Some Netflix viewers are feeling a wave of disappointment as the beloved yet controversial series Dexter is set to leave the streaming giant at midnight on June 19. This crime drama, which originally aired on Showtime from 2006 to 2013, gained a huge following after being added to Netflix in June 2021, amassing 1.01 billion viewing hours, equivalent to 94.8 million views, according to What’s on Netflix.
The series follows the life of Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst by day and a serial killer by night. He targets offenders who have eluded justice, a premise that invites both fascination and moral discussion. While Dexter initially garnered critical acclaim, its later seasons saw a significant drop in ratings, culminating in a Season 8 finale that is rated 4.8 stars on IMDb. For context, this is only slightly better than the infamous Game of Thrones ending, which holds a 4-star rating.
Why Is Dexter Leaving Netflix?
The reason for Dexter‘s departure has not been publicly clarified by Netflix, but it stems from standard licensing practices. Netflix operates under licensing agreements that allow them to stream certain shows for a limited period. When a deal expires, unless a new agreement is reached, the content is removed. Dexter was previously on Netflix but left in 2020 after its licensing deal with Showtime ended.
Furthermore, Dexter: Resurrection, a new spin-off series, is set to premiere exclusively on Paramount+ on July 11, which also holds the rights to other Dexter spin-offs like Dexter: New Blood and Dexter: Original Sin. This shift signifies a move towards centralizing all Dexter-related content on Paramount+, further complicating its availability on Netflix.
Fan Reactions to Dexter Leaving Netflix
The announcement of Dexter leaving Netflix has triggered a strong emotional response from its fanbase, particularly among millennials who grew up with the series. Even Gen Z viewers, many of whom discovered Dexter during its Netflix run, have expressed their angst over the show’s removal. According to 2023 data from Statista, 41% of millennials and 34% of Gen Z reported using Netflix daily, compared to just 14% of baby boomers.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), fans shared their frustration. One user lamented, "Netflix always ruins everything man, I just started watching Dexter and it’s leaving tomorrow." Another echoed this sentiment, stating, "I just got into Dexter and now it’s leaving Netflix…in 23 hours."
Responses on TikTok were similarly disheartened; users voiced their disbelief and urgency to binge-watch episodes before the deadline. Comments like "Bro, I just got to season five, this has to be a joke," and "I’M ALMOST DONE JUST GIVE ME A BIT LONGER PLEASE," epitomize the shared discontent.
Where Can You Watch Dexter After It Leaves Netflix?
For viewers in the United States, the options to continue watching Dexter after its departure from Netflix are limited. The series, along with its spin-offs, will move to Paramount+. Alternatively, fans can opt to purchase episodes or entire seasons through platforms like Apple TV, which offers episodes starting at $2.99 each.
In comparison, other countries may still have Dexter available on Netflix for a while longer. For instance, viewers in the United Kingdom and Canada might be able to access the show until March 31, 2026, two years after its addition to those regions.
The Lasting Impact of Dexter
Despite the mixed reviews surrounding its later seasons, Dexter remains a significant part of television history. Its complex narrative, revolving around the morality of vigilantism, has sparked debates and discussions among viewers. The show challenged traditional conceptions of right and wrong, allowing audiences to grapple with the motivations behind its protagonist’s grim actions.
Moreover, Dexter has inspired a dedicated fan base that continues to engage with its themes through fan art, forums, and discussions. Its cultural impact is undeniable; even those who have criticisms of the show recognize its place in the genre of crime dramas.
Conclusion
As Dexter prepares to exit Netflix, fans are left to ponder what this means for their viewing pleasure. While the bitterness of its departure is palpable, there are still avenues to revisit this iconic show through other streaming services and platforms. Although Dexter may be leaving Netflix, its legacy in the world of television endures, continually sparking conversation and debate.
As viewers, we will have to adapt to these changing streaming landscapes, learning to navigate the shifting availability of our beloved shows. Whether through Paramount+, DVD purchases, or other platforms, the spirit of Dexter is unlikely to fade away completely. Therefore, as we bid farewell to Dexter on Netflix, we look ahead to where we can continue to explore its intricate, darkly captivating stories.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/erin-murphy-bewitched-061825-2bb88b9e95c94a8188d1e401cf873128.jpg?w=150&resize=150,100&ssl=1 "Bewitched Star Erin Murphy, Who Played Tabitha Stephens, Turns 61")
