‘Dexter’ franchise celebrates 20 years

NEW YORK (CBS, KYMA) - TV's most charming antihero is back for Season 2 of "Dexter: Resurrection" as the franchise celebrates a 20-year milestone.

Twenty years ago, America met a man with a deadly double life and couldn't look away. Now, "Dexter" continues to leave a killer impact on pop culture with season two of "Dexter: Resurrection."

In this new season, Dexter Morgan, played by Michael C. Hall, faces a midlife crisis navigating life in New York as he crosses paths with other serial killers.

Dexter is not the only one going through changes. After a three-year time jump from the end of season 1, his son Harrison Morgan has joined the NYPD, a character development actor Jack Alcott welcomed.

"I love the choice to join the police because on one hand, he's sort of following in his dad's footsteps, in his family's footsteps, working in law enforcement," Alcott expressed. "He cares a lot about saving innocent people...but he's not gonna do it the same way that his dad does it."

Kadia Saraf, returning as Detective Wallace, shared what makes this season special.

"Stakes are higher. New York is louder, is more colorful. There's gonna be everything is just gonna be dialed up, so it's gonna be super, super exciting," Saraf explained.

Two decades later, the "Dexter" legacy is still very much alive. Cast members across all the series reunited in New York City to celebrate the 20-year milestone.

"I loved all the people I've worked with on this show. Like, I have no bad words. So it's a lot of fun and it's like truly like a pleasure to do something that you know, that fans have enjoyed watching," said Desmond Harrington, who plays Detective Joey Quinn.

Clyde Phillips, the showrunner beginning with the original series, talked about the continued fascination across generations.

In a franchise rich with guest stars, actor Eric Stonestreet, who plays serial killer Rapunzel, said the "Resurrection" cast exceeded his expectations as it has Uma Thurman, reprising her role from "Resurrection" Season 1, Dan Stevens and Brian Cox.

"I loved it...loved every second of it. They're great people, run a great production," Stonestreet remarked.

Dexter Morgan's legacy has never gone cold, with fans getting the new episodes they've been dying for, just in time for Halloween.

"Dexter: Resurrection" Season 2 premieres Friday, streaming exclusively on Paramount+ and airing on Showtime.