The sequel's timeline revealed. Here's when it takes place.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Dexter: New Blood and speculative spoilers for Dexter: Resurrection. Proceed with caution.
The highly anticipated Dexter: Resurrection, featuring the return of Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, is currently in production. Filming is primarily taking place in New York City, and over the past few weeks, several cast members have been spotted on set. Among them are Michael C. Hall, James Remar, Jack Alcott, Uma Thurman, Krysten Ritter, and most recently, Neil Patrick Harris—the latest exciting addition to the Dexter saga.
With scenes being filmed at iconic NYC landmarks, set photos have inevitably surfaced online. One of the most notable filming locations so far has been Central Park, where Michael C. Hall was spotted alongside two female co-stars in separate scenes.
Clues Reveal Dexter: Resurrection’s Timeline
A small but crucial detail in one of the recently released set photos has given fans a major hint about when Dexter: Resurrection takes place.
To understand the timeline, we need to go back to Dexter: New Blood, the 10-episode miniseries that aired in 2021–2022. The events of that show were confirmed to occur in December 2021, as indicated by the Christmas decorations and a calendar in Dexter's cabin.
When Did Dexter "Die"?
The controversial finale of Dexter: New Blood, which divided fans upon its release in early 2022, took place on December 27, 2021. This was the fateful day when Harrison confronted his father in the snowy woods of Iron Lake—ultimately shooting Dexter at his request. At the time, it seemed like the end of his story.
Dexter: Original Sin’s First Scene Shocked Fans
Two and a half years later, to the surprise of every fan, Dexter Morgan was revealed to be returning in Dexter: Resurrection. The shocking twist? The first episode of Dexter: Original Sin, the upcoming prequel series, begins right after New Blood’s finale. It depicts Dexter being rushed to Iron Lake Hospital by police and miraculously surviving his near-fatal injuries.
When Does Dexter: Resurrection Take Place?
Recent set photos have given us a clear answer. Many fans speculated that Dexter: Resurrection would feature a significant time jump, considering Dexter appears to be in great shape despite his near-death experience. However, that theory has been debunked.
A close look at a set photo from Central Park this week revealed a registration sticker on the windshield of Charley’s (played by Uma Thurman) vehicle, confirming that Dexter: Resurrection is set in 2022—just months after the events of Dexter: New Blood:
This revelation suggests that Dexter has recovered quickly and relocated from the fictional town of Iron Lake to New York City. However, it remains unclear what exactly led to this drastic shift in his life.
How Far Into 2022 Does Dexter: Resurrection Take Place?
Judging by the snowy backdrops seen in several scenes, the first few episodes of Dexter: Resurrection are likely set either in early 2022 (January–April) or late 2022 (November–December).
Interestingly, in a July 2024 interview with Variety, Michael C. Hall mentioned that the series takes place in “present time,” leading to fan speculation that it was set in 2024 or 2025. However, based on the evidence so far, at least the first four episodes occur in 2022. Whether a time jump happens later in the season remains to be seen.
The Biggest Unanswered Question
Now that we know when Dexter: Resurrection is set, the biggest mystery remains: how is Dexter not on the run following the events of Dexter: New Blood?
Stay tuned to Dexter Daily for all the latest updates as we uncover more details about the next thrilling chapter in the Dexter saga!