How Dexter: Original Sin and New Incentives Are Reviving Miami as a Filming Hotspot

Dexter: Original Sin might be eyeing more Miami scenes for Season 2.


Dexter: Original Sin is set to bring fans back into the early life of everyone’s favorite fictional serial killer, Dexter Morgan, with its highly anticipated second season. But the Showtime prequel series does more than just explore Dexter’s origin story—it could also help rekindle interest in Miami as a premier filming location, echoing the impact of the original Dexter series that debuted in 2006.

While much of the filming for both Dexter and Dexter: Original Sin takes place in Los Angeles and Long Beach, the series continues to draw heavily from the unmistakable energy and atmosphere of Miami—the city where Dexter Morgan’s chilling double life first unfolded.

“We wanted to get the full impact of the beauty and the texture and the architecture, the water and the atmosphere that is specific in Miami,” says Danielle Blumstein, co-head of production at Counterpart Studios, which produces the show alongside Showtime Studios. “We looked for locations that would help ground us and kind of celebrate that city.”

Miami is more than just a backdrop—it's integral to Dexter’s identity. From sun-drenched marinas and Art Deco buildings to vibrant neighborhoods and coastal highways, the city helped define the aesthetic, tone, and authenticity of the original series. And now, with Dexter: Original Sin, producers are once again spotlighting Miami’s unique visual appeal—even if most of the physical production takes place elsewhere.

A New Wave of Productions in Miami

According to Variety, the return of Dexter to Miami comes at a time when the city is seeing a resurgence in film and television production. Recent projects like Netflix’s Pulse and Peacock’s upcoming crime drama M.I.A. have been increasing their presence in the Magic City, signaling a shift in the industry’s attention back to South Florida.

A major catalyst for this renewed interest is the High Impact Film Fund, launched by Miami-Dade County in May 2024. This initiative offers up to 20% in cash rebates for film and TV productions that meet key criteria—such as a $5 million minimum budget and hiring of local crew members and vendors.

“The program has been a great success,” says Marco Giron, Miami-Dade County’s film commissioner. “We’ve managed to attract large-scale projects to Miami-Dade County that otherwise would not have been in our region.”

Meanwhile, Miami Beach has rolled out its own incentive program aimed at smaller productions. Projects that film for a minimum of three days and spend at least $25,000 locally can qualify for a $10,000 rebate. Additional perks include free film permits and beachfront access passes, making it a popular choice for commercials and short-form digital content.

Will Dexter Return to real Miami in the prequel's second season?

Although Dexter: Original Sin didn’t shoot the majority of its scenes in Miami, the city remains a vital part of the show’s DNA. With new incentives in place and a growing wave of productions choosing South Florida, it’s possible that Season 2 could see even more scenes filmed on location.

As Miami continues to position itself as a competitive player in the entertainment industry, Dexter: Original Sin could serve as a key catalyst—drawing eyes, talent, and investment back to the city that helped make Dexter Morgan a cultural icon.

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