Shows like Dexter
15 picks with a similar feel
What defines Dexter, going by its Boxlist taste profile: A weighty crime series that is inventive, morally murky and smart. Best if you like depth over escapism. Its strongest markers on Boxlist are themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem, plus tags such as police procedural, crime investigation and double life.
Here are 15 shows with a similar feel, ranked by how closely they match that profile. Treat them as picks to try, not a definitive list.
Based on Dexter (2006).
- 1
Luther (2010)
TV7.9Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: crime investigation, psychological thriller.
- 2
The Fall (2013)
TV7.8
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller, serial killer.
- 3
Mr. Robot (2015)
TV8.2
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 4
Servant (2019)
TV7.7Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 5
Clickbait (2021)
TV7.4
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 6
The Sinner (2017)
TV7.4Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: murder investigation.
- 7
Cruel Summer (2021)
TV7.6
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 8
Yellowjackets (2021)
TV7.6Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and dark, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 9
You (2018)
TV8.1Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 10
Bosch (2015)
TV8.0Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and intricate, with themes of mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: murder investigation, neo-noir.
- 11
TV8.0Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: murder investigation, psychological thriller, serial killer.
- 12
Constellation (2024)
TV7.3
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 13
Prodigal Son (2019)
TV8.4
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and intricate, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: murder investigation, serial killer.
- 14
Black Mirror (2011)
TV8.3Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also inventive and weighty, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem. Common ground: psychological thriller.
- 15
IT: Welcome to Derry (2025)
TV8.2Slower burn
Why it's like Dexter: Also weighty and inventive, with themes of troubled leads and mysteries that are not what they seem.
Boxlist compares Dexter with every show in its catalogue on ten taste scores (pace, tone, weight, realism and more), story themes, genres and TMDB keywords, and ranks the closest. Every pick has a TMDB rating of 7.2 or more from at least 150 votes, new releases wait until their ratings settle, and only one title per franchise makes the list. It is an approximation of feel, so treat it as a starting point. Ratings are TMDB audience scores out of 10.
Which of these suit you?
Take the taste test and every pick shows how well it matches you.
Take the taste testQuestions
- What should I watch if I like Dexter?
- Picks with a similar feel include Luther, The Fall, Mr. Robot and Servant. Each shares part of Dexter's taste profile, themes or tags; the full list has 15 shows.
- How are these shows like Dexter chosen?
- Boxlist compares Dexter with every show in its catalogue on ten taste scores (pace, tone, weight, realism and more), story themes, genres and TMDB keywords, and ranks the closest. Every pick has a TMDB rating of 7.2 or more from at least 150 votes, new releases wait until their ratings settle, and only one title per franchise makes the list. It is an approximation of feel, so treat it as a starting point.