Following the prequel’s cancellation, it’s worth examining why ending it was such a misstep.
Fans of the Dexter franchise were eagerly awaiting updates about the return of Dexter: Original Sin when shocking news broke on August 22, 2025: the prequel series has been cancelled. The announcement came nearly five months after Season 2 renewal reports surfaced from multiple credible outlets, though Paramount+ itself never confirmed them.
The decision to pull the plug arrived just days after the Paramount–Skydance merger became official. With new leadership at the helm, the future of Dexter: Original Sin — which explored the early years of Dexter Morgan as a serial killer — was suddenly cut short. The cancellation left fans and cast members stunned, saddened, and questioning why such a promising series would be shelved.
Why Was Dexter: Original Sin Axed?
While Paramount Skydance has not provided a detailed explanation, two factors stand out:
- Leadership Change – The departure of Chris McCarthy, who strongly supported prequel projects, may have shifted priorities.
- Massive New Investments – Following the merger, Paramount Skydance committed to expensive, high-profile deals that likely reshaped the company’s budget and content strategy.
According to Deadline:
- On August 11, Paramount Skydance announced a $7.7 billion, seven-year agreement with UFC’s parent company for exclusive U.S. rights to UFC fights and related content.
- On August 19, a $400+ million deal was signed with Matt and Ross Duffer (the creators of Stranger Things) for exclusive content through their company, Upside Down Pictures.
- Just three days later, on August 22, came the announcement that Dexter: Original Sin was cancelled.
Many fans believe the prequel — starring Patrick Gibson as young Dexter Morgan — was sacrificed in favor of these billion-dollar commitments. Others view it as a strategic shift in creative direction for the newly merged company.
Fans Launch Petition to Save Dexter: Original Sin
If Paramount Skydance expected fans to accept the cancellation quietly, they were mistaken. Within hours, petitions began circulating online.
That’s over 55,000 fans rallying in less than a week, sending a clear message: this prequel is loved, and its cancellation feels unjust.
8 Reasons Why Cancelling Dexter: Original Sin Was a Mistake
While corporate mergers and billion-dollar deals may explain the decision, we have laid out strong arguments for why Dexter: Original Sin deserves to return.
1. A Prequel That Actually Works
Unlike many prequels, Dexter: Original Sin captured the spirit of the original series beautifully. From its amazing recreation of Miami Metro to its atmospheric soundtrack and familiar tone, the show felt like a natural extension of the franchise, nearly 20 years after Dexter first premiered.
2. An Exceptional Cast
Casting director John Papsidera and showrunner Clyde Phillips delivered a phenomenal cast. From Patrick Gibson (young Dexter) to Molly Brown (Debra Morgan), the actors didn’t just resemble their counterparts — they embodied them, down to mannerisms and vocal inflections.
3. Endless Story Opportunities
Even as a prequel, the series had plenty of mysteries to explore. One major fan theory centers on Harry’s death: did he take his own life, or was Brian Moser responsible? The unanswered questions make Dexter: Original Sin ripe for further storytelling.
4. The Loss of Young Doakes
Fans were especially disappointed that the cancellation robs them of James Doakes’ origin story. Seeing how Doakes’ suspicions of Dexter first developed in the mid-1990s would have added depth to one of the franchise’s most iconic rivalries.
5. Record-Breaking Viewership Numbers
While not quite as massive as Dexter: Resurrection, the prequel performed strongly. Its premiere in December broke records for Paramount+, and the finale’s viewership was 27% higher than the pilot — a rare achievement that proved momentum was building.
6. Growth Potential Thanks to Dexter: Resurrection
With Dexter: Resurrection drawing critical acclaim and strong ratings, the entire franchise is thriving. The sequel’s success would naturally funnel new viewers back to Dexter: Original Sin, strengthening both shows.
7. Dexter Is Still Showtime/Paramount’s Crown Jewel
Dexter remains one of the most valuable IPs Showtime (now part of Paramount) has ever produced. Abandoning a successful prequel risks alienating a loyal fanbase and undercuts a proven franchise strategy.
8. Fans Demand Its Return
Most importantly, fans love this show. The fact that tens of thousands immediately mobilized, launching petitions and campaigns, shows that Dexter: Original Sin is more than just another cancelled series — it’s a project people deeply care about.
The Future of Dexter: Original Sin
Every reason above points to one conclusion: Dexter: Original Sin deserves a second chance. In television history, there have been multiple examples of cancelled shows revived due to fan pressure — from Lucifer to The Expanse. With enough momentum, this prequel could join that list.
For now, the best way to help is to sign the petitions and keep the conversation alive. Paramount Skydance may have underestimated how much this show means to Dexter fans, but the voices of tens of thousands prove otherwise.
Keep supporting the petitions. Keep sharing your love for the show. Together, fans can still save Dexter: Original Sin.