As previously reported, Dexter has been picked up for two more seasons.

Executive producer Clyde Phillips told E! Online that the news was "really a sign of affirmation for us."

He then went on to heap praise on Jimmy Smits for his work this season:

"I have to tell you, when Jimmy and [Michael C. Hall] do a scene, we all go down and watch just because it's like watching two amazing actors on a stage. As far as we're concerned, when we're sitting in the editing room, those guys are winning Emmys everyday," he said.

So, will Smits will be hanging around beyond this season?

"We only have a deal with him at the moment for this season," Phillips said. "We just got the pickup news this morning, so now we can start planning what to do for the next two seasons."

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.