Paramount is slashing "Dexter: Original Sin" before Season 2, despite a previous renewal announcement, according to multiple reports.

The series stars Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter analyst turned vigilante serial killer who preys on other murderers who escape the criminal justice system.

Despite previously announcing its Season 2 renewal in April, the streaming service has nixed the prequel series, according to Variety and Entertainment Weekly.

Dexter moonlit as a mass murderer in the original 2006-13 "Dexter" series. The show lasted eight seasons and spawned a "Dexter: New Blood" season (2021-22), "Dexter: Original Sin" (2024) and "Dexter: Resurrection" (2025).

Both outlets reported Paramount plans "to open a writers room for a potential Season 2 of 'Dexter: Resurrection.'" The sequel series performed well for Paramount+ Premium and Showtime, with the premiere episode drawing 3.1 million viewers over its opening weekend and growing to 4.4 million after seven days, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

USA TODAY reached out to Paramount and Showtime, which also streams the show, for comment on Wednesday, Aug. 27, but has not received a response.

"Dexter: Original Sin" streams Fridays on Paramount+ and Sundays on Showtime at 10 p.m. EST/PST.

The season cast for "Dexter: Original Sin" includes:

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Fernando Cervantes Jr./ USA TODAY

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.