
If you’re looking to binge the entire saga of Miami’s most complex forensic expert, you’ve likely noticed that the "Dexter-verse" is more fragmented than ever in 2026. From the iconic original eight seasons to the high-stakes revival New Blood and the highly anticipated 2026 sequel Resurrection, tracking down every episode can be a headache. Whether you are a cord-cutter in the US, a Netflix subscriber in the UK, or a fan in Southeast Asia, this guide breaks down the most reliable platforms to stream the franchise. We’ve done the legwork to find the best high-definition sources—including regional exclusives and budget-friendly options—so you can focus on the story instead of the search.
About Dexter Seasons: A Quick Overview
The franchise follows Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a forensic blood spatter analyst by day and vigilante serial killer by night, who hunts murderers who have escaped justice . After the controversial original finale, the series was revived with New Blood in 2021, followed by the prequel Original Sin (starring Patrick Gibson as young Dexter with Michael C. Hall narrating) , and the ongoing Resurrection.
✴️The Dexter Franchise at a Glance
Before diving into regional availability, here's a quick overview of the complete Dexter universe:
| Series | Type | Seasons | Episodes | Original Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexter | Original Series | 8 seasons | 96 episodes | 2006-2013 |
| Dexter: New Blood | Sequel Miniseries | 1 season | 10 episodes | 2021-2022 |
| Dexter: Original Sin | Prequel Series | 1 season | 10 episodes | 2024-2025 |
| Dexter: Resurrection | Sequel Series | Season 1 (complete), Season 2 coming Oct 2026 | 10+ episodes | 2025-present |
✴️How to Watch Dexter in Order
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Chronological (Story) Order: Follows Dexter's life from his teenage years in the 1990s through his latest resurrection in 2025. This order preserves the character's historical timeline but may spoil certain reveals from the original series.
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Release Order: The way audiences experienced the story as it unfolded over two decades. This preserves mystery, suspense, and the intended narrative surprises.
🔀 Chronological vs Release Order: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Chronological Order | Release Order |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Rewatchers, timeline purists | First-time viewers |
| Preserves surprises | ❌ No — spoils later reveals | ✅ Yes — maintains mystery |
| Story coherence | ✅ Follows Dexter's life linearly | ⚠️ Flashbacks may feel dated |
| Emotional impact | Varies — some moments hit differently | ✅ Original intended impact |
| Time commitment | 9 seasons + limited series | Same total content |
👉 Quick tip: If you're watching for the first time, start with Release Order. Experience the original series, feel the shock of its twists, then explore the prequel Original Sin as a fascinating look back at Dexter's origins before diving into Resurrection .
For longtime fans revisiting the series before Resurrection, Chronological Order offers a fresh perspective on Dexter's psychological journey from troubled teen to legendary serial killer.
Where to Watch Dexter Online: Country-by-Country Streaming Guide
⏩United States (US)
Paramount+ is the exclusive streaming home for the entire Dexter franchise in the United States, though different tiers provide access to different content .
| Platform | Content Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ Essential | All 8 original seasons of Dexter | $8.99/month (with ads) |
| Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | Original series + New Blood | $13.99+/month |
| Paramount+ Premium | Complete franchise: original + New Blood + Original Sin + Resurrection | Premium tier required |
| Prime Video (Paramount+ add-on) | Depends on selected Paramount+ tier | Varies by plan |
Important Notes:
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As of December 2024, all eight seasons of the original Dexter are available on the Essential tier—previously they required the more expensive SHOWTIME plan
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Dexter is no longer available on Netflix US as of June 19, 2025
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The licensing deal between Netflix and CBS/SHOWTIME expired on March 31, 2026, with no renewal announced
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Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 is scheduled to premiere in October 2026
⏩United Kingdom(UK)
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ UK | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
| Sky/Now TV | All Dexter content (Sky holds broadcast rights for SHOWTIME content) |
Details:
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Dexter: Original Sin launched exclusively on Paramount+ UK on December 13, 2024
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Dexter: Resurrection premiered on Paramount+ UK in July 2025
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Sky Atlantic carries SHOWTIME programming, including Dexter series
⏩Canada(CA)
You can find the original run on both Netflix Canada and Crave. Crave remains the primary home for the newer chapters in the Dexter saga.
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ Canada | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
| https://www.crave.ca | Select Dexter content (holds SHOWTIME rights in Canada) |
Details:
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Dexter: Original Sin premiered on Paramount+ Canada on December 13, 2024
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Dexter: Resurrection launched on Paramount+ Canada in July 2025
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Crave has traditionally carried SHOWTIME programming, including the original Dexter series
⏩Australia(AU)
You can see Original Series (S1-8) on Netflix Australia and Paramount+. And the New Blood & Spin-offs and exclusively on Paramount+ Australia.
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ Australia | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
| Netflix Australia |
Original Series (S1-8) |
Details:
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Dexter: Original Sin launched on Paramount+ Australia on December 13, 2024
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Dexter: Resurrection premiered on Paramount+ Australia in July 2025
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Paramount+ launched in Australia in 2021 and has become the primary destination for Dexter content in the region
⏩Europe: Germany, France, Italy, Spain
Paramount+ is present in many EU countries including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, with full Dexter availability.
Original Series (S1-8) are generally available on Netflix in most European territories. In several European countries, Netflix may list some seasons of the original series (availability varies by market).
Germany
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ Germany | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
Details:
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Dexter: Original Sin launched on Paramount+ Germany on December 13, 2024
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Dexter: Resurrection premiered on Paramount+ Germany in July 2025
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Resurrection Season 2 is confirmed and will be available on Paramount+ Germany
France
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ France | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
| Canal+. |
Dexter original series |
Details:
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Check Paramount+ France for current Dexter availability
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French subtitles and dubbing options are typically available on the platform
Italy
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ Italy | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
Details:
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Dexter: Original Sin launched on Paramount+ Italy on December 13, 2024
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Dexter: Resurrection premiered on Paramount+ Italy in July 2025
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Italian dubbing and subtitles are available; for the original performance, Italian subtitles are recommended
Spain
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| SkyShowtime | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
Details:
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Dexter: Resurrection is available on SkyShowtime in Spain
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Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 has been confirmed and will also be available on SkyShowtime
⏩India(IN)
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Jio Hotstar | Dexter: Resurrection (expected) |
| Netflix India | Original Dexter series (check current availability) |
| Amazon Prime Video India | Select Dexter content |
Details:
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Dexter: Resurrection is expected to be available on Jio Hotstar in India
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The original Dexter series has historically been available on Netflix India and Amazon Prime Video—check current listings
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International licensing for India frequently changes, so verify current availability on each platform
⏩Southeast Asia: Singapore, Philippines, Thailand
Paramount+ streaming available with all Dexter installments.
Netflix Regional Libraries – Some seasons may still appear on Netflix SG depending on territory rights
Singapore
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ Singapore | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
Details:
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Paramount+ launched in Singapore with extensive content library
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Check local Paramount+ for complete Dexter franchise availability
Philippines
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ Philippines | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
Details:
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Paramount+ is available in the Philippines with localized content
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All Dexter series should be available on the platform
Thailand
| Platform | Content Available |
|---|---|
| Paramount+ Thailand | Complete franchise: original series, New Blood, Original Sin, Resurrection |
Details:
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Paramount+ has expanded into Southeast Asian markets including Thailand
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Check local Paramount+ for Dexter availability
📌Quick Reference: International Streaming Summary
| Country/Region | Primary Platform | Secondary Options |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Paramount+ (Essential/with SHOWTIME/Premium) | Prime Video (with add-on) |
| United Kingdom | Paramount+ UK | Sky/Now TV |
| Canada | Paramount+ Canada | Crave |
| Australia | Paramount+ Australia | - |
| Germany | Paramount+ Germany | - |
| France | Paramount+ France | - |
| Italy | Paramount+ Italy | - |
| Spain | SkyShowtime | - |
| India | Jio Hotstar (for Resurrection) | Netflix India, Prime Video India |
| Singapore | Paramount+ Singapore | - |
| Philippines | Paramount+ Philippines | - |
| Thailand | Paramount+ Thailand | - |
💡Notes on Streaming Rights
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Paramount+ is increasingly the central platform for all Dexter content globally, as Paramount Global owns the rights and licenses them strategically.
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Netflix streaming availability is regional and temporary; for example, the US lost Dexter in June 2025, while UK/Canada had access through at least March 2026.
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Digital purchase (Apple TV, Amazon) is a reliable fallback where subscription services aren’t available or don’t carry the series.
Best Platforms to Watch Dexter: Features & Viewing Options
When it comes to the "Best Platform" for Dexter, the choice depends on whether you value visual quality, budget, or all-in-one access to the spin-offs. In 2026, the licensing war has reached a fever pitch, making some platforms far superior to others.
Here is the breakdown of the best platforms to watch Dexter based on features and viewing options.
1.Paramount+ - The Exclusive Streaming Home

Paramount+ is now the primary streaming home for all Dexter content. It offers virtually every part of the franchise in one place.
In 2026, Paramount+ has solidified its position as the definitive "Home of Dexter." If you are a fan of the franchise, this is the only platform where the timeline is truly complete.
⏩What You Can Watch
Paramount+ (specifically the Premium/Showtime tier) is the only service that hosts all four chapters of the saga:
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Dexter (Original Series): All 8 seasons (2006–2013).
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Dexter: New Blood: The 10-episode 2021 revival.
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Dexter: Original Sin: The 90s prequel series (Released late 2024).
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Dexter: Resurrection: The direct 2025 sequel to New Blood. Season 2 is currently the most anticipated release of Summer 2026.
⏩Key Features for Fans
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Exclusive full access: Original Dexter series + New Blood, Original Sin, and Resurrection all in one place.
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High-quality streaming: 4K/HD options depending on plan and region.
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Profiles & personalization: Save watch history, create watchlists.
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Early access & new releases: Premiere episodes and exclusive extras.
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Multi-device support: Watch on phone, tablet, TV apps, gaming consoles, and web.
⏩Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Complete Library: The only place for every spin-off. | App Stability: The interface can still be "buggy" compared to Netflix. |
| Early Access: Premium subscribers often get episodes on Fridays, 2 days before the Sunday cable airing. | Price Hikes: 2026 saw a price increase across all major regions. |
| Showtime Integration: Includes other dark hits like Yellowjackets and Your Honor. | No More Free Trials: As of Jan 2026, standalone free trials have been largely phased out. |
Overall, for Dexter fans specifically, the cons are relatively minor compared to having a complete and continuously updated streaming home.
⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model
Paramount+ updated its pricing on January 15, 2026. Note that you typically need the Premium tier to access the newest Dexter spin-offs and avoid ads.
| Region | Essential (With Ads) | Premium (Ad-Free + Showtime) |
| USA | $8.99 / mo | $13.99 / mo (includes all Dexter) |
| UK | £4.99 / mo | £10.99 / mo |
| Australia | AU$7.99 / mo | AU$17.99 / mo |
| Canada | CA$6.99 / mo | CA$13.99 / mo |
Note: Annual plans offer a ~15-20% discount. In the US, the Premium tier is required to watch Dexter: Original Sin and Resurrection.
⏩Who is It Best For?
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Fans who want every Dexter series in one subscription.
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Viewers who appreciate curated series collections and official releases.
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Binge-watchers who prefer HD quality and no interruptions.
👉 Paramount+ is increasingly the central home for Dexter globally thanks to licensing rights shifting from Netflix and others to Paramount’s own ecosystem.
2.Amazon Prime Video - Best for Ownership

While Paramount+ is the official home for most of the Dexter content, Amazon Prime Video still plays a role — especially for digital ownership and some regional availability.
In 2026, Amazon Prime Video occupies a unique position in the Dexter streaming landscape. Unlike Paramount+, which is the "producer," Amazon acts more like a high-end aggregator in the US/UK and a direct savior for fans in India.
⏩What You Can Watch
The content available on Prime Video depends entirely on your region and whether you use "Channels":
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USA, UK, & Canada: Prime Video typically does not include Dexter in the base Prime membership. Instead, you watch via the Paramount+ Channel add-on. This gives you:
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Dexter (Original S1–8)
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Dexter: New Blood
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Dexter: Original Sin & Resurrection
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India: In a major move for Prime Day 2025/2026, Amazon secured direct streaming rights for Dexter: Resurrection in India. It is included with a standard Prime membership.
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Southeast Asia: Mostly available as a "buy or rent" option or through the Paramount+ channel in select territories.
⏩Key Features for Fans
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Buy or rent seasons/episodes: Purchase individual Dexter seasons or complete series.
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Lifetime access: Once bought, you own the content forever (no subscription required).
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Download to watch offline: Great for travel or limited internet.
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Flexible device support: Works on streaming players, mobile devices, and smart TVs.
⏩Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Unified Billing: Keep your Dexter subscription on the same bill as your Amazon shopping. | "The Double Pay": In the US/UK, you must pay for Prime plus the Paramount+ add-on fee. |
| Best-in-Class Player: Features like X-Ray and stable 4K streaming exceed other apps. | Regional Confusion: Rights change frequently; Resurrection might be on Prime in India but not in the UK. |
| AI Recaps: Quickly catch up on plot points without re-watching entire seasons. | UI Clutter: It can be hard to distinguish what's "Free with Prime" vs. what requires a paid add-on. |
⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model
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The "Base" Prime Cost: * USA: $14.99/mo
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UK: £8.99/mo
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India: ₹1,499/year (Great value as Resurrection is often included here).
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The "Dexter Add-on" (Paramount+ Channel): * USA: Additional $13.99/mo (Showtime tier required for full access).
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UK: Additional £10.99/mo (Premium tier).
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⏩Who is It Best For?
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The Tech-Savvy Viewer: If you love the X-Ray feature to see "Who is that actor?" or need the most stable 4K stream for the new sequels.
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Indian Fans: It is essentially the "Main Home" for the newest series without needing extra add-ons.
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The App-Hater: If you already have the Prime Video app on your Smart TV and don't want to download and log into a separate, potentially laggier Paramount+ app.
Prime Video does not typically include the full Dexter catalogue as part of its base library but allows digital purchase/rental and, in some regions, has select streaming of Dexter: Resurrection.
3.Netflix - Best for Partial Availability

In 2026, Netflix remains the most popular entry point for the Dexter universe, though its role has shifted from being a "forever home" to a "limited-time library." While it offers the most polished streaming experience, it comes with a major catch regarding the newer sequels.
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Current Status: Dexter is no longer available on Netflix US as of June 19, 2025 .
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Background: The series was added to Netflix in June 2024 for a one-year licensing agreement. The licensing deal between Netflix and CBS/SHOWTIME expired on March 31, 2026, with no renewal announced .
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Other Regions: The show is also expected to leave other regions like the UK and Canada soon, with the licensing agreement ending in March 2026.
⏩What You Can Watch
Netflix’s license is strictly limited to the Original Series.
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Dexter (Original Series): All 8 seasons (Seasons 1–8) are available.
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The Missing Pieces: You cannot watch Dexter: New Blood, Dexter: Original Sin (Prequel), or Dexter: Resurrection (2026 Sequel) on Netflix. These are exclusive to Paramount+.
⏩Key Features for Fans
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Seamless Binging: Netflix still has the industry-leading "Skip Intro" and "Next Episode" transitions, making it the fastest way to power through all 96 original episodes.
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Smart Downloads: The app automatically downloads the next episode and deletes the one you just finished—perfect for commuting.
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Language Support: Netflix typically offers the widest range of dubbed and subtitled versions (especially in French, German, and Spanish) compared to newer platforms like Paramount+.
⏩Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Best Interface: The most stable app with the least buffering. | Incomplete Story: No access to the revival or the 2026 spin-offs. |
| No Extra Cost: Included in your existing Netflix sub (no "Showtime" add-on needed). | Expiring Soon: Many countries will lose the show by the end of March 2026. |
| Mobile Gaming: Includes Dexter themed mobile puzzles/content in some regions. | Capped Quality: Original series is limited to 1080p (no 4K remaster). |
⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model
Netflix pricing has seen a slight adjustment in early 2026 to account for its expanded gaming and live content.
| Region | Standard (with Ads) | Standard (Ad-Free) | Premium (4K) |
| USA | $7.99 / mo | $17.99 / mo | $24.99 / mo |
| UK | £4.99 / mo | £10.99 / mo | £17.99 / mo |
| Canada | CA$7.38 / mo | CA$12.18 / mo | CA$20.99 / mo |
| India | ₹149 / mo (Mobile) | ₹499 / mo | ₹649 / mo |
⏩Who is It Best For?
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The First-Timer: If you have never seen Dexter and want to see if it’s for you, start here. It’s the lowest-friction way to watch the best years of the show.
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The International Fan: In regions like India and SE Asia, Netflix is often the only stable way to access the original series without a VPN.
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The Traveler: Because Netflix is available almost everywhere, you can continue your binge easily across borders (though the library may change slightly).
Watch the first 8 seasons on Netflix right now to save money, but be prepared to move to Paramount+ the second you finish Season 8 so you can see the 2026 finale in Dexter: Resurrection.
4.Now TV - UK Free/Tiered Option

In the UK, NOW (formerly NOW TV) is a major player for Dexter fans, primarily because it serves as the streaming home for Sky Atlantic. However, the 2026 landscape has changed due to the massive integration of HBO Max and the rise of Paramount+.
For those without Paramount+, NOW (via the Entertainment Membership) provides a solid 1080p stream. However, you often have to pay extra for "NOW Boost" to get 1080p and ad-free viewing.
⏩What You Can Watch
In the UK (and Ireland), NOW TV is one of the main streaming hubs for Sky content, which includes:
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Dexter (Original Series, Seasons 1–8)
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Dexter: New Blood (limited revival series)
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Other Showtime / Sky Atlantic titles (depending on licensing windows)
👉 Content is typically available via the Entertainment Membership, since Dexter airs under Sky Atlantic.
⏩Key Features for Fans
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Sky Atlantic Connection: Access to the "prestige TV" catalog (like The Last of Us or House of the Dragon) alongside Dexter.
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No Contract: Unlike a traditional Sky Q or Sky Glass subscription, you can pay for one month to binge Dexter and cancel immediately.
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HBO Max Integration: Starting in March 2026, NOW Entertainment memberships automatically include HBO Max content at no extra cost, making it an incredible value for drama lovers.
⏩Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| All-in-One Drama: The best place to watch Dexter alongside HBO hits. | Pay-to-Play Quality: 1080p and ad-free viewing require an extra "Boost" fee. |
| Flexible: No long-term satellite contracts. | Incomplete Franchise: Newer 2026 spin-offs are often missing or delayed. |
| Live TV: Includes live streaming of Sky Atlantic and Sky Crime. | Device Limits: Restricted number of simultaneous streams without an upgrade. |
⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model
NOW has simplified its tiers for 2026 to compete with Netflix and Disney+.
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NOW Entertainment (Standard): £4.99/mo (Includes Ads).
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NOW Entertainment & HBO Max: £6.99/mo (The new 2026 flagship tier).
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NOW Boost (Add-on): £6.00/mo. You must have this to watch Dexter in Full HD (1080p) and without disruptive ads.
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Note: Without Boost, your "blood splatter" will be capped at 720p.
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⏩Who is It Best For?
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The UK Drama Addict: If you want Dexter but also need your fix of Succession, Game of Thrones, and the new 2026 HBO releases.
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The Casual Binger: Fans who want to marathon the original 8 seasons and New Blood over a single month without a long-term commitment.
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The Budget-Conscious: At £4.99, it is one of the cheapest ways to legally access the original series in the UK.
If you only care about the Original Series and New Blood, NOW is your best bet for a quick, cheap binge. However, if you want to be part of the conversation for the 2026 sequels, you’ll likely need to jump over to Paramount+.
5.Crave - The Best Regional Alternatives

Crave is a Canadian streaming service that focuses on premium TV content, historically including Dexter and other Showtime titles. However, Dexter availability on Crave has changed over time due to rights shifts to Paramount+.
Crave offers the original series and New Blood. It lacks some of the 4K bells and whistles of Paramount+, but it’s often bundled with HBO and Starz, making it a great "prestige TV" value.
⏩What You Can Watch
Crave’s library for Dexter has shifted significantly as licensing deals have moved back to Paramount+.
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Dexter (Original Series): Seasons 1–8 are currently available on Crave, but check for "Leaving Soon" tags, as many Showtime titles have been migrating to Paramount+ Canada.
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Dexter: New Blood: Still available on Crave for those who missed the 2021 revival.
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The "2026 Spin-offs" Gap: Unlike the past, Dexter: Original Sin and Dexter: Resurrection are primarily hosted on Paramount+ Canada.
⏩Key Features for Fans
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The HBO Power-up: The biggest perk of Crave is that you get Dexter alongside the entire HBO and Max library (The Last of Us, Euphoria, etc.), making it a one-stop shop for prestige drama.
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Crave Originals: Access to Canadian hits like Letterkenny and Shoresey.
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Bilingual Support: Excellent French-language support, including dubbed versions and subtitles for most Dexter seasons, which is a major plus for fans in Quebec.
⏩Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Prestige Catalog: Best overall library of "Must-Watch" TV in Canada. | Technical Limitations: 4K is often restricted to certain devices and the highest-tier plan. |
| All-in-One Home: One sub for HBO, Showtime (legacy), and Starz. | Fragmented Future: You now need a separate Paramount+ sub for the newest 2026 sequels. |
| Bundling Options: Available as an add-on through Bell, Rogers, and Telus. | Pricey: One of the more expensive standalone streaming options in Canada. |
⏩Subscription Fees & Viewing Model
Crave has updated its pricing for 2026, offering more flexible "Basic with Ads" options to compete with Netflix.
| Plan Tier | Price (Monthly) | Key Features |
| Crave Basic (with Ads) | $9.99 / mo | 1 stream, 720p quality, includes ads. |
| Crave Standard (with Ads) | $14.99 / mo | 2 streams, 1080p quality, includes ads. |
| Crave Premium (Ad-Free) | $22.00 / mo | 4 streams, 4K UHD where available, offline downloads. |
Note: The STARZ add-on is an additional $5.99/mo.
⏩Who is It Best For?
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The "Prestige TV" Junkie: If you want to watch Dexter but your real priority is having the latest HBO and Max series the second they air.
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The French-Speaking Fan: It offers the most robust Canadian-French localization for the series.
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The Bundle Hunter: Best for users who already have a Bell or Rogers cable package and can "add-on" Crave for a discounted rate or via "Crave on Demand."
If you want to watch the Original 8 Seasons, Crave is a solid, high-quality home. However, to see the 2026 sequels (Resurrection and Original Sin), you will likely need to subscribe to Paramount+ Canada as well.
How to Watch Dexter: Tips for New Fans
If you’re new to the world of Dexter Morgan, the charmingly dark forensic expert with a hidden life as a vigilante killer, diving into the series can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate the "Code," here are the essential tips for new fans.
1️⃣The "Ultimate" Watch Order (2026)
While there is a prequel available, do not watch it first. The series is designed to be seen in the order it was produced to preserve major plot twists.
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Step 1: Dexter (The Original Series, Seasons 1–8) – Start here. This is the foundation of everything.
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Step 2: Dexter: New Blood (2021) – This takes place 10 years after the original finale. It is essential for understanding where Dexter is in the current timeline.
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Step 3: Dexter: Original Sin (Prequel, 2024) – Even though it’s set in the 90s, watch this after New Blood. It contains voiceovers and framing devices that reference the later events of Dexter's life.
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Step 4: Dexter: Resurrection (2025–2026) – The direct sequel to New Blood. In 2026, this is the "active" show everyone is talking about.
2️⃣Know "The Quality Curve"
Every long-running show has its peaks. For Dexter, the community consensus is quite strong:
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The Golden Era (Seasons 1–4): Widely considered some of the best television ever made. Season 4, featuring the "Trinity Killer," is the absolute peak of the franchise.
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The Experimental Era (Seasons 5–7): Still very good, but the tone shifts. Season 7 is often cited as a return to form with a very high-stakes plot.
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The Controversial Era (Season 8 & New Blood Finale): Both the original 2013 ending and the 2021 revival ending were divisive. However, in 2026, you must watch them because Dexter: Resurrection directly addresses and fixes the complaints fans had about those finales.
3️⃣Avoid the "Spoiler Trap"
Since the show has been out for 20 years, the internet is a minefield.
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Stay off Reddit/Wikis: Even a character’s "Current Status" (Alive/Deceased) on a wiki page can ruin an entire season's tension for you.
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YouTube Thumbnails: If you search for "Dexter best scenes," the thumbnails for the new 2026 series Resurrection will often spoil who survived the previous shows.
4️⃣Pay Attention to "The Code"
The series isn't just about a killer; it’s about Harry’s Code.
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Tip: Pay close attention to the flashbacks in the original series where Dexter's father, Harry, teaches him how to survive. Those "rules" are the backbone of the entire franchise, and the new prequel (Original Sin) focuses entirely on how those rules were created.
5️⃣Viewing Quality Matters
If you have a 4K TV, try to watch the newer series (Original Sin and Resurrection) on a platform that supports UHD/Dolby Vision (like Paramount+ or Amazon Prime Channels).
The cinematography in the 2025/2026 era of Dexter is significantly more "cinematic" and dark than the early 2000s episodes, and seeing the blood-work in high definition adds to the atmosphere.
6️⃣Don't Skip the Opening Credits
The Dexter opening sequence is one of television's most iconic. It's not just stylish—it tells you everything about the character:
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A mosquito feeding (Dexter as predator)
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Shaving (his obsession with precision)
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Flossing (the ritualistic nature)
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Cooking blood-red meat (his duality)
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Tying his shoes with military precision (control)
The sequence perfectly captures Dexter's ritualistic nature, his connection to blood, and the contrast between his mundane morning routine and his dark inner world. Watch it at least once—it's miniature storytelling at its finest .
7️⃣Don't Skip New Blood Before Resurrection
Dexter: Resurrection picks up immediately after the events of New Blood. Watching New Blood is essential because:
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It introduces Harrison as an adult (Jack Alcott)
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It establishes Dexter's new life in Iron Lake
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The finale directly leads into Resurrection's opening
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Key characters from Resurrection are introduced here
Time-saver: If you're really pressed for time, watch at least the final three episodes of New Blood (Episodes 8-10) to understand the setup for Resurrection .
8️⃣Know the Spin-Off Status
Watching the sequels and Spin-Off provides closure and explores Dexter’s character evolution.
| Series | Status | Where It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Dexter: Original Sin | Canceled (1 season) | Watch after the original series |
| Dexter: Resurrection | Ongoing (Season 2 coming Oct 2026) | Watch after New Blood |
| Trinity Killer Prequel | Reportedly written, not picked up | Not available yet |
Original Sin was renewed for a second season in April 2025 but canceled in August 2025 to focus on Resurrection . A potential Trinity Killer prequel has been written with John Lithgow agreeing to narrate, but it hasn't been greenlit .
📌Upcoming Releases - Dexter: Resurrection Season 2
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Premiere Date: October 2026
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Filming Begins: April 2026
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Platforms:
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Paramount+ (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand)
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SkyShowtime (Spain)
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Jio Hotstar (India, expected)
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The showrunner Clyde Phillips confirmed in December 2025 that Resurrection Season 2 will be released in October 2026, with filming beginning in April 2026 . Michael C. Hall will return as Dexter Morgan .
9️⃣Use Official Streaming Platforms
For reliable, high-quality viewing, stick to Paramount+ (full series access), Amazon Prime Video (buy/rent episodes), or regional services like NOW TV (UK) and Crave (Canada, older seasons).
Avoid pirated versions; subtitles and high-quality streaming improve comprehension and enjoyment.
Choose Paramount+ Essential if:
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You're watching Dexter for the first time
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You want to start with the original 8 seasons at the lowest cost
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You don't mind occasional ads
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You're on a budget ($7.99/month)
Choose Paramount+ with SHOWTIME if:
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You've seen the original series and want to watch New Blood
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You want access to other SHOWTIME originals
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You prefer fewer commercials
Choose Paramount+ Premium if:
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You want the complete franchise experience
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You need to catch up on Original Sin before watching Resurrection
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You want ad-free viewing in 4K
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You're a dedicated fan who wants new episodes immediately
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You're in New Zealand and want the exclusive local platform
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You prefer local customer support and billing
Choose Physical Media if:
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You're a collector who wants bonus features
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You have unreliable internet
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You want permanent ownership (not dependent on streaming rights)
💡Tips for International Viewers
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Check Local Listings: Streaming availability changes frequently due to licensing agreements. Always verify current offerings on platform websites.
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Language Options: Most platforms offer both original audio and localized dubbing. For the authentic Michael C. Hall performance, choose original audio with subtitles in your preferred language .
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Free Trials: Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers in most regions .
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VPN Considerations: While some travelers use VPNs to access their home subscriptions, this may violate streaming service terms of service.
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JustWatch: Use JustWatch (justwatch.com) for the most up-to-date streaming availability in your specific country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Dexter: Quick Reference
Here is a summary of the most frequent issues and expert advice for an optimal experience:
| Question | Answer / Solution |
|---|---|
| Where can I watch the full Dexter series legally? | Paramount+ offers all seasons, including New Blood, Original Sin, and Resurrection. In some regions, Amazon Prime Video or NOW TV (UK) / Crave (Canada) may have select seasons or allow purchase. |
| Do I need to watch Dexter in chronological or release order? | For first-time viewers, watching in release order (original series → New Blood → Original Sin → Resurrection) is recommended. Chronological viewing can be used for story continuity. |
| Are there free ways to watch Dexter online? | No full legal free options exist. Some platforms may offer limited-time trials or require digital purchase. Avoid pirated streams. |
| Can I watch Dexter with subtitles or in other languages? | Yes, Paramount+ and other official platforms provide multiple subtitle options for accessibility and international audiences. |
| How much does streaming Dexter cost? | Costs vary: Paramount+ Premium ~$13.99/month (US), Amazon rentals ~$1–$3/episode, NOW TV £9.99/month (UK), Crave ~$22 CAD/month (Premium). |
| Are spin-offs like New Blood and Original Sin included with the main series? | Yes, Paramount+ includes all current series. Other services may require separate purchase or add-ons. |
| Can I watch Dexter offline? | Platforms like Paramount+ Premium allow downloads for offline viewing. |
| Can I share my streaming account with family/friends? | Most platforms support multiple profiles and simultaneous streams (Paramount+ up to 3 screens). Always check the service’s terms of use. |
| Which platform is best for new fans? | Paramount+ is ideal for complete access. Prime Video or regional platforms are secondary options depending on availability. |
| What device can I watch Dexter on? | Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, and game consoles — most streaming services support multiple devices. |
Navigating the dark waters of Dexter Morgan’s life has never been more exciting—or more complex—than it is in 2026. Whether you’re witnessing the early days of "The Code" in Original Sin or following his latest narrow escapes in Resurrection, having the right streaming setup is key to an uninterrupted binge. Choose your platform, prepare your kill room (or just your couch), and enjoy one of the greatest anti-hero sagas in television history.