Dexter

The name of the main character, "Dexter," is also a Latin word meaning "right hand." The implied complement is the Latin for "left hand," "sinister," reflecting his hidden dark side. In 2010 author Jeff Lindsay confirmed at a book signing in Edinburgh that he chose the name Dexter because it was the opposite of "sinister", reflecting the character's surface normality.

In Season 1, Dexter and Rita watch 'Terms of Endearment' (1983), which features John Lithgow. Lithgow would later star in Season 4 as Arthur Mitchell.

Michael C. Hall accidentally crashed the Slice of Life into a pier once during filming, causing $8,000 worth of damage to the boat. Hall didn't have to pay for the damages.