Showtime is jumping on the Dexter train. Yet again. Two more times, in fact.  The network has just announced that it has renewed Dexter for two additional seasons, which means the show will see a seventh and eighth season.

Considering the show is currently in its sixth season, its ratings are pretty solid for the cable network.  Showtime says that "season-to-date, the series is averaging 5.12 million weekly viewers on all platforms (including On Demand, replays and DVR), making it the highest rated season yet".

David Nevins, president of entertainment at Showtime said "Dexter's enormous success is a real tribute to the great achievements of its cast, producers, and the powerhouse performance of Michael C. Hall.  The series is bigger than it’s ever been in its sixth season, both in terms of audience and its impact on the cultural landscape.  Together with Michael, the creative team on the show has a very clear sense of where they intend to take the show over the next two seasons and, as a huge fan, I’m excited to watch the story of Dexter Morgan play out.”

The sixth season of Dexter is currently airing on Sunday nights.  The season 6 finale will air on December 8, 2011.  Based on past precedent, the seventh season of Dexter will likely premiere towards the end of September 2012.