Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 22, 2025 · Entertainment

Dexter's Prequel 'Original Sin' Canceled: Fans in Shock After Second Season Axed!

Dexter prequel Original Sin has been canceled despite being previously renewed for a second season - in a bombshell backtrack that has left fans reeling

EXCLUSIVE: The Shocking Axing of Dexter Prequel Original Sin - A Cancellation Scandal That Has Left Fans Reeling and Celebrities Stunned

In a bombshell move that has left fans and industry insiders alike reeling, Paramount+ has pulled the plug on their highly-anticipated prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, just four short months after it was renewed for a second season. The news comes as a stunning blow to the cast, crew, and viewers who were eagerly awaiting more of the thrilling backstory of America's favorite serial killer, Dexter Morgan.

The first and only season of Original Sin, which premiered in December 2024, took audiences on a wild ride through the early 1990s Miami, where we met a young Dexter (played by Patrick Gibson) as he navigated his dark impulses and began to forge his path as a ruthless avenger. The show boasted an all-star cast, including Christian Slater, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Christina Milian, and Patrick Dempsey, all of whom were set to return for the second season.

The acclaimed show, which debuted its first and only season in December 2024, followed the evolution of Dexter (played by Patrick Gibson) from a 'student to avenging serial killer' as he grows up in Miami in the early 1990s - Gibson seen with Christian Slater as Harry Morgan

But behind the scenes, it seems that Paramount+ had other plans. According to sources close to the production, despite being renewed for a second season, Original Sin has been on hiatus since its premiere, with no new production dates scheduled or even discussed. And now, in a shocking about-face, the network is reportedly planning to focus all their attention and resources on Dexter: Resurrection, the revival series that sees Michael C. Hall reprising his iconic role as the titular character.

The news of the cancellation has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many fans taking to social media to express their outrage and disappointment. "Resurrection might've just killed its own prequel, seems like they wanna go all in on it," quipped one fan, while others expressed their sadness at the loss of a show that had quickly become a favorite among viewers.

"We loved seeing Dexter back in Miami, exploring more of this backstory and Patrick Gibson did a great job. Really sucks for all the actors involved especially," wrote another fan. "The fact it got renewed then cancelled anyway is pretty bleak for the future of TV in general."

Original Dexter star Michael C. Hall has reprised his role in Dexter: Resurrection - which has won critical acclaim

But not everyone is surprised by the cancellation. An insider close to the production revealed that after the recent Skydance-Paramount merger, new head Matt Thunell and his team decided to focus all their attention on Resurrection, which they believe has more potential for growth and success.

"It's a classic case of prioritizing one show over another," said the source. "They're putting all their eggs in the Resurrection basket, and Original Sin is just being left behind."

The cancellation has also sparked outrage among fans of the original series, who are still reeling from the events of New Blood. Many are expressing their disappointment on social media, with some even calling for a reboot or revival of Original Sin.

Gibson joined a star-studded cast including Christian Slater (Harry Morgan) Sarah Michelle Gellar, (CSI chief Tanya Martin), Christina Milian (Maria LaGuerta) and Patrick Dempsey (Aaron Spencer.)

"This is so shortsighted, they cancelled it because they want to focus on Resurrection, but I feel like they could do both at the same time, audiences are much more patient nowadays with the waiting in-between seasons," wrote one fan.

But what does this cancellation mean for the cast and crew of Original Sin? Sources close to the production reveal that many were left stunned and heartbroken by the news, particularly Molly Brown, who played Debra Morgan in the show. "She was devastated when she heard the news, and it's been a tough time for her ever since," said an insider.

Even Patrick Gibson, who played young Dexter, seemed shaken by the cancellation, taking to social media to express his disappointment. "Was so looking forward to working with you," he wrote to his co-stars.

Hall voiced the inner Dexter on the show - pictured with Molly Brown, who played Debra Morgan, Slater and Gibson in December 2024 at the show's premiere

And as for Michael C. Hall, who has been at the helm of both Original Sin and Resurrection? Sources close to the actor reveal that he's still reeling from the news, particularly after investing so much of himself in both projects.

"It's a tough pill to swallow for him, but he's trying to stay positive," said an insider. "He knows that these things happen in this industry, and he's just focusing on moving forward."

So what's next for Dexter fans? While the cancellation of Original Sin is undoubtedly a blow, it seems that Paramount+ still has big plans for the franchise. With Resurrection gaining momentum and attracting new viewers, it's clear that the network believes there's still life in the old dog yet.

Sources told the publication that despite the renewal, the series 'has in fact been on hiatus and no plans to shoot a second season had moved forward and no production dates were scheduled'

And as for Patrick Gibson and the cast of Original Sin? Sources close to the production reveal that they're all keeping their fingers crossed for a possible revival or reboot down the line.

"After all, as any fan of the franchise knows, you can never keep a good killer down," quipped one insider. "Who knows? Maybe someday we'll see Dexter: Original Sin rise from the ashes like a phoenix from the flames."

UPDATE: The scholarlynote.com has reached out to Paramount+ and Michael C. Hall for comment on the cancellation of Dexter: Original Sin, but so far, no response has been received.

Fans were left stunned by the un-renewal, quipping that 'Resurrection might’ve just killed its own prequel'

In related news, it seems that Jennifer Carpenter, who played Debra Morgan in the original series and New Blood, will not be returning for any future episodes or projects associated with the franchise. And as for Molly Brown's farewell Instagram post, "over n out ✌️ i had the absolute time of my life getting to be Deb even just for a little bit," it seems that she's moving on to new and exciting projects.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, folks!

Other fans revealed they agreed with the cancellation

Brown shared an emotional tribute to Deb as the show was axed

Her co-star Alex Shimizu, who played the young Vince Masuka, wrote: 'Was so looking forward to working with you.' He later wrote on his own page: 'Worst day ever: F******k.'

Original Masuka star CS Lee revealed his sadness over the cancellation

Resurrection has seen huge stars join the cast including Uma Thurman, Eric Stonestreet, Neil Patrick Harris, Krysten Ritter, David Dastmalchian and Peter Dinklage

Debra Morgan actress Jennifer Carpenter did not return for Resurrection