Everything We Know About The 'Dexter' Reboot
I'm not mad about living in a golden age of TV reboots. Our favourite shows from the early 2000s are getting new blood pumped through their veins, so we can walk down memory lane, while enjoying fresh new storylines and cast.
Next up to receive reboot treatment is none other than Dexter, the darkly comedic drama about loveable serial killer Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C Hall). The premise was golden: Dexter Morgan has an unquenchable thirst for murder, so he decides to abide by a code: only kill bad people. The show was a hit for a reason – boasting gruesome yet cathartic murder scenes, characters you rooted for and wild twists and turns. And who can forget those spine-tingling opening credits?
The original finale was heavily criticised by fans, as they felt it left things pretty unsatisfying. Eight years on, we're getting treated to a do-over.
Along comes Dexter: New Blood.
Strap in – and we don't mean to Dexter's murder table. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Dexter series.
When was the 'Dexter' revival announced?
On October 14, 2020, Dexter lovers were treated with the good news that the show would be making a return.
Of course, we found out through a tweet saying, 'Surprise, motherfucker' with a short video teasing the show's return. The instantly recognisable music from the original series makes a return, with the statement that "being away has been murder."
Showtime president Gary Levine announced the news, stating:
"Dexter is such a special series, both for its millions of fans and for Showtime, as this breakthrough show helped put our network on the map many years ago."
"We would only revisit this unique character if we could find a creative take that was truly worthy of the brilliant, original series. Well, I am happy to report that Clyde Phillips and Michael C Hall have found it, and we can't wait to shoot it and show it to the world," he added.
Who is returning and who is joining the cast for 'Dexter' 2.0?
You can't have Dexter without the brilliant Michael C Hall. The actor will thankfully be returning for the title role in this limited series to breathe new life into his character.
In February, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that (MTV alumnus!) Jamie Chung will play a recurring role in the 2021 Dexter revival. She'll be playing Molly, a famous true-crime podcaster from LA who finds herself caught up in the central mystery.
They also confirmed the casting of Oscar Wahlberg (NOS4A2) as Zach, the captain of a school wrestling team, who is "a bit of a bully, but generally the go-to-guy to have a good time. He’s the gateway to the in-crowd, which includes the daughter of the chief of police."
More exciting casting announcements have been reported by Digital Spy.
Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption, Billions) has been slated to play Kurt Caldwell, "a truck stop owner, the "unofficial" town mayor and the villain" of the 10-episode limited series.
Alano Miller (Jane the Virgin) has been cast as "police sergeant Logan and the assistant coach of the high school wrestling team".
Julia Jones (The Mandalorian, Twilight) will play Angela Bishop, Iron Lake's first Native American police chief. Johnny Sequoyah has been cast as her daughter Audrey.
Finally, David Magidoff (The Morning Show) will play Teddy, the newest addition to the local police department.
How many episodes of the ‘Dexter’ reboot will there be?
It was announced in October 2020 that the show was green lit for 10 episodes. Dexter: New Blood will be a 10-episode limited series.
What will 'Dexter: New Blood' be about?
We know that this new series will take place after the original series, and finds Dexter living in a quaint snowy town. The showrunners aren't letting on much, but here's the info we do have.
The official synopsis reads:
"Set 10 years after Dexter Morgan went missing in the eye of Hurricane Laura, the revival sees the character now living under an assumed name in a world away from Miami."
We've been treated to a few teasers from Dexter's official Twitter account, including showing him being greeted by neighbours in a small snowy community as 'Jim'.
They also showed off Dexter's staff ID at his new job. Dexter Morgan who? This is Jim Morgan, humble staff member at Fred's Fish and Game.
What is the release date for 'Dexter: New Blood'?
Last month we got confirmation of the Dexter: New Blood release date: November 7, 2021.
Clear out your schedules, because by the end of the year, our favourite killer will be back to his old ways.
Where can I watch the 'Dexter' reboot in Australia?
Over in the US, Dexter: New Blood will premiere Sunday, November 7 on Showtime.
Down Under, you can catch it on the new streaming service Paramount+ Australia.
Will this be 'Dexter' Season 9?
The showrunners have been clear that this won't be just Dexter Season 9, nor will it set out to right the wrongs of the first finale.
"We want this to not be Dexter Season 9," returning showrunner Clyde Phillips told TV Line.
"Ten years, or however many years, have passed by the time this will air, and the show will reflect that time passage. So far as the ending of the show, this will have no resemblance to how the original finale was. It’s a great opportunity to write a second finale."
"We’re not going to betray the audience and say, ‘Whoops, that was all a dream.’ What happened in the first eight years happened in the first eight years," he added.
Where can I watch the original seasons of 'Dexter'?
If you want a trip down memory lane, you can catch the original Dexter series on Apple TV, where you can purchase individual episodes or full seasons. Catch all of Dexter's first bloody adventures across Miami alongside his sister Debra.
Where can I watch the trailer for the 'Dexter' reboot?
Catch the dark and gritty trailer for Dexter: New Blood just below.
Paramount+ is available to Australian residents for $8.99 a month. Sign up for a free seven-day trial.
Editor’s note: Paramount+ and MTV are both subsidiaries of ViacomCBS.
