"Dexter" Ratings: Showtime Record For Largest Season Premiere

Hollywood Reporter:

The third season premiere of Showtime's "Dexter" broke a record for the network Sunday night, jumping 21% from last year.

"Dexter" averaged 1.2 million viewers, the highest-rated premiere of a Showtime drama since at least 2004 (when Nielsen changed the way the network's ratings are tabulated). The second season premiere of "Dexter" was the previous record holder.

The second season debut of "Californication" didn't fare so well, however. The drama's 522,000 take was down 5%.

Read the whole story: Hollywood Reporter

Comments

[AlphaDoc]

After reading the first book, I didn't think I'd like the show . . . figured it would never live up to my expectations. While Book Dexter and TV Dexter are different, both are fabulous. I've read all 3 books several times and have the season one and two DVDs. Can't get enough!

[AlP]

Dexter is just a phenomenal show!

Californication, I think we're all in agreement with. I'm watched the first season last year, and just as they were "about" to get some sort of a good storyline and character development happening, it still resulted as unlikable.

I think Showtime is going to have to pull the plug unfortunately after this season. Showtime, though, has a string of hits, and seems to know what shows to go with, so I have no doubt that they'll find a great replacement for next year.

Still awaiting more Arianna, I mean, Tracey Ullman, early next year. haha!

[VoteforPedro]

Californication started going downhill with the very first episode. Never has a series been populated by such a vile group of characters. The daughter has to be the most annoying child character in the history of television.

What is the point of a second season? What surprises can it offer the audience?

[UsofA]

I'm in complete agreement. In watching Californication, Season 1, I found myself rooting for the characters to do or say anything authentic. Instead, they all came across as contrived, not necessarily their faults, maybe the writer's. I also no longer buy Duchovny as a sex symbol, even a dumpy, aging one. On the other hand, Dexter, with the possible exception of his mis-cast, mis-written, annoying sister, is a gripping, innovative show and character. The scripts, directing and casting have been fresh and creative. Although, I read Jimmy Smits is in the in season 3. Who next, Susan Dey?

[BlueZoo]

Aside from the great acting, I have to question why we're hooked on this show. Let's face it. It's about a man commiting murder under the guise of the victims being really bad guys. While it is fiction, it reminds me of kids who play violent video games. When they really do kill someone, they can't believe it when the person doesn't get back up! I guess Dexter's a guilty pleasure but, somehow, it just seems like we're giving tacit approval to vigilante justice.

[Charity Froggenhall]

Is it wrong of me to find Michael C. Hall incredibly sexy on this show?

[j2thaizzo]

Nope. He's hot to death.

[alieninvader]

I agree, but it's so weird, because IMO he wasn't hot at all on Six Feet Under. I really miss that show though.

[Eric8869]

He was hot on Six Feet Under too.

[MaggieMamacat]

Dexter is the cutest, sweetest serial killer in fictional history. His odd, almost innocent pathology makes a fine contrast to more characters who fancy themselves to be noble vigilantes. As in reality, they are merely sanctimonious and self-serving bullies who're sloppy or hypocritical in deciding who deserves to die. We cheer when Dexter collects them.

Dexter's deepening relationship with Rita and her children offers a puppies-and-s'mores contrast to Dexter’s “hobby” and raises the stakes. Not only can Dexter convincingly play a lover and father-figure but he LIKES it. Wants it. Maybe needs it. As with his sister Deb, whatever gives Dexter comfort and joy is his greatest vulnerability. He would plunge through a wall of fire to protect his loved ones...but his love endangers them. Eventually something from the dark and drippy part of Dexter's life will invade the bright and joyful part of his life. AGAIN. If something from Dexter's life damages Rita and/or her children, Dexter will face the volcanic wrath of Deb. Someday the walls that compartmentalize his life will crumble (again) and someone Dexter loves will be hurt or dead (again). We'll be wide-eyed and breathless as tragedy looms, we'll gasp and gibber and yell at the television, and we'll gnash our teeth as the credits roll on yet another cliff-hanger. It's pure torture. I love this show!!!

[Eric8869]

I'm scared for the moment when Rita finds out the truth about him. Her horror and loss might just be the most disturbing thing to ever happen on the show.

Ok I know these people aren't real but I keep hoping it's not leading to that moment.

[wadenelson1]

I intentionally avoided a ridiculous show about a serial killer working as a cop.

Until I accidentally tuned in one night. What a GREAT show! Whoda thunk?

Obviously not ME!

[Eric8869]

You obviously don't live in Chicago. It's not that far fetched.

[ColoradoDan]

I think Season Two was EVEN better than One ... and One was superb.

I also skip Californication as well. Booring and dumb.

One of my other all time favorite series was Six Feet Under ... Hall is batting .990!

Well deserved as the guy is a great performer and the show is tightly crafted.

[Clayton139]

Micheal C Hall as Dexter is Great on here just like "Six Feet Under"...! The writing is really better than any show! The writing and Michael C Hall (BOTH) work well together The acting and the narration by Hall/Dexter makes it good at every move to know what he is thinking. Then, the onsombo of the cast makes it great also when there is a question that startles him and us to think how is he going to handle it? This could be done on shows other than Dexter and make to make them better. But, there is always good ones and bad ones also. Some of the best shows and movies has had narration to them and it makes it more like a book you are reading and you are part of it. "Seabiscut" I felt as if I was there!

[zigzag1]

SHO is really giving HBO a run for the money. Dexter is great and I like Californication too. Watch it Ramirez, they need the numbers.

[Ramirez]

Dexter is a lock at our house. We're taking a pass on Californication.

We miss The Wire. And Big Love.

[loha]

Well deserved. Great show.

[Mustang Sally]

Diito - love that bunch of characters!

[Ramirez]

We watched "Dexter" and then switched and didn't watch "Californication." Just like in the article.

We're a Nielsen household (we got the box) and we represent around 50K viewing households.

[Eric8869]

The first season is the best - it was one complete story unto itself. Like a really good long miniseries. It's still great and I think he's awesome but I'm waiting for it to jump the shark.

Too bad they didn't end Prison Break after the second season. It went from an exciting show to TERRIBLE. Who is watching it??? YUCK. and it was so addictive at first.

Hope Dexter isn't the same.

[Ramirez]

Good point. I liked Dex better before he got all cuddly with the girlfriend and kids. The awkward social misfit thing fit his character better I thought.

[Mort]

Awesome and highly addictive. I subscribed to Showtime just so I could watch Dexter.
If you haven't read the books, you're missing out on a real treat.

[teron678]

One of the best shows on TV!!!!!!!!!

[MawMaw4Obama]

I love me some Dexter. Love him. Loved the Wire also on HBO, but that's gone now.

[Kanashi]

Indeed!