Living the Dream (Dexter)

"Living the Dream" is the first episode of the fourth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 37th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Clyde Phillips, and was directed by Marcos Siega. It originally aired on Showtime on September 27, 2009.

Set in Miami, the series centers on Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis for the fictional Miami Metro Police Department, who leads a secret parallel life as a vigilante serial killer, hunting down murderers who have not been adequately punished by the justice system due to corruption or legal technicalities. In the episode, Dexter struggles in maintaining his life as vigilante while also raising his son with Rita. Meanwhile, a new killer is investigated in the city.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.52 million household viewers and gained a 0.8/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, becoming the most watched episode of the series at the time. The episode received highly positive reviews from critics, who considered it a promising start for the season.