I'd say you're comparing apples and oranges.

While it's probably not the best term, I would consider Dexter a "fun" show. I'm not watching it because Dexter is playing 4D chess as he attempts to captures the criminal, avoid the police, aid them in a way that does not raise suspicion/get them to follow him, and manage to make it all work while trying to be normal.

Instead, Dexter is working with one of the least competent police forces on film, who wouldn't catch Dexter if he was wearing a shirt that said "I kill the Ice Truck Killer." There are some solid storylines, like season two when he is suspected by a single cop, and everything about Trinity showing Dexter he could potentially have it all are good, they really don't change the fact the series is filled with contrived plot points, and things often work because the narrative needs them to. It's the type of mindless excitement that is enjoyable, even if I wouldn't say season one Dexter is legitimately better than season one Westworld.