Paramount has canceled “Dexter: Original Sin” despite announcing its renewal back in April, marking a major shift in the popular franchise’s future. The prequel series starring Patrick Gibson as young Dexter won’t return for a second season, while “Dexter: Resurrection” with Michael C. Hall is gaining momentum toward a Season 2.
The cancellation comes shortly after the Skydance-Paramount merger completed. Matt Thunell, whose responsibilities now include Showtime’s production operations, is leading a comprehensive review of Showtime’s programming slate. This appears to be the first major programming decision under the new leadership structure.
“Original Sin” premiered in December 2024 and wrapped up in February 2025. Although it showed promising growth—its finale audience increased 27% from the premiere to reach 2.68 million global viewers—the numbers weren’t enough to save it. Sources indicate that despite the April renewal announcement, no writers’ room was ever established and no production dates were scheduled for a second season.
Meanwhile, “Dexter: Resurrection,” which premiered on July 11 and concludes on September 5, is performing significantly better. Its premiere episode drew 4.4 million viewers across platforms in its first week—about 25% higher than “Original Sin.” The series has also earned strong critical praise, holding a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Paramount is now commissioning a writers’ room for “Resurrection” Season 2, though a formal renewal depends on budget approvals. The new leadership team appears to be prioritizing the Michael C. Hall-led “mothership” series as the cornerstone of the franchise moving forward.
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Both shows share the same showrunner, Clyde Phillips, who was the original showrunner on the first “Dexter” series. Some reports suggest that writers may have shifted from “Original Sin” to “Resurrection” when the latter was fast-tracked, contributing to the prequel’s uncertain status before the final cancellation decision.
The decision reflects a broader change in strategy following leadership transitions at Paramount. Under former co-CEO Chris McCarthy, prequels were central to building expanded universes around popular shows. With McCarthy’s departure and the Skydance merger, other planned Dexter prequels—including one focusing on the Trinity Killer—now face uncertain futures.
This change comes during a challenging period for Showtime, which has seen its original programming slate shrink significantly in recent years as it became integrated with Paramount+. Current Showtime series include “The Chi,” “The Agency,” “Yellowjackets,” and “Dexter: Resurrection.”
For “Original Sin” cast members, the news has been disappointing. Actor Molly Brown posted “over n out” on social media, while Reno Wilson noted the show’s “too short run.” Fans have started petitions and hashtag campaigns hoping to save the series.
The prequel featured Gibson as young Dexter with Christian Slater as his adoptive father Harry, exploring how Dexter developed his “code” for killing. Hall provided the inner monologue for young Dexter, creating continuity with the original series. “Resurrection” picks up after Hall’s Dexter Morgan awakens from a coma following a gunshot wound from his son, with Harrison nowhere to be found.
For now, Paramount’s message seems clear: Michael C. Hall’s version of Dexter remains the priority, while the franchise’s expanding universe plans are being reconsidered under new leadership.
