Dexter is not on Peacock

Dexter and Dexter: New Blood (the revival series) are not available on Peacock. The show streams on other platforms depending on which season you want to watch. The original series runs on Showtime and Paramount+, while Dexter: New Blood, which aired in 2021–2022, is exclusive to Showtime.

If you have a Peacock subscription, you won't find either version of Dexter in the catalog. Streaming rights for shows change over time and vary by region, so it's worth checking the platforms you already subscribe to before looking elsewhere. The reason Dexter stayed off Peacock comes down to who owns the rights: Showtime Networks (now part of Paramount) negotiated to keep the series within its own ecosystem rather than licensing it to NBCUniversal, which owns Peacock.

Key Takeaways

  • Dexter and Dexter: New Blood are not available on Peacock as of now.
  • The original Dexter series (2006–2013) streams on both Showtime and Paramount+.
  • Dexter: New Blood, the revival limited series, is exclusive to Showtime and does not appear on Paramount+ or any other platform.
  • Streaming rights are controlled by Showtime Networks and Paramount, so Peacock does not carry either version of the show.
  • You can search directly on Showtime or Paramount+ to confirm current availability in your region.

Where the Original Dexter Series Streams

The original Dexter (2006–2013), which ran for eight seasons, is available on both Showtime and Paramount+. Both platforms carry the full series, so you can watch from the beginning without splitting your viewing across services. Showtime is the network that originally aired Dexter, so it has held the streaming rights since the show ended. Paramount+ added the series later as part of its content library expansion.

If you already subscribe to either service, you can start watching when ready. If you don't, both offer free trial periods, though the length and terms change periodically. Paramount+ typically offers a free trial lasting seven days, while Showtime's trial length varies depending on current promotions. You'll need to provide payment information to start a trial, and you must cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged.

The original series follows Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst who leads a double life as a serial killer. All eight seasons are available in order, so you can watch the complete story arc from start to finish on either platform.

Dexter: New Blood and Where to Find It

Dexter: New Blood is a limited series that brought the character back for ten new episodes in 2021–2022. Unlike the original series, this revival is exclusive to Showtime and does not appear on Paramount+, Peacock, or any other streaming platform. The revival was produced specifically for Showtime and remains locked to that service.

If you want to watch the revival after finishing the original series, a Showtime subscription is your only option. The series wrapped up the story that the original ending left unresolved, so many fans watch it as a continuation rather than a standalone revival. The revival takes place ten years after the original series finale and follows Dexter in a new location with new challenges.

Showtime offers both the original series and the revival under the same subscription, so you won't need to switch platforms or pay extra once you're subscribed. This makes Showtime the single destination if you want to watch both the original eight seasons and the ten-episode revival back-to-back.

Why Dexter Isn't on Peacock

Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, while Dexter was produced by Showtime Networks (now part of Paramount). Streaming rights are negotiated separately for each platform, and Showtime has kept Dexter within its own ecosystem—both the original series and the revival. When a show is produced by one company, that company typically retains the right to decide which platforms can stream it.

Peacock does carry other prestige dramas and crime shows, but Dexter is not among them. The platform's catalog focuses on content from NBC, Universal, and other properties under the NBCUniversal umbrella, which does not include Showtime originals. This separation is common in the streaming industry: HBO Max carries HBO and Max originals, Netflix carries Netflix originals, and so on.

Other Crime Dramas Available on Peacock

If you're looking for similar shows on Peacock, the platform carries several crime and thriller series that offer comparable storytelling. Law & Order (the original series and its spin-offs like SVU and Organized Crime) streams on Peacock, as do shows like The Blacklist and Hannibal. These offer similar dark, character-driven storytelling about crime and investigation.

Peacock also has a growing library of movies in the crime and thriller genre. Browsing the platform's crime section will show you what's currently available, since the catalog changes regularly as licensing agreements shift. If you're already a Peacock subscriber, exploring these alternatives may help you find your next show to watch.

How to Check What's Currently Streaming

Streaming catalogs change frequently, and availability can vary by region and subscription tier. The most reliable way to confirm whether Dexter is on any platform is to search directly on that service. On Showtime or Paramount+, type "Dexter" into the search bar and you'll see both the original series and New Blood (on Showtime only) with their current status.

If you're unsure which platform to subscribe to, both Showtime and Paramount+ offer information about free trial periods on their websites. Starting a trial lets you watch the series without committing to a full subscription, though you'll need to cancel before the trial ends to avoid being charged. You can also check your cable or internet provider's website—some packages include Showtime as an add-on channel, which would give you access to both the original series and Dexter: New Blood without a separate subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Dexter on any free streaming service?

Dexter is not available on free ad-supported streaming platforms. It requires a paid subscription to either Showtime or Paramount+. Some cable packages include Showtime as an add-on, which would give you access to both the original series and Dexter: New Blood.

Is Dexter: New Blood a continuation or a reboot?

Dexter: New Blood is a continuation that picks up years after the original series ended. It resolves storylines left open by the original finale, so watching the original eight seasons first is important for understanding the revival and its characters.

Will Dexter ever come to Peacock?

Streaming rights are controlled by Showtime Networks and Paramount, so it's unlikely Dexter will move to Peacock. Rights agreements can change over time, but there's no indication of a shift. Checking Showtime or Paramount+ directly is the best way to access the show.

What's the difference between Showtime and Paramount+ for watching Dexter?

Both platforms carry the original Dexter series in full. Paramount+ is a general streaming service with a broader catalog, while Showtime is focused on premium content and is the only place to watch Dexter: New Blood. Choose based on what other content interests you and which free trial period works for your schedule.