Dexter: Original Sin: Release date, cast, plot, and everything we know so far

Dexter: Original Sin serves as a prequel to the original Dexter (2006) series. Set in 1991, 15 years before fans met Dexter in the original show, the prequel follows his life as a forensic student interning at the fictional Miami Metro police department. The 10-episode crime drama series is set to premiere on Showtime on December 15, 2024, and two days earlier, on December 13 to subscribers of Showtime on Paramount Plus.

Viewers will see the transformation of the titular character, Dexter Morgan as a vigilante serial killer who follows The Code. The Code is a set of rules created by his adoptive father, Harry Morgan, to ensure he only murders criminals who have slipped through the American justice system either because of legal technicalities or corruption. The Code also helps him avoid any law enforcement agency's radar. It keeps him safe while also serving justice to those who deserve it.

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Dexter: Original Sin will be released on December 15, 2024, on Showtime

Dexter: Original Sin storyline will begin in 1991 when Harry was still alive. It will also showcase Dexter's first kill. Through flashbacks portrayed in the original series, fans may remember that Dexter's first kill was a nurse who was slowly poisoning his father.

Besides the first kill, fans will also be treated to the creation of the moral framework called The Code, the Kill Room, and the management of his inner darkness. Dexter often called his urge to kill his Dark Passenger. Viewers will see how he tames his Dark Passenger as a young kid.

Fans will also get an insight into Harry's mind. In Dexter, audiences learn that Harry committed suicide after witnessing his son commit murder. It will be an interesting story arc for this character to see how he arrived at this difficult decision.

Patrick Gibson plays a young Dexter in Dexter: Original Sin (Image via Getty)

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Cast and characters

In Dexter: Original Sin, Patrick Gibson stars as a young Dexter Morgan while Christian Slater plays Harry's role. Molly Brown plays the role of Dexter's feisty and determined sister, Debra Morgan. Moreover, Christina Milian plays the role of a younger version of Maria LaGuerta. She was the department's first homicide detective and later became captain of the Miami Metro police department.

James Martinez plays detective Angel Batista and Alex Shimizu stars as a young Vince Masuka.

Other actors in Dexter: Original Sin are:

• Patrick Dempsey as Captain Aaron Spencer, the current Captain of the Miami Metro police
• Reno Wilson as Bobby Watt
• Sarah Michelle Gellar as Tanya Martin, Dexter's boss in the forensic department
• Michael C. Hall as the inner voice of Dexter Morgan

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Everything to know about the original show

The original show Dexter revolved around the life of Dexter Morgan, a forensic specialist for the Miami Metro police specializing in blood splatter analysis. The series premiered on Showtime in 2006 and ended in 2013. Its eight-season run saw Dexter be a serial killer with a conscience and penchant for justice while juggling the challenges of his personal and professional life.

Dexter also lacks empathy. However, he has developed certain habits to ensure people like him such as bringing a box of donuts for all members working in the police department.

Dexter was a smash hit for Showtime. According to Variety, its season 4 finale amassed a viewership of 2.6 million. Even its spin-off series Dexter: New Blood which served as a sequel to the original show, was watched by three million viewers.

(Warning: Spoilers of Dexter: New Blood ahead)

Besides tying up with the original series, Dexter: Original Sin also gives a nod to Dexter: New Blood. In the official trailer, we see Dexter, who was shot in New Blood by his son Harrison, being wheeled into a hospital's emergency room for surgery. As his life flashes before his eyes, he remembers his younger self. The scene then connects to Original Sin and kicks off the prequel.

Dexter: Original Sin premiers on Showtime on December 15, 2024, at 10 pm ET. It will air on Paramount Plus for Showtime subscribers on December 13, 2024.