Cerone joined the writing staff of Dexter as a Writer and co-executive Producer for the first season in 2006. Cerone was nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Dramatic Series at the February 2008 ceremony for his work on the first season of Dexter. Based on his creative leadership, Cerone was promoted to executive Producer and co-showrunner for the second season, which won a distinguished Peabody Award. He was also nominated for a second WGA Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for his work on the second season of Dexter.