Why did Showtime cancel 'Dexter: New Blood' after first season?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Showtime revived its hit series 'Dexter' for a 10-episode run in 'Dexter: New Blood,' while talk floated around about a potential second season, it was never confirmed. The crime drama mystery mini-series story is set ten years after the events of the original series finale, 'Remember the Monsters?', which was broadcast in 2013. The OG 'Dexter' centers on Michael C. Hall's Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis for the fictional Miami Metro Police Department, who leads a secret parallel life as a vigilante serial killer, hunting down murderers who have not been adequately punished by the justice system due to corruption or legal technicalities.
Regardless, Showtime is done with its revival series 'Dexter: New Blood,' but it's not getting out of the 'Dexter' business anytime soon. The cancellation was unexpected, as 'Dexter: New Blood' became Showtime's most-watched series ever after its premiere in November 2021. Unlike most series which has a new set of cast, 'Dexter: New Blood' featured Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter, who reprised their roles as Dexter and Debra Morgan, respectively, alongside new cast members Jack Alcott, Julia Jones, Johnny Sequoyah, Alano Miller, and Clancy Brown. However, it is tough luck for all 'Dexter' fans, or is it? Read more to find out.
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Why did Showtime revoke 'Dexter: New Blood' after Season 1?
'Dexter: New Blood season 2' is no longer moving forward at Showtime. The sequel series to the original hit drama 'Dexter' premiered on Showtime in 2021 and aired ten episodes. The series starred returning 'Dexter' actor Michael C. Hall as the titular serial killer and brought on Jack Alcott as his son, Harrison. According to a new report from TV Line, 'Dexter: New Blood season 2' has been canceled at Showtime. The news comes in the days following the announcement of the Showtime and Paramount+ streaming merger. The merger was immediately accompanied by Showtime series cancellations, including the scrapping of the vampire drama 'Let The Right One In' and Jon Bernthal's 'American Gigolo' from the network's programming. However, insider reports suggest a prequel series of 'Dexter' is in the making perhaps that can be the reason for the cancellation of 'Dexter: New Blood'.
New prequel series
In the announcement, it was confirmed that Showtime is focusing on the development of a new 'Dexter' series which will be considered as the prequel of the rest. The outlet also shared that the network is continuing to explore new stories to tell, including a prequel series centered on a young 'Dexter.' This and other show possibilities within the 'Dexter' universe haven't been set in stone, but should they ever move forward, there's plenty of existing fable to work with. Events from the original series such as the shipping container incident with toddler-aged 'Dexter' and his brother Brian, the revelations Dr. Vogel brought in Season 8, and other flashbacks offer solid starting points. 'Dexter' first debuted in 2006 and ran for eight seasons until 2013.
All episodes of 'Dexter' and 'Dexter: New Blood' are streaming on Showtime.