The essential episodes of Dexter

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Dexter — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · October 1, 2006 · 1h

   Dexter8.1

   Dexter takes part in the investigation of a serial killer who drains his victims of blood. He also kills two criminals, and his romantic relationship may be going to the next level.

2. 02

   S01E11 · Top rated · December 10, 2006 · 1h

   Truth Be Told8.9

   Just days before Christmas, the Ice Truck Killer leaves the body of a dead prostitute outside Santa's Cottage.

3. 03

   S01E12 · Season 1 peak · December 17, 2006 · 1h

   Born Free9.1

   While avoiding the misguided Sgt. Doakes, Dexter searches for the real Ice Truck Killer and his hostage before it's too late.

4. 04

   S02E09 · Season 2 peak · November 25, 2007 · 1h

   Resistance is Futile9.1

   Dexter is in shock when he realizes that his blood slides are gone. It seems that Agent Lundy really has him now; but there's more going on than he knows.

5. 05

   S02E12 · Top rated · December 16, 2007 · 1h

   The British Invasion8.8

   Lila makes a shocking discovery about Dexter and takes advantage of it in a desperate ploy to win him back, or rather, force him back.

6. 06

   S03E10 · Season 3 peak · November 30, 2008 · 1h

   Go Your Own Way8.5

   Dexter needs leverage against Miguel and goes looking for it - specifically the ring Miguel took from Ellen Wolf as a trophy.

7. 07

   S04E09 · Top rated · November 22, 2009 · 1h

   Hungry Man9.0

   Dexter uses Thanksgiving as an opportunity to get closer to his most dangerous adversary yet.

8. 08

   S04E10 · Top rated · November 29, 2009 · 1h

   Lost Boys8.8

   Dexter makes a startling discovery while stalking the Trinity Killer.

9. 09

   S04E11 · Top rated · December 6, 2009 · 1h

   Hello, Dexter Morgan9.1

   Dexter's worst fears are finally realized. Meanwhile, Debra is on the verge of uncovering the identity of the Trinity Killer.

10. 10

    S04E12 · Season 4 peak · December 13, 2009 · 1h

    The Getaway9.3

    Dexter is obsessed with getting the Trinity Killer himself, especially after Arthur has tracked him to Metro Homicide and learns his real identity.

11. 11

    S05E09 · Season 5 peak · November 21, 2010 · 1h

    Teenage Wasteland8.8

    Dexter and Lumen are on the hunt for a new victim but get sidetracked by the arrival of a surprise visitor. Meanwhile, Debra digs up new evidence.

12. 12

    S06E12 · Season 6 peak · December 18, 2011 · 1h

    This Is the Way the World Ends8.1

    Stuck in the ocean miles from shore, Dexter is rescued by an old boat carrying illegal immigrants to the US. Once ashore, he heads home hoping to figure out where and when Travis next move. Travis has holed up in a small house and has killed the occupants. While he's away, the police show up and Dexter has something of a surprise waiting for him. Dexter makes it to son Harrison's school recital only to have Travis take the child. Meanwhile, Debra has a plan to catch Travis and gets LaGuerta's support for her plan. Debra also comes to terms with her feelings for Dexter. In his final confrontation with Travis, Dexter has him tied down on his execution table. Someone walks in just as he's committing the deed.

13. 13

    S07E01 · Season 7 peak · September 30, 2012 · 1h

    Are You...?8.6

    Having been caught in the act of eliminating Travis Marshall by his sister Deb, Dexter has to scramble to come up with an explanation. Deb is understandably shaken by what she's just seen but accepts, somewhat reluctantly, Dexter's explanation that he's suffered momentary madness. As she thinks about it, Dexter's explanation makes no sense and decides to dig deeper. Captain LaGuerta meanwhile is puzzled by a piece of evidence she found at the scene of the Marshall killing. When a member of the homicide squad is killed, Dexter goes all out to stop the killer before he ...

14. 14

    S08E08 · Season 8 peak · August 18, 2013 · 1h

    Are We There Yet?7.9

    Dexter is certain that Zach Hamilton killed his next door neighbor Cassie, who is found bludgeoned to death in her apartment. The scene suggests that the crime was impulsive rather than planned, as was the case with the death of Norma Rivera. Dexter finds Zach's blood under her fingernails but can't report it for obvious reasons. Zach is in the Keys - he's used his credit card - and Dexter and Hannah set off to find him. What he finds there impresses Dexter but also suggests that Zach isn't the killer. Meanwhile, Dexter is also helping Hannah acquire a new identity ...

15. 15

    S08E12 · Series finale · September 22, 2013 · 1h

    Remember the Monsters?5.6

    Dexter has to act quickly when Hannah tells him Elway is staking out the airport. He finds a way to get him out of the way but it also leads to the entire airport being closed. With a hurricane bearing down on Miami, few options are open to them. Dexter races to the hospital when he learns that Deb has been shot. She seems to be recovering and he decides to send Hannah and Harrison to Jacksonville where they could catch a flight. A return trip to the hospital leads to Saxon's arrest but also bad news about Deb. Realizing that he has, directly or indirectly, been ...