Inside Television with Alan Sepinwall

Showtime renews 'Dexter' for 2 more seasons

Michael C. Hall agrees to stay, so Dexter will keep killing and killing

By Alan Sepinwall Friday, Nov 18, 2011 1:03 PM

Showtime renews 'Dexter' for 2 more seasons

Get used to Dexter (Michael C. Hall), because he'll be around for at least two more seasons after this one.

Credit: Showtime

Showtime has renewed "Dexter" for another two seasons, after getting star/producer Michael C. Hall to agree to a contract extension.

"Dexter's enormous success is a real tribute to the great achievements of its cast, producers, and the powerhouse performance of Michael C. Hall,” Showtime president David Nevins said in a statement. “The series is bigger than it’s ever been in its sixth season, both in terms of audience and its impact on the cultural landscape. Together with Michael, the creative team on the show has a very clear sense of where they intend to take the show over the next two seasons and, as a huge fan, I’m excited to watch the story of Dexter Morgan play out."

I have to confess that I stopped watching this season about a month ago, having found this season's religious themes and stories to be so over-the-top and clumsy that even Hall's performance wasn't enough to keep me around. Maybe I'll catch up during a slow period, but the news that the show is just going to keep going and going doesn't exactly thrill me. If you've been reading me a while, you know I think the show has overstayed its welcome - at least in its current format. If they shake things up - have Deb find out about Dexter's night job, have Dexter go on the run, anything but the repetition of the same formula they've been using for years - I might be interested again, but the show is too successful for that. As Nevins says, the audience is bigger than ever, and why would Showtime want to mess with its biggest hit?

For those of you still watching, I'm curious how you're finding this season, and whether the news of at least two seasons past this one excites you or fills you with dread.

Related Searches: Dexter, Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, C.S. Lee, Lauren Velez, Desmond Harrington, Alan Sepinwall

Next 75 Comments

Tom

This season is miserable, the last episode was when it truly jumped the shark. I am out until the last season.
November 18, 2011 at 2:09PM EST Reply to Comment
- JC In their defense, they are using an Olympic high jump pole to jump a shark on a crucifix.
  November 29, 2011 at 7:09PM EST
- JC In their defense, they are using an Olympic high jump pole to jump a shark on a crucifix.
  November 29, 2011 at 7:09PM EST
nonanon

The show has definitely peaked already. I'll keep watching, but I'm no longer excited about it.
November 18, 2011 at 2:09PM EST Reply to Comment
chunnyboy

It has turned into Showtime's version of "House" - not a good thing
November 18, 2011 at 2:11PM EST Reply to Comment
- giantandre I completely agree with this assessment.
  November 18, 2011 at 2:13PM EST
- Remy Yes, it had become completely formulaic. There are none of the surprising twists, the creepiness, the provocative dialogue, the angst that Dexter continually suffers, the truly Miami flavor. The first 2 seasons were jaw dropping. Remember those amazing scenes between Dexter and Doakes, particularly once he had Doakes locked up?
  November 22, 2011 at 3:57AM EST
Hatfield

Yeah, it sucks now, but I keep watching for reasons known only to the deep, dark tunnels of my subconscious. I was so irritated after last season that I think my expectations flatlined, making it easier to deal with the rampant blah.
November 18, 2011 at 2:14PM EST Reply to Comment
- KansasDan I agree with this completely. Although it's no longer the great show it started out as, ANYTHING is better than season five. So, we just keep watching, hoping that someone will up the ante.
  November 20, 2011 at 10:44AM EST
Andy

I'm hoping Showtime doesn't drag Homeland out like this. They always drag out a show past its prime.
November 18, 2011 at 2:17PM EST Reply to Comment
Ed

I think most fans would rather see a show stick around too long than be pulled too soon. I know my wife still enjoys it every week.
November 18, 2011 at 2:22PM EST Reply to Comment
Ed

I think most fans would rather see a show stick around one season too long than be pulled too soon. I know my wife still enjoys it.
November 18, 2011 at 2:23PM EST Reply to Comment
Nicole

This just makes me happy that Breaking Bad has low ratings and AMC didn't feel the need to drag it out for 3 or 4 more years.
November 18, 2011 at 2:26PM EST Reply to Comment
christy

Is that two more after THIS season, or two more after NEXT season? With all these two-season renewals I get confused.

Whatever, I'll probably just continue to watch casually. I think I might be learning to appreciate it just for what it is instead of lamenting all the wasted opportunities the way I have in past seasons. The pure WTFery of this season helps with that. Also I will watch/read anything about cults.
November 18, 2011 at 2:29PM EST Reply to Comment
- sepinwall Two more after this season. If Hall hadn't cut a deal to continue, this would have been the final season.
  November 18, 2011 at 2:39PM EST
- KansasDan Any idea how many millions Hall is pulling down to continue?
  November 20, 2011 at 10:46AM EST
- Remy You gotta wonder if it's a lot to continue on with mediocre Dexter. It seems like he is giving up on a potentially creative evolving character for the flat procedural style that will bring him the big paycheck.
  November 22, 2011 at 4:04AM EST
Josh

It's certainly dread for me. I agree with Tom that the show completely lost what little it had left last episode. My girlfriend and I watched it with car-wreck amusement.

I do have a feeling I'll keep watching though, and I can't say why. Maybe I'm just trying to hold on to the good memories.
November 18, 2011 at 2:30PM EST Reply to Comment
Donnie

I really like Dexter, but yeah, as long as they don't change the formula and plan these two years as the final seasons with shit hitting the fan, then it will be more like torture. The show has gotten so stale that Deb's storyline is actually the most interesting to me now. Dexter just deals with the same shit over and over again: "Am I good, am I bad, can I be in the light or am I swallowed by my dark passenger, how will this end, how will this not end yada-yada-yada." I will keep watching though, I don't quit a show if I have watched for more than 5 seasons regularly.
November 18, 2011 at 2:32PM EST Reply to Comment
- Sara Totally agree with you. I don't want to give up on it because I've stuck with it for so long, but something has to give. At least they find ways to give Deb something different to do each season. Or a new guy for her to sleep with.
  November 18, 2011 at 2:41PM EST
- the minister Seriously? You didn't stop watching House? Or Friends?
  
  Yikes!
  November 21, 2011 at 1:03AM EST
erinpayton

You know, I actually really enjoyed last season, and thought it might be a springboard for something interesting, but when I found out they weren't doing anything new this season, I haven't even gotten around to watching it. And I'm not sure if I'll bother. I DO understand Showtime doesn't want to mess with a good thing, ratings-wise, but that doesn't mean it's an interesting thing. I don't have the time to watch something that's just mediocre...and that's what I think Dexter has turned into. It's a shame, because MCH is so great (as is Jennifer Carpenter). Don't they get bored doing the same thing??
November 18, 2011 at 2:43PM EST Reply to Comment
Stormshadow4life

I LOVED Dexter Seasons 1-5. Season 6 just didn't feel the same (I think the showrunner left by that point right?). Anyway, this season has just been one more example of a show that should have ended already. I very rarely watch a show Live, but Dexter was one of those shows that I needed to watch. Now it's on the DVR, and we watch it when we're bored, or during dinner. I THOUGHT the show was finally going to mix it up with Brian returning, but that turned out to be a 1 episode cop out. I agree with you 100% that the show needs to really do something new, or I won't be returning next year (I'll finish up this season though)
November 18, 2011 at 2:46PM EST Reply to Comment
rexmism

I'm still watching, somehow, though I am an episode behind. I will at least say the subplots aren't as horrific as some seasons. Very little screen time for La Guardia Airport, for instance. But the show is laughably bad at times and has really flat-lined in terms of ever stirring up suspense. My interest level is pretty much at 0. The cliff hanger for "Just Let Go" was insanely ridiculous. Oh, and if I hear Dexter or anyone else say "Brother Sam" one more time......
November 18, 2011 at 2:49PM EST Reply to Comment
Evan

Can't say I'm crazy about the way the Olmos/Gellar storyline has gone, but I do enjoy this season. I really liked the last two episodes when Dexter had to explore the dark side of his personality. I felt that was a major mistake by the writers to wrap it up so quickly, but the last few episodes have been interesting because Brother Sam brought such a cool dynamic. Now that it's over, I'll have to see how I feel about the rest of the season. But while I completely understand and sympathize with Alan's point of view, I still can't NOT get excited to watch Dexter.
November 18, 2011 at 3:05PM EST Reply to Comment
- Finally, somebody I agree with!
  November 18, 2011 at 3:26PM EST
tigger500

I too checked out finally this season. I found Olmos and Colin Hanks an absolute bore. Really loved Mos' work, but I couldn't tell you what the central case is about at all or why the hell Deb was promoted over Angel.
November 18, 2011 at 3:08PM EST Reply to Comment
- I assume Deb was promoted in order to piss off La Guarda.
  November 18, 2011 at 3:27PM EST
mcspinelli

This show has been really good this season with the exception of the last episode. Spoiler Alert!!! - Stop reading now if you haven't seen last week's episode---- When he went into the gas station and hooked up with the cashier, I couldn't believe what I was watching. I kept waiting for it to be a dream sequence, but it wasn't. I was appalled at the laziness of the writing and how they instantly made Dexter a typical guy. They brought Rudy back in his head, so now I'm assuming Doakes will appear either this season or next season as another one of his moral compasses. Hopefully the writers can find their stride again. This show has way too cool and original of a plot to ruin with lazy writing.
November 18, 2011 at 3:09PM EST Reply to Comment
chuchundra

I have all the episodes from this season on my DVR. Haven't watched a single one yet.
November 18, 2011 at 3:12PM EST Reply to Comment
richie_wohlers

I first started watching Dexter in about April, and have watched all the seasons up until current during that time.

I love the show. I am happy to hear that it has been renewed. I don't particularly like the Olmos/Hanks storyline this season. I did like Mos Def character and storyline.

I thought last week's episode (Nebraska) was a good one. I liked that Dexter had his brother on his shoulder for the past episode, pushing him in a darker direction (as opposed to having his step-dad there).

Still not happy about the loss of Rita, however.
November 18, 2011 at 3:23PM EST Reply to Comment
odysseuscm

The first 4 episodes of this season were terrible, then things got a bit better with 5 and 6 only to hit a new low with the last one. I don't get it. Finally they build some momentum and the plot gets moving and then they decide to do a filler episode which teases some big dark change in Dexter only to end with a reset button solution. That was cheap and cowardly and absolutely unnecessary. Also I might hate LaGuerta and all the stupid underwritten side plots even more than in the other seasons. Still I keep coming back... my own fault.
They should hire Joss Whedon to plot an arc for the last 2 seasons, I'm pretty sure "things would get interesting". ("Define 'interesting'!" - "Oh god, oh god, we're all gonna die!")
November 18, 2011 at 3:42PM EST Reply to Comment
- I don't see why spending some time with Brian was cowardly. To me, it makes sense. Dexter had to kill that one guy out of anger/frustration, and against Brother Sam's wishes. It got Dexter thinking that his dark passenger was taking more control. Brian represented that. Dexter nearly killed Jonah out of revenge. That's not really what Dexter does. But in the end, his code took precedence and he was able to overcome his urges. I liked the episode.
  November 18, 2011 at 3:47PM EST
- Rolf I think ODYSSEUSCM was saying it was cowardly that they teased a significant change via re-introducing Brian, only to cancel it before the hour was even over.
  They should've taken him even darker. Brian pestering Dexter at work and home could've led to some interesting stuff. They should've continued to let them have some dark adventures in Miami, and when Dexter eventually DID find the light, it would've had more of an impact, instead of the whimper that was Dexter re-balancing after 40 minutes.
  I still don't think Dexter is off the hook for the trouble he got up to in Nebraska, though. He foolishly still has that pen that spelled out where he was.
  November 18, 2011 at 4:07PM EST
- odysseuscm Thanks ROLF, that's just what I meant by cowardly. Alan has been writing it again and again: the cute killer doesn't cut it. Dexter has become the nice neighbor with the strange hobby. In the first two seasons he really was scary, sometimes even disgusting - that made for some interesting viewing when you sided with someone who was wrong and who repelled and attracted you at the same time. All that has gone. To really make the show special again, Dexter would have to do something truly horrible like kill his sister or his own child, to estrange him from the audience again. But that's not the safe card and it's not gonna happen.
  November 18, 2011 at 5:59PM EST
the flower tao

While being extremely disappointed by THE WALKING DEAD 2, I really enjoy DEXTER 6. I certainly understand how all this religious stuff may seem too in-your-face - and I am by no way religious. Nonetheless I'm quite interested in Dexter engaging religious questions for the first time. They just got through to me, don't know why exactly. But then again, I was blown away by the conclusions of LOST and BATTLESTAR, so maybe I'm just a bitch for all things transcendental. ;) Slightly sad that most of you don't enjoy DEXTER 6, but hey, there's a lot of other good stuff for you to watch. No harm done.
November 18, 2011 at 4:16PM EST Reply to Comment
johnnymac

i gave up 3 episodes ago. i gave up on the books half way through the third. one and a half books too late.

Dexter is a great concept, the author and show writers just have nothing original for him.
November 18, 2011 at 4:20PM EST Reply to Comment
PotatoSolution

They are going to need at least two more seasons to properly tell the complete story of Batista and LaGuerta's relationship.
November 18, 2011 at 4:21PM EST Reply to Comment
- Rolf *Shaking fist in the air*
  November 18, 2011 at 8:09PM EST
alan_arkin

This season is really not that good. Dexter has become a cartoon character, as have the supporting cast. The only remotely interesting thing is whether Edward James is a dark passenger or real -- and if he is not real, then it was telegraphed a mile away.
November 18, 2011 at 4:25PM EST Reply to Comment
- KansasDan Having the Professor be the dark passenegr for the student is a very interesting theory, but how can he not be real when they have his picture plastered all over the newspapers? (Which is ridiculous, seeing as how they didn't have any solid evidence at the time linking him to the killings) And other people have heard him talking or seen him with Hanks? Unless they went the Norman Bates route, I don't see how it could work. But it's a way better idea than anything these showrunners are coming up with. Bravo.
  November 20, 2011 at 10:55AM EST
sangs

Checked out three episodes into LAST season. Doesn't sound like I've missed much. I'll come back for the final one.
November 18, 2011 at 4:54PM EST Reply to Comment
s.

Season 6 has been Fantastic. Dexters evolution in becoming "human" has been great! MCH gave an interview on how he isnt concerned so much on how grotesque the kills are or who is on his table but on where Dexters character is going. This season its about him wanting to become the father that Harrison needs and the legacy he wants to leave for his son. The formula of Dexter chasing the "Big Bad"is secondary. The show isnt just about Dexter vs. the Villan and who will have the most kills, "hahaha". If you havent figured that out by now, then, yea you should stop watching.
November 18, 2011 at 5:00PM EST Reply to Comment
- Rolf Unfortunately you could make the case that the entirety of the Trinity season was the same theme: "how can Dexter be the father and husband that he assumed Trinity was."
  That season spelled it out much subtler and better, by allowing Dexter to learn all of the ways he WASN'T like Trinity. Yet everything he learned, or thought he learned, is absent this season.
  
  I think that's most peoples problem with Dexter. As individual seasons, there's a lot to like, but as a whole, it keeps repeating similar plotlines and themes.
  November 18, 2011 at 8:14PM EST
- FletchFFletch Is "S." short for "Showtime PR Department"?
  November 19, 2011 at 12:03AM EST
JR

According to Showtime's president, the show is likely to end with Season 8: http://www.deadline.com/2011/11/showtimes-david-nevins-seasons-7-and-8-of-dexter-will-be-likely-shows-last/

That's good news because as others have expressed, the show has become incredibly formulaic, and I'd hate for it to drag on until Season 10 or longer just because its ratings remain high. Like Alan, I'm just waiting for someone to find out or suspect that Dexter is a serial killer, but that's unlikely to happen until the final season.
November 18, 2011 at 5:00PM EST Reply to Comment
JR

According to Showtime's president, the show is likely to end with Season 8: http://www.deadline.com/2011/11/showtimes-david-nevins-seasons-7-and-8-of-dexter-will-be-likely-shows-last/

That's good news because I agree that it's become incredibly formulaic, and I'd hate for it to drag on until Season 10 or longer just because it still gets good ratings. At this point, I'm also just waiting for someone to suspect that Dexter is a serial killer, but that's unlikely to happen until the final season.
November 18, 2011 at 5:04PM EST Reply to Comment
- JR Sorry about the double post...
  November 18, 2011 at 5:05PM EST
Teklanika

I still like the show and still watch it. I agree with what you are saying Alan, that it has slipped into a bit of a formula, but I still find it interesting enough to stick around.

As long as it stays somewhat interesting I want to see how it all ends now.
November 18, 2011 at 5:08PM EST Reply to Comment
s.

Season 6 has been fantastic! Dexters evolution in becoming "human" this season has been great. This time around its about Dexter wanting to become the father Harrison needs and what legacy he wants to leave his son. MCH gave an interview and answered how he isnt concerned about the kills and who is on his table but where Dexters character is going. The formula of Dexter chasing the "Big Bad" is secondary. This isn't a show about Dexter vs. the Villan and who is going to have more kills, "hahaha". If you haven't figured this out by now, then, yea you should stop watching.
November 18, 2011 at 5:10PM EST Reply to Comment
- R I agree with you, but it looks like we're in the minority. I think this is one the best 3 seasons...probably third best behind 4 and 5. I've enjoyed it a lot, despite its formulaic approach. Out of all the crap that is on TV today, you're telling me this is bad?
  November 21, 2011 at 10:25PM EST

Next 75 Comments

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Option 1

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Option 3

Tom This season is miserable, the last episode was when it truly jumped the shark. I am out until the last season.

JC In their defense, they are using an Olympic high jump pole to jump a shark on a crucifix.

JC In their defense, they are using an Olympic high jump pole to jump a shark on a crucifix.

nonanon The show has definitely peaked already. I'll keep watching, but I'm no longer excited about it.

chunnyboy It has turned into Showtime's version of "House" - not a good thing

giantandre I completely agree with this assessment.

Hatfield Yeah, it sucks now, but I keep watching for reasons known only to the deep, dark tunnels of my subconscious. I was so irritated after last season that I think my expectations flatlined, making it easier to deal with the rampant blah.

KansasDan I agree with this completely. Although it's no longer the great show it started out as, ANYTHING is better than season five. So, we just keep watching, hoping that someone will up the ante.

Andy I'm hoping Showtime doesn't drag Homeland out like this. They always drag out a show past its prime.

Ed I think most fans would rather see a show stick around too long than be pulled too soon. I know my wife still enjoys it every week.

Ed I think most fans would rather see a show stick around one season too long than be pulled too soon. I know my wife still enjoys it.

Nicole This just makes me happy that Breaking Bad has low ratings and AMC didn't feel the need to drag it out for 3 or 4 more years.

sepinwall Two more after this season. If Hall hadn't cut a deal to continue, this would have been the final season.

KansasDan Any idea how many millions Hall is pulling down to continue?

Remy You gotta wonder if it's a lot to continue on with mediocre Dexter. It seems like he is giving up on a potentially creative evolving character for the flat procedural style that will bring him the big paycheck.

Josh It's certainly dread for me. I agree with Tom that the show completely lost what little it had left last episode. My girlfriend and I watched it with car-wreck amusement.I do have a feeling I'll keep watching though, and I can't say why. Maybe I'm just trying to hold on to the good memories.

Sara Totally agree with you. I don't want to give up on it because I've stuck with it for so long, but something has to give. At least they find ways to give Deb something different to do each season. Or a new guy for her to sleep with.

the minister Seriously? You didn't stop watching House? Or Friends?Yikes!

Finally, somebody I agree with!

tigger500 I too checked out finally this season. I found Olmos and Colin Hanks an absolute bore. Really loved Mos' work, but I couldn't tell you what the central case is about at all or why the hell Deb was promoted over Angel.

I assume Deb was promoted in order to piss off La Guarda.

chuchundra I have all the episodes from this season on my DVR. Haven't watched a single one yet.

johnnymac i gave up 3 episodes ago. i gave up on the books half way through the third. one and a half books too late.Dexter is a great concept, the author and show writers just have nothing original for him.

PotatoSolution They are going to need at least two more seasons to properly tell the complete story of Batista and LaGuerta's relationship.

Rolf *Shaking fist in the air*

alan_arkin This season is really not that good. Dexter has become a cartoon character, as have the supporting cast. The only remotely interesting thing is whether Edward James is a dark passenger or real -- and if he is not real, then it was telegraphed a mile away.

sangs Checked out three episodes into LAST season. Doesn't sound like I've missed much. I'll come back for the final one.

FletchFFletch Is "S." short for "Showtime PR Department"?

JR Sorry about the double post...

Teklanika I still like the show and still watch it. I agree with what you are saying Alan, that it has slipped into a bit of a formula, but I still find it interesting enough to stick around. As long as it stays somewhat interesting I want to see how it all ends now.

R I agree with you, but it looks like we're in the minority. I think this is one the best 3 seasons...probably third best behind 4 and 5. I've enjoyed it a lot, despite its formulaic approach. Out of all the crap that is on TV today, you're telling me this is bad?

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Tom

This season is miserable, the last episode was when it truly jumped the shark. I am out until the last season.

nonanon

The show has definitely peaked already. I'll keep watching, but I'm no longer excited about it.

chunnyboy

It has turned into Showtime's version of "House" - not a good thing

Hatfield

Yeah, it sucks now, but I keep watching for reasons known only to the deep, dark tunnels of my subconscious. I was so irritated after last season that I think my expectations flatlined, making it easier to deal with the rampant blah.

Andy

I'm hoping Showtime doesn't drag Homeland out like this. They always drag out a show past its prime.

Ed

I think most fans would rather see a show stick around too long than be pulled too soon. I know my wife still enjoys it every week.

Ed

I think most fans would rather see a show stick around one season too long than be pulled too soon. I know my wife still enjoys it.

Nicole

This just makes me happy that Breaking Bad has low ratings and AMC didn't feel the need to drag it out for 3 or 4 more years.

the minister Seriously? You didn't stop watching House? Or Friends?

Yikes!

tigger500

I too checked out finally this season. I found Olmos and Colin Hanks an absolute bore. Really loved Mos' work, but I couldn't tell you what the central case is about at all or why the hell Deb was promoted over Angel.

chuchundra

I have all the episodes from this season on my DVR. Haven't watched a single one yet.

johnnymac

i gave up 3 episodes ago. i gave up on the books half way through the third. one and a half books too late.

Dexter is a great concept, the author and show writers just have nothing original for him.

PotatoSolution

They are going to need at least two more seasons to properly tell the complete story of Batista and LaGuerta's relationship.

Rolf Shaking fist in the air

alan_arkin

This season is really not that good. Dexter has become a cartoon character, as have the supporting cast. The only remotely interesting thing is whether Edward James is a dark passenger or real -- and if he is not real, then it was telegraphed a mile away.

sangs

Checked out three episodes into LAST season. Doesn't sound like I've missed much. I'll come back for the final one.

Teklanika

I still like the show and still watch it. I agree with what you are saying Alan, that it has slipped into a bit of a formula, but I still find it interesting enough to stick around.

As long as it stays somewhat interesting I want to see how it all ends now.