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Abstract

In a society where the selling of serial killers' personal items is a profitable business and killers are the focus of many facets of entertainment such as biopics, crime novels, films, and the television network TruTV it is not surprising that a series about a killer debuting in 2006 would be the highest rated premiere of its home network Showtime, or that its viewership would increase by 84% between the pilot and season one finale. The series Dexter does, after all, follow the everyday routine of a serial killer, even giving the audience a glimpse into his innermost thoughts. However, while the national fascination with serial killers does factor into the popularity of Dexter, it cannot be the sole cause of the large fan base and zealous following that the series has gathered in its six seasons. The initial curiosity of the viewer to observe someone as unusual as a psychopathic killer may have been enough to draw in an audience, but what keeps them watching is the manipulation of details by the writers and producers to create a drama that both satisfies our curiosity about a modern day monster and also showcases a protagonist that is relatable in a very surprising way. From the voiceovers they implement to give the audience a more personal glimpse into their protagonist's mind to the code that aligns him with American morals, every aspect of the show has a Purpose. Even the portrayal of Dexter Morgan-his dress, attitude, and past-is enough to cause audiences to name him 'America's Favorite Serial Killer.'

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