A recent addition to the Dexter prequel has left fans quite annoyed: the infamous munch.
We're officially much closer to the premiere of Dexter: Resurrection than we are from the Season 1 finale of Dexter: Original Sin. With the highly anticipated sequel series starring Michael C. Hall set to debut on in two months, it's the perfect time to revisit a surprisingly controversial element from Dexter: Original Sin — one that has been stuck in fans' heads since episode one.
Yes, we’re talking about that exaggerated "munch" or "chomp" sound effect featured in the show's opening sequence.
A Nostalgic Nod or a Misstep? The Munch Sound Effect Explained
In a move that delighted longtime fans, Showtime and the producers of Dexter: Original Sin chose to recreate the original Dexter opening sequence — the now-iconic breakfast prep montage — but with a 1991 twist. This time, the intro included not just Dexter, but also Harry and Deb, reflecting the prequel’s family dynamic.
To ensure authenticity and a faithful homage to the 2006 original, Showtime brought back Eric S. Anderson, the very same director behind the original intro. Combined with Rolfe Kent’s unmistakable Dexter main theme, the updated title sequence immediately resonated with fans — but not without controversy.
Around the 50-second mark of the intro, as young Dexter—played by Patrick Gibson—savors his slice of bacon, a loud, rubbery bite sound—a cartoonish chomp—catches viewers off guard. And it certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
The Internet Reacts: A Sound Fans Love to Hate
From the pilot episode onward, fans took to social media platforms to express their reactions. Words like "obnoxious," "weird," "out of place," and "unnecessary" flooded comment sections. Nearly every reaction video on YouTube features a moment of pause or cringe when the infamous sound effect kicks in.
Despite the backlash, Showtime doubled down — keeping the sound in every episode’s intro throughout Season 1.
The History Behind the Chomp: A Deep Cut in Pop Culture
So where did this polarizing sound come from?
The exaggerated chewing sound effect is a classic piece of sound design, most famously associated with Hanna-Barbera cartoons like Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and later-era Tom and Jerry. It originated from mid-20th century cartoon sound effect libraries, often labeled as “cartoon bite,” “wet chomp,” or “comedic chew.”
These effects were deliberately over-the-top, designed to match the exaggerated animation styles of the time. Over the years, they’ve become pop culture artifacts — instantly recognizable across generations.
Why Was It Included in Dexter: Original Sin?
While no official explanation has been given, the likeliest answer lies in nostalgia.
Executive producer and showrunner Clyde Phillips hinted in interviews that Dexter: Original Sin would be loaded with Easter eggs and nostalgic touches true to its 1990s Miami setting. The tech, fashion, licensed music, and yes — even the sound effects — were crafted to evoke the feel of that era.
The chomp sound, then, may be more than just a quirky addition. It’s a deliberate, if unexpected, nod to the '90s — a sonic time capsule that pulls the viewer into the decade, even if just for a moment.
Are Fans Overreacting?
While many fans believe the sound clashes with Dexter's traditionally dark tone, it's worth remembering that the franchise has always flirted with dark humor. From Dexter's ironic narration to awkwardly comic kills, levity has long been part of its DNA.
Dexter: Original Sin, by its very nature, leans into a more youthful and formative period of Dexter’s life. The world feels a little looser, a little less grim. In that context, the bite sound — jarring as it may seem — might not be a bug, but a feature.
Will It Return in Season 2?
As of now, there's no word on whether the infamous chomp will return in the Season 2 intro of Dexter: Original Sin. But one thing is certain — it’s become one of the most talked-about (and memed) elements of the prequel series.
Love it or hate it, the munch heard 'round the world has cemented its place in Dexter history.