Could Paramount pull off a double surprise—renewing Dexter: Original Sin on the very same day as Dexter: Resurrection?
It has been 18 days since the new leadership of Paramount+ shocked fans by cancelling Dexter: Original Sin. The decision was particularly surprising since the series had been unofficially renewed for a second season in April.
Even more puzzling, it came just days after the Paramount–Skydance merger, despite promises that the “new era” of the company would focus heavily on franchise-driven storytelling across both Paramount and MTV.
Cancelling Dexter: Original Sin stands in stark contrast to those goals and represents a major missed opportunity. Here’s why.
The Growing Momentum of Dexter
After Dexter: Resurrection won fans back with strong writing and exciting new storylines, the franchise is experiencing a powerful resurgence. Viewers are once again deeply invested in Dexter Morgan’s world, creating the perfect environment for a prequel like Original Sin to flourish.
The prequel promised to explore pivotal moments in Dexter’s early life: how he first met Sergeant Doakes, how he acquired his Miami apartment, and other stories teased by showrunner Clyde Phillips. These unanswered questions offered tremendous potential to expand the Dexter universe. Ending the series so quickly leaves these storylines unresolved and disappoints fans who were eager to see them unfold.
Patrick Gibson’s Rising Star Power
Patrick Gibson, who starred as young Dexter, delivered a widely praised performance that anchored the show. His career is now on the rise, with his recent casting as the face and voice of James Bond in the upcoming video game 007: First Light.
This crossover could have been a marketing goldmine for Paramount. Viewers excited to see Gibson as both a young Dexter Morgan and James Bond would have created new buzz and drawn additional audiences to Original Sin. By cancelling the show, Paramount risks losing this unique opportunity to leverage Gibson’s growing profile.
Fan Response: Over 84,000 Petition Signatures
What makes this especially notable is that it’s not the flagship series. Fans are passionately fighting for a prequel, even though Dexter: Resurrection already gives them new episodes with Michael C. Hall. This rare level of commitment proves the prequel connected with audiences in a way few expected. If Original Sin hadn’t been high quality, the fanbase wouldn’t be this engaged.
A Double Renewal Could Redefine the Dexter Franchise
If Paramount and Skydance were to announce Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 and... "resurrect" Dexter: Original Sin for its second season at the same time, it would be a watershed moment for the franchise.
Instead of being remembered for cancelling a beloved prequel, the company could reposition itself as bold risk-takers who listen to fans. This “double renewal” would dominate entertainment headlines, fuel excitement across social media, and reinforce Paramount’s new franchise-first strategy. More importantly, it would send a clear message: the Dexter universe is here to stay, and fans’ voices truly matter.
The Future of Dexter on Paramount+ and Skydance
The Dexter franchise has proven longevity and a very loyal fanbase. Cancelling Dexter: Original Sin risks alienating that audience and cutting short a series with big storytelling potential.
Reversing course and renewing the prequel would not only meet overwhelming fan demand but also secure a brighter future for one of television’s most enduring and profitable franchises. The Dexter universe is bigger than one series—fans are ready for both the continuation of Resurrection and the deeper exploration promised by Original Sin.