Barry: The Perfect Dexter Replacement With No Bad Episodes

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If you’re looking for a show like Dexter, HBO’s Barry is a fantastic choice. It’s a consistently funny and well-made dark comedy where every episode is strong. Dexter had a great run, then faced criticism, but recent sequels have helped restore its reputation after a dip in quality.

It’s strange that this show is remembered this way, considering it was once praised as a high-quality drama, similar to shows like Deadwood and The Americans. Interestingly, another show, Barry, has since followed a similar path, but unlike Dexter, Barry maintained its quality throughout its run.

What Is Barry About?

Barry is a darkly comedic HBO series created by Bill Hader, signaling a new direction for the Saturday Night Live star. Hader also plays the main character, Barry Berkman – a disillusioned ex-Marine who unexpectedly finds meaning in his work as a hitman.

Barry gets a new assignment from his handler, Monroe Fuches: to eliminate an out-of-work actor in Los Angeles. While tracking the actor, Barry discovers he’s taking an acting class and unexpectedly develops an appreciation for the craft. Trying to balance his violent job with his newfound passion for acting creates a darkly comedic and unsettling journey.

How Barry Compares To Dexter

Both Barry and Dexter follow a similar pattern: they center around troubled men who try to separate their violent tendencies from their everyday lives, hoping to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Ultimately, this strategy fails, leading to devastating consequences for themselves and those around them.

Both shows are darkly funny, but Barry takes the comedy to another level, thanks to the unique style of its star. What really sets Barry apart from Dexter is its over-the-top mix of comedy and violence, reminiscent of classic cartoons. The show’s quick shifts in tone are jarring and make the story feel intensely personal.

Barry Avoids Dexter’s Biggest Mistake

Unlike Dexter, the show Barry has a satisfying conclusion, which is a major reason why it’s more successful. Dexter started to decline in quality after its fourth season, and its finale didn’t fix things – in fact, it made the situation worse. Trying to salvage the show with the finale was like reaching for a branch that turned out to be a snake.

Things didn’t turn out well for us, and we suffered the consequences. But the show Barry delivered one of the most satisfying finales in recent television history. Bill Hader expertly wrapped up all the show’s loose ends, creating an ending that perfectly captured its signature blend of humor, violence, and emotional impact.

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2026-02-09 00:58