Daniel Licht’s iconic Dexter ending theme has found new life on the internet.
In today’s era of social media and viral culture, it’s not unusual for songs, scenes, and even old TV moments to resurface and take on a new life online. Yet, for Dexter, 2025 has been something special: a year of digital triumphs that prove how deeply the series continues to resonate with fans, both old and new.
Let’s start with the resurgence of the iconic Doakes memes. It’s been eighteen years since James Doakes met his end on Dexter, and still, his legacy as one of the most meme-worthy characters in TV history lives on.
Most people remember the classic “Surprise, motherf***er” moment, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Recently, social media has been flooded with new Doakes-inspired memes, especially the “when you know but can’t prove it” trend. These posts feature Doakes’ suspicious glares from key scenes in seasons one and two, capturing that feeling of knowing something’s off but being unable to prove it.
Another viral favorite comes from the unforgettable shipyard scene in Season 1 Episode 12, with younger fans humorously fixating on his now-legendary “in a cargo box” line.
But Doakes isn’t the only thing from Dexter taking over TikTok and Instagram lately. Over the past couple of months, a new viral trend has emerged. The star of this trend is none other than the show’s haunting 'Blood Theme', composed by the late Daniel Licht. The melody, instantly recognizable to any Dexter fan, serves as the soundtrack to countless viral clips.
So, what’s in these videos? Well, they’re cheeky, to say the least. Creators use a camera in first person mode at supermarket cash registers buying the same trio of items: cucumbers, condoms, and baby oil, just to capture the reactions of the cashiers and baggers. It’s mischievous, awkward, and very funny.
And with the Blood Theme playing in the background, every awkward glance feels straight out of Dexter, charged with that unmistkable Doakes energy of “when you know but can’t prove it,” making the whole trend even more fitting.
What’s fascinating is how these trends are breathing new life into the show, keeping it more relevant than ever. Nineteen years after its debut on Showtime, Dexter is once again dominating pop culture conversations. Social media is a huge part of that, but so is the franchise’s revival, with Dexter: Original Sin and Dexter: Resurrection.
The new generation of fans (Gen Z) has embraced Dexter with genuine enthusiasm, creating memes, remixes, and edits that continue to spread across every major platform. 2025 has proven to be one of the strongest years yet for Dexter, and with new things on the horizon, it’s safe to say this momentum will carry well into 2026.