CBS picks up Showtime’s ‘Dexter’

As the writers’ strike drags on, CBS has announced it will air the first full season of “Dexter,” Showtime’s drama about a forensics expert who doubles as a serial killer.

It’s believed to be the first time a premium-cable series will make the transition to network television.

“Dexter” will run for 12 consecutive Sundays starting Feb. 17 at 10 p.m. CBS said the show will be edited to accommodate more sensitive network tastes.

“I think it will be very compatible with their lineup as well as be a great opportunity to promote our brand on a platform that reaches every home in America,” said Robert Greenblatt, entertainment chief for CBS-owned Showtime.

The second-season finale of “Dexter” reached 1.4 million viewers on Showtime in December, the pay cable network’s biggest audience ever for an original series.

Michael C. Hall is the lead character of the well-reviewed drama.