Bates Motel (TV series)

Bates Motel is an American psychological horror drama television series that aired on A&E from March 18, 2013, to April 24, 2017. Developed by Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano, the series is a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho, depicting the life of Norman Bates and his mother Norma Louise Bates prior to the events portrayed in the film.

The series begins after the death of Norma's husband, when she purchases the Seafairer Motel in the coastal town of White Pine Bay, Oregon, in order to start a new life with Norman. Bates Motel explores the complex and often disturbing relationship between Norma and Norman, delving into Norman's mental instability and Norma's attempts to protect and control him. As the series progresses, the show introduces original storylines and characters, diverging significantly from the established Psycho narrative while still incorporating familiar elements and allusions.

The series stars Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates and Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates. Other notable cast members include Max Thieriot, Olivia Cooke, and Nestor Carbonell. Bates Motel received critical acclaim for its acting, writing, and exploration of psychological themes, with Farmiga and Highmore receiving particular praise for their performances. The series garnered numerous awards and nominations, including multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Farmiga. Bates Motel ran for five seasons, concluding with a storyline that brings the show closer to the events of the original Psycho film. The series is known for its blend of suspense, horror, and family drama, as well as its exploration of themes such as mental illness, codependency, and the complexities of motherhood.