It’s a common issue with many streaming shows—but what’s really causing the delay?
If you're impatient or staying up late to catch new episodes of Dexter: Resurrection the moment they drop on Paramount+ Premium, you might have noticed something frustrating: they don’t always appear exactly at 12:01 AM Eastern Time as scheduled. Sometimes there’s a delay of 15, 30, or even 40 minutes before the episode shows up on your screen.
So... what’s the reason behind this wait?
It’s Not Just You — and It’s Not Just Dexter
This kind of delay is a common occurrence across many streaming platforms, not just Paramount+. Although the official release time is often set for 12:01 AM ET (or 9:01 PM PT on Thursdays for West Coast viewers), that marks the start of the publishing process, not the exact moment the episode becomes visible for everyone. Behind the scenes, it can take a bit of time for the episode to fully roll out across all regions, devices, and app versions.
Streaming platforms use content delivery networks (CDNs) to distribute new episodes, and there can be a short lag as the episode becomes accessible to all users. This delay varies based on factors like your location, internet provider, and whether you’re using a smart TV, mobile app, or web browser.
Third-Party Platforms May Be Even Slower
If you’re watching via a service like Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV, or Roku—rather than directly through the Paramount+ app—you might experience even longer delays. These third-party services rely on separate publishing systems, and Paramount+ doesn’t control exactly when the content appears on their platforms.
What You Can Do About It
While there’s no official fix, there are a few things you can try if the episode hasn’t shown up right at midnight:
- Refresh the Paramount+ app or close and reopen it after a few minutes.
- Switch devices if possible — sometimes mobile apps update faster than smart TVs.
- Wait until at least 12:15 AM ET, when most episodes typically finish rolling out.
The Bottom Line
If you're wondering why Dexter: Resurrection isn't available exactly when the clock strikes 12:01 AM, you're not alone—and it's completely normal. The short wait is part of how streaming infrastructure works today. Thankfully, it usually resolves within 35 minutes or less, so your.... "late-night ritual" with Dexter won't be delayed for too long!