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Are you ready to make reservations for another trip to the Bates Motel? I sure hope so, because A&E has announced that they’ve just renewed the series, which is nearing the end of its second season, for a third season. The show, which has been lauded by fans and critics alike, explores the beginning the bloody history of the infamous Bates Motel, which audiences were first introduced to in the 1960’s Alfred Hitchcock film, Psycho, starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh, and would go on to spawn three sequels, another TV pilot in the 1990s, and a remake. Freddy Highmore picks up the mantle of the young Norman Bates, who is a troubled teenager dealing with his overprotective mother, Norma Bates, played by Vera Farmiga. A&E released this press release, announcing the show’s renewal:
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 7, 2014 – A&E Network has picked up a third season of the critically acclaimed original series “Bates Motel,” it was announced today by David McKillop, Executive Vice President and General Manager, A&E Network.
“The incredible writing team and talented ‘Bates Motel’ cast has made this series one of the most compelling original dramas on television,” said McKillop. “The brilliant twists and turns of the past two seasons keep its loyal fan base coming back for more. We are so proud of the show.”
Season two premiered on March 3rd with 4.6 million total viewers and delivered 2.6 million adults 18-49 and 2.2 million adults 25-54 (based on Live+7 viewing). “Bates Motel” continues to be A&E’s #1 drama series of all time among adults 18-49.
Season three of “Bates Motel” will begin production this fall on 10 episodes.
“Bates Motel” is a contemporary prequel to the genre-defining film Psycho, and gives viewers an intimate portrayal of how Norman Bates’ psyche unravels through his teenage years. Series stars Vera Farmiga in her Emmy-nominated role as Norma Bates and Freddie Highmore as Norman.
New episodes of season two of “Bates Motel” currently air every Monday at 10PM/ET.
“Bates Motel” is produced by Universal Television for A&E Network. Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin serve as executive producers for Carlton Cuse Productions and Kerry Ehrin Productions respectively.
As a huge fan of the film series, Bates Motel has hit the right note between honoring the original film’s legacy, and doing something new. While we all know where the series is eventually headed, the mystery and intrigue that surrounds the show, as well as Norman’s relationship with his mother, are incredibly interesting, and it’s been a joy to watch. Carlton Cuse, who many will recognize for his work on LOST, has aimed to make a contemporary prequel, that is a bit in the vein of the series Twin Peaks, and it really works. Vera Farmiga and Freddy Highmore are excellent together, and they both bring their characters exceptionally to life. I can’t wait to see where the series continues to go, and I’m hoping we eventually see the series get to the events of the original film, so I’m glad A&E has renewed the show for another season.
