• 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. 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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  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Dec 11, 2018
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ridiculous show, illogical and outrageously insane plot holes, but great actors.

    Another good ol' show making psychopaths/serial killers look like good guys while completely misunderstanding what a serial killer or a psychopath is. The writers try far too hard to convince you dexter is a psychopath without actually telling you they just give giant hints and implications which is rather annoying, but also a psychopath that can some how feel emotions and guilt for his "loved" ones? Its as if the writers did sloppy google research following trends and stereotypes than actually consulting an expert.

    Dexter is somehow a forensics genius yet uses...Horse sedatives? For knocking out his human victims (instantly that is) he really couldn't have just made his own sedative or picked something more realistic? His co-workers don't even seem the slightest disturbed or bothered by his obsession with blood and even has blood painting on his office walls. Did I forget to mention they happen to be members of law enforcement and detectives? This didn't raise eyebrows and people casually act like it's normal except for the angry black man who was an ex-spec op and swears alot. When dexter enters the evidence room they it is later being reported evidence is missing and they don't bother checking the cameras or logs to see who entered and tampered with police evidence?

    Dexter also killed animals as a child (another psychopath stereotype) and his pet turtle was so afraid of him that he hid in his shell and starved to death, this isn't the god damned anti-christ or a demon where animals can sense evil presences it's just a very edgy chid. Instead of giving him help his foster father for some reason to the unknown had him kill 'bad' guys instead as a way to control his urges, did I mention his foster dad happens to be a cop and even taught him how to avoid getting arrested? According to him it's not 'normal' to not smile when photos are taken, or have a family, or write thank you letters because it will make you suspicious to the eyes of law enforcement? Something in that manner.

    The entire set spent 7 hours setting up plastic on an ENTIRE house instead of a small room. It also just seems crazy how he can set all that up in an abandoned building without anyone getting suspicious, how does anyone NOT get suspicious to the sounds of power saws, plastic covering windows, and a person leaving it? How does anyone not walk in on him either? Abandoned buildings are still owned by someone who regularly keeps it maintained.

    The writers try to justify dexter killing because they were 'bad guys who killed' all while doing the exact same thing. How do detectives with years and years of experience and training not find a killer, but a blood spatter analyst can? Also why is every single serial killer in Miami? Every singe one and his kill count is inhumanely possible 100+

    Regardless of evidence stacking up against dexter later in seasons these very same highly trained detectives still cannot seem to get the picture that dexter is the killer. Only ONE detective later in the series get suspicious of dexter and investigates him until his girlfriend who happens to be dexter's sister, gets him to back off.

    The problem I have with this show is they are glorifying psychopaths/serial killers. They are NOT and will NEVER be good people. Yes they are very intelligent and very successful people, but they do not all commit serial killing, many people who have psychopathy enjoy power and are usually happy with having that power.
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  6. 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
  7. 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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  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. Dec 30, 2016
    9
    Great first season. This show, to be honest, started out a bit boring for me. I watched the first couple of episodes and I actually was so bored I didn't watch the show again for about 2 years. But I was trying to find a show to watch, and I came across it and decided to give it another go. There were a few plotholes/conveniences (killing the psychiatrist in his office, for instance,Great first season. This show, to be honest, started out a bit boring for me. I watched the first couple of episodes and I actually was so bored I didn't watch the show again for about 2 years. But I was trying to find a show to watch, and I came across it and decided to give it another go. There were a few plotholes/conveniences (killing the psychiatrist in his office, for instance, without anyone coming in or trying to find out where he was at, or at the end, the police leaving Deb without any police protection when the guy who kidnapped and almost killed her was still on the loose). However, the show still shines despite these. A very thrilling watch.

    8.75/10
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  15. 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.
  16. 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 .
  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. Feb 1, 2016
    8
    Dexter's first season thrives on an intriguing central character with a dark secret that constantly threatens his well-being. The whole serial killer that kills people that get away with awful things is a great premise, but while Dexter is certainly a winner, its first season doesn't scream "instant classic". It's a jumping off point that gets carried for its unique spin on TV, and its aDexter's first season thrives on an intriguing central character with a dark secret that constantly threatens his well-being. The whole serial killer that kills people that get away with awful things is a great premise, but while Dexter is certainly a winner, its first season doesn't scream "instant classic". It's a jumping off point that gets carried for its unique spin on TV, and its a show that doesn't apologize for its occasional grit. After years of being told to watch this show, I'm finally getting my feet wet, and I'm glad I have. Expand
  19. Jan 13, 2016
    6
    Weirdly although the main character seems a bit odd you kinda start feeling for him. This show has a very bold and never seen before plot with some major twists and turns.
  20. 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.
  21. 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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  22. 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.
  23. Jul 3, 2015
    9
    Dexter isn't your average hero. Quite the opposite really. He's a serial killer. However the only people he kills are criminals. Particularly the ones that have escaped justice. The show is partially about that and how he tries to hide it in everyday life. He works in forensics, maintains a relationship, and is overall pretty good at hiding his true self. The other part of the show is anDexter isn't your average hero. Quite the opposite really. He's a serial killer. However the only people he kills are criminals. Particularly the ones that have escaped justice. The show is partially about that and how he tries to hide it in everyday life. He works in forensics, maintains a relationship, and is overall pretty good at hiding his true self. The other part of the show is an involving character drama with some good cases. Dexter may be the star, but the side-characters are just as interesting.

    Watching Dexter struggle with who he is and who he wants to be is incredibly compelling and the fantastic voice-over work for the characters thoughts is well-written. The character is more like normal, everyday people than even he thinks. For a man who even himself believes he doesn't have any feelings, he sure does care a lot about the people around him.

    The plotting of this season is pretty great. We deal with Dexter and the rest of the police force he works with trying to catch a mysterious killer. Meanwhile Dexter's personal life gets caught up in the mix and his past starts to come forward. The incorporation of flashbacks to his teenage years and earlier help flesh out the character more. It's exciting to see how the lessons he learned back then made him who he is today. All of it is well-written and enjoyable to watch.

    Given the nature of it's set-up this is a very violent show. Many might be put off by all of the blood and gore. It doesn't feel terribly excessive though. At least not in the sense that the show is just going for shock value. On the contrary, all of the kills and horror that unfold feel relevant to the plots at hand.

    By far one of the most surprising aspects of this show though is the inclusion of a dark sense of humor. It adds a sense of light playfulness that keeps the show from getting too dark. Overall "Dexter" is a fantastic dark drama show. One that is only suitable for mature audiences. Regardless of the nature of it's content this is some top-notch entertainment. I highly recommend giving it a chance.

    I give the first season a 9.1/10.
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  24. 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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  25. 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!
  26. Feb 9, 2015
    8
    This show started so well, seasons 1-4 were all brilliant character studies of a deranged serial killer. They had great music, a brilliantly complex protagonist/antagonist in dexter and each season had an intriguing villain that made each season fresh.
    Then we got seasons 5-8.
    Dexter massively overstayed its welcome, with plot lines that started up and disappeared instantly, side
    This show started so well, seasons 1-4 were all brilliant character studies of a deranged serial killer. They had great music, a brilliantly complex protagonist/antagonist in dexter and each season had an intriguing villain that made each season fresh.
    Then we got seasons 5-8.
    Dexter massively overstayed its welcome, with plot lines that started up and disappeared instantly, side characters that got too much screen time and unmemorable antagonists all made the show repetitive. It lost its edge, and became more about Dexter's relationships than it did his psychopathic tendencies. As Dexter was humanised, the show became another standard show. Lessons we learnt about Dexter in seasons 1-4 were constantly repeated and the ending, my god it is terrible.
    Check out seasons 1-4, amazing, 10/10 television, after that, well, I would leave it alone.
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  27. 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.
  28. 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"
  29. 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
  30. Sep 22, 2014
    6
    Achei este seriado com um ritmo muito arrastado, apesar de bom. O final realmente é surpreendente, mas nada de demais também, não chega a impressionar. O modelo de uma solução de crime por temporada (pelo menos na 1) é interessante, porém, nao prende a atenção. Longe de seriados empolgante que você não consegue de parar de ver (a la Lost).
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.