awake with it's creativity and non-predictable story, it just introduces you the great actor that Michael C. Hall is, by his face you know that Dexter is empty inside, a hollow monster that lives a lie trying to share his feeling with someone that could possibly deal with his truth without wanting to kill him, Dexter is my new favorite one. Expand
  11. Mar 3, 2015
    10
    Dark, spooky, and the biggest puzzle-solving show done right with unique twists and turns that are very hard to predict!
    Michael Hall fits the "psychotic" character better than anyone else! 10/10 for him just taking the role!
  12. Dec 18, 2016
    8
    Первая половина сезона скучна, порой даже слишком, вторая намного лучше, но всё же иногда проседает.
    На некоторых персонажей просто наплевать, хотя их подают как основных, но когда сцены с ними ещё и затягивают, то хочется просто промотать.
    Из плюсов: Хорошая картинка, неожиданный поворот в конце, Декстер, музыка. В целом неплохо.
    Первая половина сезона скучна, порой даже слишком, вторая намного лучше, но всё же иногда проседает.
    На некоторых персонажей просто наплевать, хотя их подают как основных, но когда сцены с ними ещё и затягивают, то хочется просто промотать.
    Из плюсов:
    Хорошая картинка, неожиданный поворот в конце, Декстер, музыка.
    В целом неплохо.
  13. Jun 11, 2015
    8
    A really great first season. Based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, this season is pretty unlike the others (mostly). Dexter, being based on the interpretation of Lindsay, is more cold and authentic sociopathic. Later in the series he becomes more empathetic and remorseful for his actions and how they affect those he truly does love. Personally, I prefer that Dexter -A really great first season. Based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, this season is pretty unlike the others (mostly). Dexter, being based on the interpretation of Lindsay, is more cold and authentic sociopathic. Later in the series he becomes more empathetic and remorseful for his actions and how they affect those he truly does love. Personally, I prefer that Dexter - but this Dexter is cool too. Just different. I'm glad the direction of the show and character changed though.

    Best Episode(s): Dexter/Born Free.
    Worst Episode: Return to Sender.
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  14. Sep 1, 2015
    9
    Dexter is violent, dark, and showcases an unsettling side of humanity. With the titular character narrating his own life as the story progresses, this show adds an uncomfortable sense of intimacy to the mix, which the charming Michael C. Hall only uses to his advantage. That being said, those who can buy into its deliberately brutal tone and unconventional style will find season one fascinating.
  15. Nov 13, 2015
    9
    So I have heard about this show for years, and in my experience it was a sleeper hit. (Sort of like Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" -- I never understood what the big deal was until I feel down the rabbithole and became a rabid fan. Same experience, very different genres lol.)

    I sort of thought it would be like a superhero/vigilante thing, and I guess the premise didn't really
    So I have heard about this show for years, and in my experience it was a sleeper hit. (Sort of like Larry David's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" -- I never understood what the big deal was until I feel down the rabbithole and became a rabid fan. Same experience, very different genres lol.)

    I sort of thought it would be like a superhero/vigilante thing, and I guess the premise didn't really sound that interesting to me.

    But on a lark last weekend I gave it a try--I'm only in the second season now, but I have been SO impressed. Firstly, Michael Hall is brilliant. I also think Rita's type of character could have very very easily been one I found boring or annoying, but the way that actress does Rita is just spot on. I'm not sure if it is the acting, the writing, or the masterful pitch that infects every show, but they did a great job. I also really never expected the plot to be so complex or unexpected. I am not a person that gets surprised a lot--I'm usually that jerk that gives away the ending--but Dexter keeps me guessing. (With the aside that I did guess about his brother in the first season, but I think it is safe to say they foreshadowed enough that the intent was for the audience to know more than the characters in the final plot arc.)

    And in the second season at least so far they went in SUCH an unexpected direction-a serial killer experience performing issues--it seems brilliant and obvious in retrospect that it would be a great angle to explore, but I certainly never would have thought of it.

    If you are a skeptic like me I would seriously recommend giving it a try, it is worth it.
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  16. Jan 12, 2016
    9
    The show is unique, different, witty, gruesome and scary. A great show to watch with your friends and fam. Very original, who thinks of a serial-killer hero.
  17. May 8, 2016
    10
    Amazing season with an amazing antagonist, full of shocks and surprises, twists and turns. The main protagonist Dexter is an amazing character who is not your typical protagonist.
  18. Jun 27, 2016
    8
    Centered on a forensic technician/vigilante serial killer,the first season does not disappoint.It's a bit chilly and
    some cases might be boring but all of it is well compensated by Dexter's character and his views on those cases
    Do watch if you are into a good yet dramatic psychological study .
  19. Dec 25, 2017
    8
    A show that gives the audience an interesting concept for killing. It starts off with showing us who Dexter is, then slowly reveals how he became the sociopath he is.
  20. Aug 7, 2018
    9
    Dexter - one of the best series, and just the best series about the maniac murderer. The first season - one of the best seasons, isn't present extension of a plot and concealing of a bolshistvo of the facts of last Dester for the subsequent seasons here. In the first season in difference from the majority of other series obviously explain character of the hero, his acts and meaning ofDexter - one of the best series, and just the best series about the maniac murderer. The first season - one of the best seasons, isn't present extension of a plot and concealing of a bolshistvo of the facts of last Dester for the subsequent seasons here. In the first season in difference from the majority of other series obviously explain character of the hero, his acts and meaning of life. Also the first season possesses one of the most important twists of series. Excellent beginning of history of Dexter Morgan. Expand
  21. Apr 16, 2017
    10
    Dexter is an amazing show. He is definitely my favorite serial killer. This season was awesome. Michael C. Hall is perfect. It is a great show and I love watching.
  22. Mar 22, 2017
    9
    The first season of Dexter is by far my favorite season out of the show, as it's consistently tense, thrilling, and wonderfully dark all the way through. It definitely had me invested, and i wish the quality and impact the first season had stayed consistent throughout the series.
  23. Apr 2, 2017
    10
    It is hard for me to get sucked into a TV show so quickly but Dexter had no trouble doing that right away. Through its dark and mysterious plot line, Dexter leaves viewers in anticipation of what happens next. The character development goes in depth every season and only gets more interesting. Dexter is a must watch if you love anticipation, suspense, thrill, and a little bit of darkness.
  24. Apr 11, 2017
    7
    The story behind Dexter made me an addict right after finishing the first episode. The interpretation from Michael C. Hall is amazing and i wouldn't find anyone else better to represent that role. The biggest problem i've found on this TV Show is the amount of seasons. One of the main problem of this industry is keep selling what we want to see and they ended up ruining it a bit. The lastThe story behind Dexter made me an addict right after finishing the first episode. The interpretation from Michael C. Hall is amazing and i wouldn't find anyone else better to represent that role. The biggest problem i've found on this TV Show is the amount of seasons. One of the main problem of this industry is keep selling what we want to see and they ended up ruining it a bit. The last seasons are poor and unfortunately changed the valuation i wanted to give to Dexter. Although, it deserves a positive note in my opinion Expand
  25. JPK
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    Amazing First 5 Seasons
    Dexter during its first 5 seasons was one of the best shows on TV at the time.
  26. 4za
    May 25, 2018
    10
    My favourite season of TV ever. With what I believe to be one of the best anti-heroes in television history, this season of TV is extraordinary with some of the most compelling episodes of TV I've ever seen. The cast is stupendous with an amazing set of characters and actors. The amazing soundtrack, the great cinematography, the brutal murder scenes, how the audience can relate to DexterMy favourite season of TV ever. With what I believe to be one of the best anti-heroes in television history, this season of TV is extraordinary with some of the most compelling episodes of TV I've ever seen. The cast is stupendous with an amazing set of characters and actors. The amazing soundtrack, the great cinematography, the brutal murder scenes, how the audience can relate to Dexter in a strange way, it's perfect. Expand
  27. Jul 6, 2018
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A deeply disturbed blood spatter tech working for the Miami Police Depart. uses his specialized knowledge and training to kill murderers. As a 2 year old he was present as his mother was murdered with a chain saw. Though he cannot recall it consciously he was nonetheless damaged, left with a compulsion to kill. He lives by a code, killing only murderers.
    Dexter narrates the show, expressing his private thoughts, which are often surprisingly funny.

    There is a tendency to root for Dexter. He brings extrajudicial justice to many killers who have managed to avoid justice through legal means.
    But Dexter isn't really driven by a hunger for justice, but rather by his need to kill. Often he withholds evidence from the police so the killer won't be arrested, allowing Dexter to kill him instead.
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  28. Feb 19, 2019
    8
    Si no fuera por las ultimas 2, bueno más bien las últimas 3 temporadas le hubiera puesto un 9. Y de la 1 a la 5 le pongo un 10, sobre todo las 2 primeras, buenísimas. Lástima las ultimas temporadas, parece que a los creadores se les habían acabado todas las ideas... y el final de la temporada 8... muy mejorable, en mi opinión acaba muy precipitado y mal. A pesar de todo le pongo un 8 sobreSi no fuera por las ultimas 2, bueno más bien las últimas 3 temporadas le hubiera puesto un 9. Y de la 1 a la 5 le pongo un 10, sobre todo las 2 primeras, buenísimas. Lástima las ultimas temporadas, parece que a los creadores se les habían acabado todas las ideas... y el final de la temporada 8... muy mejorable, en mi opinión acaba muy precipitado y mal. A pesar de todo le pongo un 8 sobre 10 en el computo global. Mi cuarta crítica de la sección de TV. Expand
  29. Jan 25, 2020
    8
    Apesar de seguir um caminho bem diferente da adaptação, a serie traz um ar dinâmico e apresenta um personagem que, além de carismático, "satisfaz" a vontade que muitas pessoas tem pela sede de justiça. Além de ter seus momentos cômicos, trama principal que vai acontecendo no underground enquanto o tema próprio do episodio ocorre e personagens atraentes e carismáticos.
  30. Mar 14, 2021
    9
    I don't usually watch shows of this genre. Dexter is an exception. It has a an interesting premise. Dexter, a forensic specialist who works at the Miami Metro Police, experienced a very traumatic event in his childhood, and now he feels the urge to murder people. But he follows a moral code that was taught by his father, so he only murders bad people. Considering he's a serial killer,I don't usually watch shows of this genre. Dexter is an exception. It has a an interesting premise. Dexter, a forensic specialist who works at the Miami Metro Police, experienced a very traumatic event in his childhood, and now he feels the urge to murder people. But he follows a moral code that was taught by his father, so he only murders bad people. Considering he's a serial killer, Dexter is fairly sympathetic. And there's always this struggle between being "human" and being a serial killer.

    Season one has a very interesting villain. I won't give away anything, but let's just say he has a lot of things in common with Dexter. Season one is very good.
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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    80
    The morals of this provocative show are as intriguing as its cases.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Michael Endelman
    75
    Though his cliche hard-boiled voice-over doesn't work, much of this series... does. [29 Sep 2006, p.73]
  3. Dexter treats extreme violence much in the same way that GoodFellas did: as something horrifying, intoxicating, seductive and thrilling, all at the same time.