Bates Motel

Watch Bates Motel

  • TV-MA
  • 2013
  • 5 Seasons
  • 8.1  (116,246)

Bates Motel is a gripping psychological horror drama that aired on A&E from 2013 to 2017. The show is a prequel to the iconic movie "Psycho" and chronicles the formative years of Norman Bates, played by Freddie Highmore, and his mother Norma Bates, portrayed by Vera Farmiga. The show explores the dark and twisted relationship between mother and son, the origins of Norman's psychopathy, and the events that ultimately led to him becoming the infamous killer depicted in the movie.

The show follows the Bates family as they move to a small town in Oregon to start a new life after the death of Norma's husband. They purchase a rundown motel on the outskirts of town, where they attempt to run the business and rebuild their lives. The arrival of the Bates family into the town sets off a chain reaction of events that slowly unravels the dark secrets, hidden agendas, and deviant personalities of the town's residents.

Freddie Highmore delivers a chilling performance as Norman Bates. He perfectly captures the character's innocence, vulnerability, and inner turmoil, while also displaying hints of the cold and calculating persona that he would later become. Vera Farmiga delivers an equally compelling performance as Norma Bates. She portrays the character with a mix of loving devotion, fierce protectiveness, and manipulative controlling behavior that adds a layer of complexity to their relationship.

The supporting cast is also excellent. Max Thieriot portrays Dylan, Norma's eldest son from a previous marriage, who has a troubled past and a strained relationship with his mother and adoptive brother Norman. Olivia Cooke plays Emma, a girl with cystic fibrosis who befriends Norman and becomes involved in his life. Nicola Peltz plays Bradley, a popular girl at Norman's school who develops a romantic interest in him. Nestor Carbonell plays Sheriff Alex Romero, the local police officer who is both suspicious and protective of the Bates family. Michael Vartan, Jere Burns, and Kathleen Robertson all provide excellent performances in their respective roles as well.

The show's cinematography is dark and moody, perfectly capturing the suspenseful and eerie tone of the show. The setting of the Bates Motel itself, with its creepy exterior and claustrophobic interior, adds to the unsettling atmosphere. The show's score also deserves a special mention for its spooky and suspenseful themes.

One of the biggest strengths of Bates Motel is its excellent writing. The show manages to balance horror, drama, and character development in a way that keeps you on edge and invested in the story. The show's creators, Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin, manage to create a world that is both familiar yet twisted, where you can't help but feel a sense of dread as the story unfolds.

In conclusion, Bates Motel is a must-watch show for fans of psychological horror and thriller dramas. It is a well-acted, well-written, and well-executed prequel to the classic movie "Psycho." The show manages to take a familiar story and make it unique, by delving deep into the minds of its characters and exploring the darker aspects of human nature.

Bates Motel is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (51 episodes). The series first aired on March 4, 2013.

Bates Motel
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Seasons
The Cord
10. The Cord
April 24, 2017
A half hour special driven by fan questions and interviews with the Bates Motel cast, producers, superfans and critics celebrating the end of the Bates phenomenon.
Visiting Hours
9. Visiting Hours
April 17, 2017
Norman's legal issues get worse. Emma takes care of family business while Dylan discovers himself stuck between his past and his future. Romero seeks revenge.
The Body
8. The Body
April 10, 2017
Mother practices tough love to protect Norman. Sheriff Greene begins to investigate a homicide. Dylan finds his brother help.
Inseparable
7. Inseparable
April 3, 2017
Norman and Mother unite as insurmountable trouble looms. Romero heals with the assistance of an old friend. Dylan returns.
Marion
6. Marion
March 27, 2017
A special guest arrives at the motel; Dylan copes with devastating news; Sam and Madeleine's marriage comes to a crossroads.
Dreams Die First
5. Dreams Die First
March 20, 2017
Norman tries to piece together Mother's movements; in Seattle, Dylan and Emma confront an ugly truth; Sam's girlfriend, Marion, makes an impulsive decision with far-reaching consequences.
Hidden
4. Hidden
March 13, 2017
Norman learns who he can depend on as he tries to protect his secrets; Romero fights to find refuge.
Bad Blood
3. Bad Blood
March 6, 2017
Norman helps Chick with a task; Romero makes his move; a sorrowful Madeleine reaches out to Norman.
The Convergence Of The Twain
2. The Convergence Of The Twain
February 27, 2017
Norman's date doesn't go as hoped; Romero's frustrations come to a boiling point; Chick gives Norman a gift.
Dark Paradise
1. Dark Paradise
February 20, 2017
Norman attempts to keep up appearances in spite of a disturbing discovery; Dylan and Emma get an unexpected guest.
Description
Where to Watch Bates Motel
Bates Motel is available for streaming on the A&E website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Bates Motel on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    March 4, 2013
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (116,246)