The BEST Episodes of Dexter
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: May 24, 2021
Network: Showtime
Dexter Morgan is a Miami-based blood spatter expert who doesn't just solve murders; he commits them too. In fact, he's a serial killer -- but he only murders the guilty, so he feels justified with his lifestyle choices. His policewoman sister and his cop co-workers have no idea Dexter lives a double life; however, adoptive father Harry knows his secret, and does, in fact, help Dexter hone his "skills." It's a unique brand of justice for which charming Dexter feels a psychological hunger.
#1 - The Getaway
Season 4 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 13, 2009
Dexter and Arthur find themselves on a collision course, as Debra unearths a shocking long-hidden truth, Rita admits her marriage to Dexter is troubled, and Batista and LaGuerta face the consequences of an ethics breach.
8.73 
#2 - This is the Way the World Ends
Season 6 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 18, 2011
In the season 6 finale, Dexter and Homicide race against a lunar eclipse to catch the Doomsday Killers before their final gruesome act; Debra struggles with a new emotional reality.
8.56 
#3 - Are You...?
Season 7 - Episode 1 - Aired Sep 30, 2012
Deb tries to cover up involvement in Travis' murder; Detective Mike Anderson has an unfortunate run-in; Quinn and Batista make amends; LaGuerta rethinks the Bay Harbor Butcher case.
8.46 
#4 - Born Free
Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 17, 2006
Dexter follows clues left for him by the Ice-Truck Killer in an attempt to find the hostage. Paul tries to convince Rita that she and the children are not safe around Dexter.
8.38 
#5 - The British Invasion
Season 2 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 16, 2007
The Task force believes the Bay Harbor Butcher case is closed, but Dexter still has some trouble to deal with.
8.35 
#6 - The Big One
Season 5 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 12, 2010
Dexter's situation grows desperate when he discovers that Lumen's been set up. Despite knowing he's being baited into a trap, Dexter risks everything to make sure he doesn't fall into the same mistake again. In the Barrel Girls case, Debra lets her personal feelings lead her instincts once she concludes that vigilantes are more than just a theory. Quinn finds himself in a troublesome situation, which only Dexter can help him out of.
8.32 
#7 - Surprise, Motherfucker!
Season 7 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 16, 2012
Dexter must protect himself when LaGuerta closes in on his secret.
8.32 
#8 - Hello, Dexter Morgan
Season 4 - Episode 11 - Aired Dec 6, 2009
Miami Metro is just one step away from discovering the identity of the Trinity Killer. And Dexter can't let that happen. Dexter must take drastic action to buy himself time to deal with Trinity in his own fashion. Arthur, who still can't understand why Dexter didn't simply turn him in, begins his own bloody investigation into Kyle Butler.
8.26 
#9 - Hop a Freighter
Season 5 - Episode 11 - Aired Dec 5, 2010
Dexter must do damage control; Debra's speculation begins to take shape; Quinn becomes involved in a homicide.
8.22 
#10 - Truth Be Told
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired Dec 10, 2006
The Ice Truck Killer puts Dexter in a life changing position when he takes someone close to Dexter hostage. Doakes begins to suspect that Dexter's odd behavior is something darker than he originally thought.
8.17 
#11 - Resistance Is Futile
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired Nov 25, 2007
Dexter realizes it won't be easy to end things completely with Lila. Dexter tries to stay ahead of the investigations as the manhunt for the Bay Harbor Butcher intensifies. An enemy of Dexter figures out his secret.
8.17 
#12 - Do You Take Dexter Morgan?
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired Dec 14, 2008
It is the day before Dexter's wedding and Dexter must deal with two people targeting him, while preparing for his special occasion. Meanwhile, Angel tells Deb he's put her in for a promotion, but after he finds out some information her shield may be gone before she gets it.
8.15 
#13 - Get Gellar
Season 6 - Episode 9 - Aired Nov 27, 2011
Dexter receives help from an unexpected source while hunting the Doomsday Killers and staying one step ahead of Homicide; Debra discovers something new about herself in therapy.
8.15 
#14 - Go Your Own Way
Season 3 - Episode 10 - Aired Nov 30, 2008
A series of chess-like moves ensues when Dexter and Miguel vie for the upper hand, with Miguel winning Rita's affection by presenting her with a lavish wedding gift. Elsewhere, Debra wonders if her relationship with Anton is worth the trouble.
8.14 
#15 - A Horse of a Different Color
Season 6 - Episode 4 - Aired Oct 23, 2011
Much to his own surprise, an emergency with Harrison and a new tableau from Gellar and Travis has Dexter leaning on Brother Sam and an unexpected winged messenger for support as he questions the idea of faith; with proof of a religiously motivated killer, Homicide hunts for a zealot, with Debra giving her first official press conference.
8.14 
#16 - Teenage Wasteland
Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired Nov 21, 2010
Dexter and Lumen hunt for their next victim; Debra uncovers new evidence in the Barrel Girl case
8.14 
#17 - In the Beginning
Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired Nov 28, 2010
Homicide uncovers some key evidence linked to one of Dexter's and Lumen's prior victims; Debra identifies two more suspects in the case.
8.13 
#18 - Take It!
Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired Nov 14, 2010
Dexter and Lumen vet and stalk a violent killer; Debra gets into some unexpected trouble from the fallout of the Santa Muerte case
8.12 
#19 - Argentina
Season 7 - Episode 8 - Aired Nov 18, 2012
Fresh out of jail, Isaak renews his pursuit of Dexter while Quinn continues his power struggle with the Koshkas. Dexter tries to keep Debra in the dark about his relationship with Hannah, but a surprise visit from Astor, Cody and Harrison throws a wrench into his plans.
8.09 
#20 - Left Turn Ahead
Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired Dec 9, 2007
Dexter must make a massive decision that will have an effect on all those he holds close. Lila meanwhile is back with a secret to blackmail Dexter.
8.07 
#21 - Morning Comes
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired Nov 18, 2007
Dexter is attacked by the man who murdered his mother. Meanwhile, Lila wants to get closer to Dex, and Debra and Lundy close in on the Bay Harbor Butcher.
8.07 
#22 - Run
Season 7 - Episode 4 - Aired Oct 21, 2012
After capturing a deadly killer, things go awry for Miami Metro, sending Debra into a tailspin. In an effort to help his sister, Dexter enters into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, while the Ukrainian mob continues to seek revenge.
8.07 
#23 - Sunshine and Frosty Swirl
Season 7 - Episode 2 - Aired Oct 7, 2012
Miami Metro sets out to unearth new evidence on a claim from a local convict that he has new information regarding a 15-year-old crime spree; Debra tries to cure Dexter of his killer tendencies.
8.06 
#24 - Do You See What I See?
Season 7 - Episode 11 - Aired Dec 9, 2012
It's Christmas time, and Debra learns it may be better to receive when she gets a tip from Hannah's father... one that could lead to incriminating Dexter in a crime. Meanwhile, Dexter discovers that the man behind his mother's death has been released from prison.
8.06 
#25 - Lost Boys
Season 4 - Episode 10 - Aired Nov 29, 2009
Dexter finally believes he understands the beast known as Trinity. But when a ten-year old boy goes missing, Dexter is forced to question everything he’s learned up to this point.
8.05