‘Dexter’: Behind-the-Scenes Facts From The Bay Harbor Butcher’s Story

Hidden Details About The Hit Crime Drama

The story of Dexter is complex, interesting, and truly amazing to follow. Showtime gave us one of the best serial-killer shows, and what’s better than watching your favorite character violently get rid of the bad influences and criminals in society as he methodically takes care of matters? Here are some of the best facts from the show Dexter.

Michael C. Hall Didn't Want the Role

It's impossible to imagine anyone else as Dexter, but Michael C. Hall was very hesitant. He had just finished a five-season run on Six Feet Under, a show where he was constantly surrounded by death. He famously told the producers he wasn't interested in "being around a bunch of fake dead bodies again" so soon. Thankfully, the script was so compelling it changed his mind.

The "Blood" Had a Minty-Fresh Scent

Fake blood on a hot set can smell awful. To combat this, the Dexter prop team developed their own signature recipe. The "blood" was a mixture of corn syrup, red food coloring, and a healthy dose of peppermint oil. This made it smell better for the actors who had to be covered in it for hours under hot lights.

"Miami" Was Mostly California

While the show's pilot and many exterior establishing shots were filmed in Miami, Florida, it was too expensive and impractical to film there full-time. The vast majority of the series—especially the interior sets (like Dexter's apartment) and even many "Miami" street scenes—were filmed in Long Beach, California.

LaGuerta's Actress Auditioned for Deb

Lauren Vélez is iconic as the politically savvy and often-antagonistic Captain LaGuerta. But that's not the role she originally wanted. Vélez first auditioned for the part of Debra Morgan, but the producers felt she wasn't quite right for the role, asking her to read for LaGuerta instead.

The Book Author Hated the Show's Direction

The show is based on the Darkly Dreaming Dexter novels by Jeff Lindsay. Lindsay was a consultant on Season 1, but he grew to dislike the show's version of his character, feeling the TV Dexter became "too human" and "soft." He continued writing his book series in a completely separate, much darker timeline where (spoilers!) Dexter is eventually caught in a very different way.

John Lithgow Did Zero Serial Killer Research

To prepare for his Emmy-winning role as the Trinity Killer, John Lithgow was offered books and research materials on real-life serial killers, like Dennis Rader (the "BTK" killer). Lithgow famously refused all of it. He wanted Arthur Mitchell to be a "complete original" and a "blank slate," believing the character's horror came from the fact that he was an "actor" himself, hiding his true nature from his family.

The Show Avoided the "F-Word" on Purpose

Despite being on Showtime, a premium cable network famous for its adult language, Dexter almost never used the "F-word." This was a deliberate creative choice by the writers. They felt that if the dialogue was relatively clean, the show's shocking, graphic violence would stand out even more, making it feel more jarring and brutal.

Deb's Actress Auditioned as a "Sweaty Mess"

Jennifer Carpenter won the role of the foul-mouthed, high-strung Debra Morgan because she showed up to her audition in character—though not entirely on purpose. She had been running outside in the Florida heat and showed up to the audition "a little sweaty, a little neurotic, and a little flustered." The producers loved her frantic, raw energy, feeling it was exactly the "live wire" personality they wanted for Deb.

The Infamous Ending Was Not the Original Plan

The original showrunner, Clyde Phillips, left the show after its celebrated fourth (Trinity Killer) season. His plan for the series finale was very different from the lumberjack ending we got. Phillips envisioned Dexter being caught and executed by the state. In his final moments, Dexter would look out at the viewing gallery and see the "ghosts" of everyone he had ever killed, including Deb, Doakes, and his wife, Rita.

Dexter and Deb Were Married in Real Life

Even though on screen they were a bickering but supportive duo of a brother and sister, the actors of Dexter and Debra were actually married in real life. They started dating when the show began and eloped in 2008. However, they were also divorced by 2010 which was an awkward moment for them to play as loving siblings. In a testament to their professionalism, they had to continue playing the intensely close, loving siblings for three more full seasons after their real-life divorce.