Dexter – thrilling text, disarming marketing strategies, wrapped up a...

A serial killer kills serial killers. The television show Dexter is unique in the construction of its main character. But not only the likeable serial killer and his thrilling story is responsible for an active and creative audience. Also formal aspects of the text and the marketing strategies of the television network “Showtime” offer open spaces to negotiations of the viewers. The television network invites their customers to produce additional values and motivates them to act actively. And because of the possibilities of digital technology the border between consumer and producer is getting blurred. 

This presentation will focus on three main aspects of the television fan culture: (1) the requirements of the television text and (2) the fan-orientated efforts of the television network which encourage (3) an active and creative “prosumer”, who uses digital technologies to express their dedication to the television show Dexter.