19 Shows Like Dexter That Are Perfect for Binge-Watching
“Shows like Dexter” make us crave more suspenseful stories. If you loved “Dexter,” you’ll want to find out more series that also mix crime, mystery, and complex characters.
I’ve got you.
From thrilling chases to psychological battles, I’ve got 19 shows for you that have it all. Keep reading to find your next binge-worthy show!
Shows Like Dexter You Will Definitely Be Going to Love
If you enjoyed “Dexter,” you’re probably looking for more shows with that thrilling mix of crime and character depth. “Dexter” is unique because it’s about a serial killer who only targets other bad guys, which makes us think about what’s right and wrong.
Here are some shows that give off similar vibes and will keep you glued to the screen.
| Show Title | Main Theme | Similarities to Dexter | Key Features |
| Breaking Bad | Crime, Drama | Explores moral ambiguity and dual lives | Intense character development, suspenseful storytelling |
| Hannibal | Psychological Thriller | Explores the minds of killers | Chilling psychological elements, deep character study |
| Bates Motel | Psychological Drama | Focuses on the origin of a famous criminal | Suspenseful and psychological themes |
| Mindhunter | Crime, Psychological Thriller | Explains the psychology of criminals | Based on real events, detailed criminal profiling |
| True Detective | Crime Anthology | Deep character studies | Different story each season, atmospheric and complex narratives |
| The Following | Thriller | Explores psychological manipulation | Intense cat-and-mouse dynamics, suspenseful plot |
| The Killing | Crime Drama | Deep emotional exploration | Emotional depth, focuses on detectives and victims |
| Luther | Crime Drama | Struggles with personal demons while solving crimes | Complex character, gripping crime-solving |
| American Horror Story: Asylum | Horror, Psychological Thriller | Intense and psychological elements | Part of an anthology, disturbing themes |
| You | Psychological Thriller | Explores obsession and morality | Engaging and intense, focus on a charismatic yet dangerous protagonist |
| The Sinner | Crime Drama | Explores unexpected crimes committed by ordinary people | Each season is a new story, psychological exploration |
| Ozark | Crime, Drama | Dual life, moral challenges | Suspenseful, family dynamics, crime-laden atmosphere |
| The Alienist | Crime, Period Drama | Understanding criminal minds | Historical setting, psychological insights |
| Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story | True Crime, Drama | Exploration of a real-life criminal | Based on real events, chilling and intense focus on criminal psychology |
| The Watcher | Mystery, Thriller | Suspense and mystery elements | Engaging mystery, focus on psychological tension |
| Maid | Drama | Personal struggles and overcoming challenges | Emotional depth, personal growth, resilience |
| The Blacklist | Crime, Thriller | Clever crime-solving and mysterious pasts | Unique criminal dynamics, engaging storytelling |
| The Mentalist | Crime, Drama | Focus on solving crimes with keen observation | Clever detective work, personal quest for justice |
| Ripper Street | Crime, Historical Drama | Tracking down dangerous criminals | Historical setting, crime-solving in the aftermath of Jack the Ripper |
Breaking Bad
“Breaking Bad” is about a high school teacher named Walter White who finds out he has cancer and decides to start making drugs to secure his family’s future. He teams up with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, and together they enter into a dangerous world.
Like “Dexter,” Walter lives a secret life, and we see how he changes over time. Both shows make us think about what it means to cross the line and the impact of those choices.
Bates Motel
“Bates Motel” is a story about Norman Bates before he became the infamous character from “Psycho.” It shows his life with his mom, Norma, and how their relationship shapes him. Just like “Dexter,” it’s about understanding how someone ends up committing crimes.
Both shows dig into the psychology of the characters, making us wonder how much of our actions are shaped by our past.
Mindhunter
“Mindhunter” takes us back to the late 1970s. We follow FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they try to understand serial killers by talking to them. They develop profiles to solve cases. Like “Dexter,” this show looks into the minds of criminals.
It’s really interesting to see how they figure out what makes these people act the way they do. When I watch “Mindhunter,” I’m always surprised by how they use small clues to solve big mysteries.
True Detective
“True Detective” is a crime show where each season has a new story and new characters. If you liked “Dexter,” you’ll love the mystery and deep storytelling in “True Detective.”
The show digs into the lives of its characters, showing what drives them and what they’re hiding. I enjoy how each character faces their own struggles, just like Dexter. It keeps you guessing, and I always want to see what happens next.
The Following
“The Following” is about a former FBI agent trying to catch a serial killer who leads a group of followers. The show explores how the killer tricks people into doing what he wants. It’s similar to “Dexter” because it looks at the mind games between the bad guys and the law.
I find it exciting to see how the characters try to outsmart each other. Both shows are full of suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The Killing
“The Killing” is about the murder of a young girl in Seattle and the detectives who try to solve it. The show dives deep into the lives of the detectives and how the case affects the victim’s family.
Like “Dexter,” it’s all about the people involved and the emotions they go through. You see how tough it is for the detectives to balance their personal lives while dealing with such a heavy case. I find it interesting how the show keeps you guessing about who really did it.
Luther
“Luther” follows DCI John Luther, a detective who is great at solving crimes but struggles with his own personal issues.
The show is similar to “Dexter” because both main characters deal with inner demons while trying to do what’s right. Luther’s passion for justice sometimes leads him into dark places, much like Dexter.
I enjoy watching how he handles these challenges while working on difficult cases.
American Horror Story: Asylum
This season of “American Horror Story” is full of creepy and psychological horror, including a storyline about a serial killer. It’s part of an anthology series, so each season has a new story. If you like “Dexter” for its suspense and thrills, you might enjoy the chilling elements in “Asylum.”
It’s all about fear and what happens when people are pushed to their limits. I find the horror elements really intense and engaging.
You
“You” is about Joe Goldberg, a charming guy who becomes obsessed with people he likes. The show looks at love, obsession, and what happens when someone crosses the line.
Like “Dexter,” it explores the mind of someone who does bad things but believes they’re doing it for the right reasons. I think “You” is gripping because it shows how far someone will go to get what they want, and it keeps you hooked with its twists.
The Sinner
“The Sinner” is a crime show where each season tells a new story about someone who commits a crime unexpectedly. In the first season, we meet Cora Tannetti, who suddenly does something shocking without knowing why. Detective Harry Ambrose tries to figure out what happened to make her act that way.
Like “Dexter,” the show looks into why people do bad things, showing that there’s often more to it than we first see. It’s interesting to watch as each season reveals secrets about the characters’ pasts, keeping you guessing and trying to solve the mystery with Detective Ambrose.
Hannibal
“Hannibal” is a creepy thriller about Will Graham, who works for the FBI, and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a smart psychiatrist who’s hiding a dark secret. The show is similar to “Dexter” because it explores what goes on in the minds of its characters.
Both series are full of suspense and make us question the difference between good and evil.
Ozark
“Ozark” follows Marty Byrde, a financial planner who moves his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. He tries to keep his family safe while dealing with dangerous criminals.
Just like “Dexter,” “Ozark” is about living a secret life and facing tough decisions. Marty has to make hard choices to protect his family. The show is full of suspense and shows what people will do when they’re in difficult situations.
It’s really engaging to see how Marty and his family handle their new life, balancing everyday activities with their hidden actions.
The Alienist
“The Alienist” takes place in the late 1800s and follows a team trying to catch a serial killer in New York City. The team includes Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, a psychologist, a reporter, and a police secretary. They use early forensic methods to solve crimes, similar to how “Dexter” involves understanding criminals.
The show gives a glimpse of how crime investigations worked back then, before modern tools. It’s exciting to see how the characters put together clues to catch the killer, making the story thrilling and full of mystery.
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
“Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” is about the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The show tells the story of his life and the crimes he committed. It explains how he avoided getting caught for so long, even though he was on law enforcement’s radar.
Like “Dexter,” this series looks at the mind of a killer, but “Dahmer” is based on true events, which makes it even scarier. It also shows how the system failed to stop Dahmer sooner. The series is a gripping look into the life of one of America’s most notorious criminals.
The Watcher
“The Watcher” is a mystery series about a family that moves into their dream home, only to start receiving creepy letters from someone called “The Watcher.” This person seems to know a lot about them and their house. The family gets really scared and tries to find out who is behind the letters.
It’s similar to “Dexter” because it keeps you guessing and wondering who the mysterious person is. The show is full of suspense and makes you think about who you can trust.
Maid
“Maid” tells the story of Alex, a young mother who escapes an abusive relationship and struggles to build a better life for herself and her daughter. She works as a house cleaner to make ends meet while facing many challenges along the way.
While it’s not a crime show like “Dexter,” “Maid” explores deep personal struggles and the strength it takes to overcome them. The show gives an honest look at what it’s like to fight for a better future, showing resilience and hope in tough times.
The Blacklist
“The Blacklist” follows Raymond “Red” Reddington, a top criminal who unexpectedly turns himself into the FBI. He offers to help catch other dangerous criminals but only if he can work with a new profiler named Elizabeth Keen.
Like “Dexter,” this show is all about catching bad guys and dealing with secrets. Red’s mysterious past and his connection to Elizabeth keep the story exciting. It’s interesting to watch how they work together to catch criminals on his list while uncovering hidden truths.
The Mentalist
“The Mentalist” is about Patrick Jane, who used to pretend to be a psychic. Now, he uses his sharp observation skills to help the California Bureau of Investigation solve crimes. Patrick is also searching for the serial killer who killed his family.
The show is similar to “Dexter” because it focuses on solving crimes and understanding the people behind them. Patrick’s ability to notice small details and his personal quest for justice make this series engaging and full of clever twists.
Ripper Street
“Ripper Street” is set in London after the Jack the Ripper murders. It follows detectives from H Division as they tackle crime in a city still haunted by the Ripper’s shadow.
Like “Dexter,” it’s about tracking down dangerous criminals and bringing them to justice.
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Conclusion
Shows like “Dexter” are perfect for fans who enjoy thrilling crime stories with complex characters. Here’s a quick recap of what we covered:
- “Breaking Bad” and “Ozark” explore double lives and moral dilemmas.
- “Mindhunter” and “The Alienist” dig into the psychology of criminals.
- “The Blacklist” and “The Mentalist” feature clever crime-solving with unique twists.
- “Hannibal” and “Ripper Street” bring intense suspense and rich storytelling.
Get ready to enjoy your next thrilling watch!
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