The BEST episodes of Dexter season 1

Every episode of Dexter season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Dexter season 1!

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.

Last Updated: 12/14/2024Network: Paramount+ with ShowtimeStatus: Ended
Born Free
star
8.38
6247 votes

#1 - Born Free

Season 1 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/17/2006

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.

Directors: Michael Cuesta
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Truth Be Told
star
8.17
6368 votes

#2 - Truth Be Told

Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/10/2006

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.

Directors: Keith Gordon
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Seeing Red
star
7.99
6334 votes

#3 - Seeing Red

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 12/3/2006

The Ice Truck Killer is back. He leaves a crime scene that brings back some horrifying repressed memories for Dexter. Paul sues Rita for sole custody of Astor and Cody.

Directors: Michael Cuesta
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Shrink Wrap
star
7.96
6470 votes

#4 - Shrink Wrap

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/19/2006

Dexter suspects rich women's shrink of murder. When he visits the shrink, he is surprised by a dark secret from his past.

Directors: Tony Goldwyn
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Father Knows Best
star
7.87
6113 votes

#5 - Father Knows Best

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/26/2006

Dexter receives notification that his biological father has recently passed away. Dexter is named as the sole heir of all his possessions including his house. Dexter goes for a weekend away with Rita, Deb, and Rudy.

Directors: Adam Davidson
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Dexter
star
7.85
9577 votes

#6 - Dexter

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 10/1/2006

Dexter is a forensic expert in blood patterns who works with the Miami Police Department. He is also a serial killer, who kills people that the police can't bring to justice. He has to hide his double life from his sister, his girlfriend and his co-workers. He is intrigued by a killer who has found a way to kill girls without leaving blood behind.

Directors: Michael Cuesta
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Circle of Friends
star
7.81
6700 votes

#7 - Circle of Friends

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/12/2006

The police identify the Ice Truck Killer. However Dexter feels there is something wrong with the suspect. Dexter must also deal with Paul, Rita's recently paroled husband.

Directors: Steve Shill
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Let's Give the Boy a Hand
star
7.77
6980 votes

#8 - Let's Give the Boy a Hand

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/22/2006

The Ice Truck Killer begins leaving pictures from Dexter's childhood at the crime scenes. Is the killer trying to tell Dexter something about his own past?

Directors: Robert Lieberman
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Return to Sender
star
7.73
6671 votes

#9 - Return to Sender

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/5/2006

Dexter is called to the scene of the crime at the Castillo junkyard. The Ice Truck Killer has returned Valerie Castillo's body putting Dexter in danger of being caught. A boy is found who witnessed the crime.

Directors: Tony Goldwyn
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Love American Style
star
7.68
6738 votes

#10 - Love American Style

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/29/2006

While the rest of the police department are focused on finding the Ice Truck Killer, Dexter is busy gathering evidence for his next victim. It turns out he will also discover more about relationships, love and how to make a success of it all. In doing so he gets some hilarious advice from unlikely sources and we see the first time that he actually kills two people at one time.

Directors: Robert Lieberman
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Popping Cherry
star
7.66
7238 votes

#11 - Popping Cherry

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/15/2006

Dexter's on the trail of a recently released murderer who plans to kill again when he's sidetracked by the Ice Truck Killer's latest crime - a cut-up hooker found in a hockey ice rink.

Directors: Michael Cuesta
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Crocodile
star
7.65
7961 votes

#12 - Crocodile

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/8/2006

Being wrapped up in preparing for his next victim, Dexter, finds out that the Ice Truck Killer is aware of Dexter's dirty little secret.

Directors: Michael Cuesta
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV