Michael C. Hall’s 10/10 Crime Thriller Masterpiece Keeps Getting Better After 20 Years

It’s been 20 years since Michael C. Hall first became well-known for a memorable TV role, and the popular crime thriller series he’s a part of is still going strong – many would say it’s even better now. He first gained recognition on the HBO show Six Feet Under before becoming famous for playing the lead in the series Dexter.

The Dexter franchise spans eleven seasons total. This includes the original 8-season series, two follow-up series, and a prequel called Dexter: Original Sin. Although Dexter: Original Sin was unexpectedly cancelled by Paramount last year despite being renewed for a second season, the standout series of 2025 was the impressive 10-episode Dexter: Resurrection.

20 Years Later, Michael C. Hall’s Dexter Series Is Better Than Ever

Now that the 2026 Golden Globes have concluded the 2025 TV awards season, it’s surprising that Michael C. Hall’s series Dexter: Resurrection didn’t receive any nominations. The show was a hit with both critics and fans – it even earned a 95% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the best crime thrillers of the year.

The latest season of Dexter received overwhelmingly positive reviews, nearly matching the show’s all-time high score from season 2. While many fans still consider season 4, with its acclaimed performance by John Lithgow, to be the series’ best, the gap is closing. After a disappointing season (Resurrection), it’s now much more debatable which season is truly the best, and this new season is a strong contender for the top spot.

The positive reception to Dexter: Resurrection came not just from Michael C. Hall’s captivating performance as the charming killer, but also from the show’s impressive cast. It featured well-known actors like Peter Dinklage, Uma Thurman, Neil Patrick Harris, and others, alongside returning favorites from the original series. Plus, the show moved its setting from Miami to New York City.

Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 Will Make Or Break The Franchise

Zach Dilgard / ©Paramount+ with Showtime / Courtesy Everett Collection

One reason Dexter: Resurrection did so well is that it delivered a satisfying final episode. Previous endings in the Dexter franchise hadn’t been as successful – the original series finale (season 8) and the end of New Blood were both widely disliked by fans. This new finale finally gave viewers the conclusion they were hoping for.

While Original Sin started slowly but improved, the Resurrection finale was the strongest season ending Dexter has had in years, possibly since season 4. With Original Sin cancelled and the prequel series’ potential unrealized, the future of the Dexter franchise now depends on Resurrection season 2, which needs to live up to the high quality of its first season.

The planned merger between Paramount and Skydance creates some uncertainty about the future of upcoming streaming shows, including Dexter: Resurrection. A second season is particularly important because a disappointing follow-up could harm the franchise. Fortunately, Resurrection has successfully revived interest in Dexter after a period of decline, with strong positive reactions from viewers practically guaranteeing a demand for more. If season 2 maintains the quality of the first, the Dexter franchise has a lot of potential for continued success.

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2026-01-15 00:48