It was rumored just last week that “Dexter” would soon return in an upcoming prequel series, and Showtime has confirmed those rumors with the Wall Street Journal this week.

Wall Street Journal reports, “The network has ordered an origin-story prequel to Dexter, a serial-killer drama that dates back to 2006. Showtime is also exploring separate spinoffs based on the back stories of compelling Dexter characters, including the Trinity Killer.”

“The origin story will be set in Dexter’s hometown of Miami, and will touch on stories of real-life serial killers of the time period,” the site’s report continues.

UPDATE: The prequel series is officially titled “Dexter: Origins.”

“Dexter: Origins” will dramatize young Dexter Morgan at the outset of his transition into the avenging serial killer he would become. Set in the Miami that was a hotbed of real serial killers of his time, the show will begin as Dexter graduates college to join Miami Metro, where he meets younger versions of many of the characters we came to know in the original show.

And, of course, the show will also focus on Dexter’s family, including a very-much-alive Harry and a very formidable, teenage Deb.

As for “Dexter: New Blood,” last year’s hit revival series, it had been reported last week that the series would not be returning for a second season. But it seems that report was incorrect.

The network has announced this afternoon that they’re also developing a new version of “Dexter: New Blood,” which depicts the ongoing emergence of Dexter’s son Harrison.

The drama focuses on Dexter’s son Harrison, who survived his tumultuous reintroduction with his father and flees to New York City where he must wrestle with his own violent nature and whether, like his father, he too is compelled to kill. “New Blood” will explore the kinds of themes and scenarios seen in the original series on Showtime but through a new lens.

“Dexter: New Blood” became the most-watched series in Showtime history last year, averaging over 8 million viewers weekly across platforms. It sounds like Showtime wants to use that success as the launching point for a full-on “Dexter” universe. Stay tuned for more.

As you may have heard last week, Showtime is soon being merged with Paramount+ across linear and streaming, with the network being rebranded to “Paramount+ with Showtime.”