Bates Motel | |
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Genre | |
Based on | Characters from Psycho by Robert Bloch |
Developed by | |
Starring | |
Composer | Chris Bacon |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 5 |
No. of episodes | 50 (list of episodes) |
Production | |
Executive producers |
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Producers |
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Production locations | Vancouver, British Columbia |
Cinematography | |
Editors |
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Running time | 40–47 minutes |
Production companies |
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Original release | |
Network | A&E |
Release | March 18, 2013 – April 24, 2017 |
Bates Motel is an American psychological horror drama television series that aired from March 18, 2013, to April 24, 2017.[1][2][3] It was developed by Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano, and is produced by Universal Television and American Genre for the cable network A&E.[4]
A "contemporary prequel" to Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho (based on Robert Bloch's 1959 novel of the same name), it depicts the lives of Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his mother Norma (Vera Farmiga) prior to the events portrayed in the film, albeit in a different fictional town (White Pine Bay, Oregon, as opposed to Fairvale, California) and in a modern-day setting.[5][6] However, the final season loosely adapts the plot of Psycho. Max Thieriot and Olivia Cooke both starred as part of the main cast throughout the series's run. After recurring in the first season, Néstor Carbonell was added to the main cast from season two onward. Both Nicola Peltz and Kenny Johnson had main cast roles at different points throughout the series’s run.
The series begins in Arizona with the death of Norma's husband, after which Norma purchases the Seafairer motel located in a coastal Oregon town so that she and Norman can start a new life.[4][7][8] Subsequent seasons follow Norman as his mental illness becomes dangerous, and Norma as she struggles to protect her son, and those around him, from himself. The series was filmed outside Vancouver in Aldergrove, British Columbia, along with other locations within the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.
A&E chose to skip a pilot of the series, opting to go straight-to-series by ordering a 10-episode first season.[4] Bates Motel is the longest-running original scripted drama series in the channel's history.[9] The series's lead actors, Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, received particular praise for their performances in the series, with the former receiving a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and winning a Saturn Award for Best Actress on Television. Bates Motel also won three People's Choice Awards for Favorite Cable TV Drama, and for Favorite Cable TV Actress (Farmiga) and Actor (Highmore).
Series overview
Season | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
First aired | Last aired | |||
1 | 10 | March 18, 2013 | May 20, 2013 | |
2 | 10 | March 3, 2014 | May 5, 2014 | |
3 | 10 | March 9, 2015 | May 11, 2015 | |
4 | 10 | March 7, 2016 | May 16, 2016 | |
5 | 10 | February 20, 2017 | April 24, 2017 |
Season 1
The first season follows Norma and Norman Bates as they buy a motel after Norman's father dies. On one of the first nights of the two owning the motel, the former owner breaks in and rapes Norma. Norman knocks the attacker out, and Norma stabs him to death. She decides it is best not to call the police and to cover up the murder. She and Norman dispose of the body. He complicates the cover-up by keeping a belt that belonged to the victim. When the town sheriff and his deputy notice that a man has gone missing, Norma and Norman must keep them from digging too far.
Season 2
The second season follows the aftermath of Norman's teacher's murder, as her mysterious past comes to light. Meanwhile, Norma finds herself making dangerous decisions in order to keep the motel running and preventing the impending bypass. Bradley's search for her father's killer leads to the extremes, and Dylan learns the disturbing truth about his parentage.
Season 3
The third season focuses on Norman's waning deniability about what is happening to him, and the lengths he will go to, to gain control of his fragile psyche. The dramatic events of last season leave Norma more aware of her son's mental fragility and fearful of what he is capable of. Meanwhile, Sheriff Romero begins to distance himself from the Bates family after he suspects Norma is lying to him about her husband's death.
Season 4
The fourth season follows Norma as she becomes increasingly fearful of Norman, going to great lengths to find him the professional help he needs. This complicates their once unbreakable trust as Norman struggles to maintain his grip on reality. Meanwhile, Sheriff Romero once again finds himself drawn into Norma and Norman's lives. He agrees to marry Norma because his insurance will enable her to place Norman in an expensive psychiatric hospital.
Season 5
The fifth season begins two years after the death of Norma. Publicly happy and well-adjusted, Norman struggles at home, where his blackouts are increasing and "Mother" threatens to take him over completely. Meanwhile, Dylan and Emma find themselves drawn back into Norman's world, and Romero hungers for revenge against his stepson.
Cast and characters
- Vera Farmiga as Norma Louise Bates
- Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates
- Max Thieriot as Dylan Massett
- Olivia Cooke as Emma Decody
- Nicola Peltz as Bradley Martin (seasons 1–2; guest season 3)
- Nestor Carbonell as Sheriff Alex Romero (seasons 2–5; recurring season 1)
- Kenny Johnson as Caleb Calhoun (season 3; recurring seasons 2, 5; guest season 4)
Production
Development
In 2012, A&E was developing a television series titled Bates Motel that would serve as a "contemporary prequel" to the Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho.[10] The first script was written by Anthony Cipriano.[11] Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin joined the project in March as executive producers and head writers.[12] Cuse has cited the drama series Twin Peaks as a key inspiration for Bates Motel: "We pretty much ripped off Twin Peaks... If you wanted to get that confession, the answer is yes. I loved that show. They only did 30 episodes. Kerry [Ehrin] and I thought we'd do the 70 that are missing".[13] A&E gave Bates Motel a straight-to-series order in July.[14] Chris Bacon was hired to score the music for the series in January 2013.[15]
Casting
The casting for the series started in August 2012. Vera Farmiga was the first to be cast in the leading role of Norma Louise Bates.[16] Freddie Highmore was cast as Norman Bates in September.[17] The same month, Max Thieriot was cast as Norman's half-brother, Dylan Massett.[18] Shortly after, Nicola Peltz was cast as Bradley Martin, a possible love interest for Norman.[19] Olivia Cooke was the final main cast member to join the series, in the role of Emma Decody, Norman's best friend.[20] Nestor Carbonell was cast in a recurring role as Sheriff Alex Romero in the first season, but was upgraded to the main cast at the beginning of the second season.[21] Kenny Johnson, who recurred as Norma's brother Caleb Calhoun in the second season, was promoted to a series regular for the third season.[22] Rihanna later appeared in the iconic role of Marion Crane for the fifth and final season.[23]
Filming
A replica of the original Bates Motel set from the film Psycho was built on location at approximately 1054 272 Street in Aldergrove, British Columbia, where portions of the series were filmed.[24][25] The original house and motel are located in Universal Studios, Hollywood, Los Angeles. Additional filming for the series took place in multiple areas in Metro Vancouver, including Steveston, Coquitlam, Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver and Fort Langley. In February 2017, after filming was completed for the series, the Bates Motel exterior set in Aldergrove was demolished.[26]
Reception
Critical response
The first season received positive reviews from critics. On Metacritic, the season holds a score of 66 out of 100, based on 34 critics.[27] On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the season has an 84% rating with an average score of 7.11/10, based on 43 reviews. The site's critical consensus reads, "Bates Motel utilizes mind manipulation and suspenseful fear tactics, on top of consistently sharp character work and wonderfully uncomfortable familial relationships".[28]
The second season also received positive reviews from critics. On Metacritic the season had a score of 67 out of 100, based on 11 critics.[29] On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a 90% rating with an average score of 8.02/10, based on 21 reviews. The site's consensus reads, "Bates Motel reinvents a classic thriller with believable performances and distinguished writing".[30]
The third season of Bates Motel received a score of 72 out of 100 on Metacritic.[31] Rotten Tomatoes reported a 95% rating from 21 reviews. The site's consensus reads, "Bates Motel further blurs lines around TV's creepiest taboo mother/son relationship, uncomfortably darkening its already fascinating tone".[32]
The fourth season of Bates Motel was met with critical acclaim. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% positive rating from 17 reviews. The site's consensus reads, "Bates Motel fulfills its menacing potential in a fourth season that confidently careens toward the mother-son duo's ghastly destiny".[33] Alan Sepinwall of Uproxx considered Bates Motel to have only become a good series midway through season four due to obtaining a better narrative purpose and "tragic grandeur" with the season's latter episodes.[34]
The fifth and final season of Bates Motel received a score of 81 out of 100 on Metacritic.[35] Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% rating from 21 reviews. The site's consensus reads, "Bates Motel's final season brings the franchise full circle, with a satisfyingly creepy conclusion to the trials and tribulations of Norman Bates".[36]
Ratings
Season | Time slot (ET) | Eps | Premiered | Ended | Average viewers (in millions) | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Premiere viewers (in millions) |
Date | Finale viewers (in millions) | ||||
1 | Monday 10 p.m. | 10 | March 18, 2013 | 3.04[37] | May 20, 2013 | 2.70[38] | 2.70[39] |
2 | 10 | March 3, 2014 | 3.07[40] | May 5, 2014 | 2.30[41] | 2.30[42] | |
3 | Monday 9 p.m. | 10 | March 9, 2015 | 2.14[43] | May 11, 2015 | 1.67[44] | 1.80[45] |
4 | 10 | March 7, 2016 | 1.55[46] | May 16, 2016 | 1.50[47] | 1.45[48] | |
5 | Monday 10 p.m. | 10 | February 20, 2017 | 1.34[49] | April 24, 2017 | 1.41[50] | 1.29[51] |
Awards and nominations
Home media
Season | Episodes | Release date | Special features | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 10 | September 17, 2013 |
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[52] |
2 | 10 | October 7, 2014 |
|
[53] |
3 | 10 | October 13, 2015 |
|
[54] |
4 | 10 | October 18, 2016 |
|
[55] |
5 | 10 | September 19, 2017 |
|
[56] |
1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 The Complete Series |
50 | September 19, 2017 |
|
[57] |
International broadcast
In Canada, the series airs only on the U.S. network A&E, which is available through most Canadian cable and satellite companies. In Australia, the series premiered on Fox8 on May 26, 2013.[58] In the UK and Ireland, it premiered on Universal Channel on April 2, 2014 and then on BBC One on February 23, 2021.[59][60] In Jamaica, it premiered on CVM TV on August 11, 2014. In the Middle East, it premiered on OSN First HD in mid-2014. The second season premiered on January 5, 2015.[61] In the Philippines, Bates Motel began airing on Jack TV on August 12, 2013. In South Africa, the series premiered on MNet on June 21, 2013.[62] The series premiered in India on Colors Infinity on November 6, 2015. As of May 2019 Netflix has licensed worldwide distribution for at least 30 countries.[63]
Merchandising
NBCUniversal partnered with Hot Topic, the American retailer of pop culture merchandise, to introduce a collection of clothing and accessories inspired by Bates Motel. The merchandise, including items such as bathrobes and bloody shower curtains, became available at Hot Topic's website and select stores on March 18, 2014.[64] As of 2018, the merchandise is no longer available through Hot Topic.
See also
References
- ↑ "A&E Network to Premiere New Original Scripted Drama Series 'Bates Motel' on Monday, March 18 at 10PM ET/PT". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 4, 2013.
- ↑ Langmann, Kurt. "'Psycho' prequel shot in Aldergrove". Aldergrove Star. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
- ↑ "BATES MOTEL Set in Aldergrove is Spitting Image of Alfred Hitchcock's Set in Psycho – Updated". YVR Shoots. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
- 1 2 3 "A&E Network Orders 'Bates Motel' to Series". A&E. July 2, 2012. Archived from the original on October 6, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
- ↑ McNamara, Mary (March 18, 2013). "Review: 'Bates Motel' a twisty, moody modern prequel to 'Psycho'". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 27, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
- ↑ Danzis, Alan (March 18, 2013). "'Bates Motel': An Intriguing Contemporary Prequel To 'Psycho'". Starpulse. Archived from the original on March 22, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
- ↑ Stanley, Alessandra (March 17, 2013). "Mother, as She Lives and Breathes". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 24, 2013.
- ↑ Garvin, Glenn (March 17, 2013). "Tension builds in The Lake, but dies at the Bates Motel". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013.
- ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (June 15, 2015). "'Bates Motel' Renewed for Two More Seasons at A&E; 'Returned' Cancelled". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015.
- ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (January 12, 2012). "TCA: 'Psycho' Prequel Series 'Bates Motel' in the Works at A&E". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 19, 2015.
- ↑ Semigran, Aly (January 12, 2012). "A&E developing 'Psycho' prequel TV series". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015.
- ↑ Goldman, Eric (March 9, 2012). "Lost Showrunner Carlton Cuse Joins Psycho Prequel". IGN. Archived from the original on May 8, 2016.
- ↑ Haithman, Diane (May 10, 2013). "Carlton Cuse At 'Bates Motel' Panel: "We Pretty Much Ripped Off 'Twin Peaks'"". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
- ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (July 2, 2012). "A&E Orders Carlton Cuse's 'Psycho' Prequel 'Bates Motel' Straight to Series". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014.
- ↑ "Chris Bacon to Score 'Bates Motel'". Film Music Reporter. January 12, 2013.
- ↑ Hibberd, James (August 27, 2012). "Norman Bates' mother cast in A&E's 'Psycho' series". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 20, 2014.
- ↑ Keck, William (September 14, 2012). "Keck's Exclusives: Bates Motel Casts Its Norman – Today's News: Our Take". TV Guide. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014.
- ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (September 14, 2012). "A&E's 'Bates Motel' Adds Max Thieriot as Norman's Brother". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 27, 2014.
- ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (September 19, 2012). "'Bates Motel' Adds 'Last Airbender' Actress as Love Interest for Norman (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 27, 2014.
- ↑ Jeffery, Morgan (September 20, 2012). "'Psycho' TV prequel 'Bates Motel' adds 'Blackout' star Olivia Cooke". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013.
- ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (October 2, 2012). "Mike Vogel & Nestor Carbonell Join A&E's 'Bates Motel', Trio To Recur On 'Shameless'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016.
- ↑ "Bates Motel – Season 3 – Kenny Johnson upped to Regular". SpoilerTV. Archived from the original on February 24, 2015. Retrieved February 23, 2015.
- ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (July 22, 2016). "Comic-Con: 'Bates Motel' Taps Rihanna for Famous 'Psycho' Role". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on July 24, 2016. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- ↑ Turnquist, Kristi (March 2013). "'Bates Motel': What's going on in that bucolic Oregon coastal town". OregonLive.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013.
- ↑ Gittins, Susan (November 15, 2012). "BATES MOTEL Set in Aldergrove is Spitting Image of Alfred Hitchcock's Set in Psycho – Updated". YVR Shoots. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2015.
- ↑ Brown, Scott (February 4, 2017). "Hollywood North: The Bates Motel gets hit by the wrecking ball (gallery)". The Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 1 Reviews". Metacritic. March 18, 2013. Archived from the original on March 22, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 1 (2013)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 2 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 14, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 2 (2014)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 9, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 3 (2015)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on March 10, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 4 (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on March 27, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ Sepinwall, Alan (February 20, 2017). "In Its Final Season, 'Bates Motel' Has Finally Found A Purpose". Uproxx. OpenWeb Technologies Ltd. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on February 23, 2017. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season 5 (2017)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on September 1, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
- ↑ Webb Mitovich, Matt (February 22, 2013). "Ratings – Bates Motel Series Premiere on A&E". TVLine. Archived from the original on March 22, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
- ↑ Bibel, Sara (May 21, 2013). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Raw' & 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta' Win Night; 'Bates Motel', 'Defiance', 'Warehouse 13' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
- ↑ Patten, Dominic (May 21, 2013). "A&E's 'Bates Motel' Rises In Finale". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
- ↑ Bibel, Sara (March 4, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'WWE Raw' Wins Night, 'Bates Motel', 'Teen Wolf', 'Single Ladies', 'Switched at Birth' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
- ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (May 6, 2014). "Monday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Lead Night + 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta', 'Monday Night RAW', 'The Boondocks' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season Two Ratings". TV Series Finale. May 6, 2014. Archived from the original on April 5, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
- ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 10, 2015). "Monday Cable Ratings: 'Monday Night RAW' Tops Night + 'Love & Hip-Hop', 'Better Call Saul', 'Black Ink Crew' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
- ↑ Bibel, Sara (May 12, 2015). "Monday Cable Ratings: NBA Playoffs Wins Night, 'Love & Hip Hop Atlanta', 'WWE Raw', 'Teen Mom', 'Bates Motel' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 14, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season Three Ratings". TV Series Finale. May 13, 2015. Archived from the original on May 16, 2015. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
- ↑ Welch, Alex (March 8, 2016). "Monday cable ratings: 'WWE Raw' wins the night". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
- ↑ Welch, Alex (May 17, 2016). "Monday cable ratings: 'Love & Hip Hip: Atlanta' rises". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 18, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season Four Ratings". TV Series Finale. May 17, 2016. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
- ↑ Welch, Alex (February 22, 2017). "Monday cable ratings: 'WWE Monday Night Raw' holds steady, 'Bates Motel' premieres low". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 23, 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2017.
- ↑ Welch, Alex (April 25, 2017). "Monday cable ratings: 'Bates Motel' series finale rises, 'WWE Raw' dips". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 25, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Season Five Ratings". TV Series Finale. May 6, 2017. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- ↑ Lambert, David (June 27, 2013). "Bates Motel – Season 1 of the Modern 'Psycho' Re-Imagining on DVD and Blu-ray". TV Shows on DVD. Archived from the original on January 11, 2014. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
- ↑ Lambert, David (July 15, 2013). "Bates Motel – Blu-rays, DVD for Season 2: Street Date, Pricing, Bonus Material". TV Shows on DVD. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
- ↑ Lambert, David (July 21, 2015). "Bates Motel – Universal Checks in With 'Season 3' Announcements on DVD, Blu-ray". TV Shows on DVD. Archived from the original on September 21, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
- ↑ Lambert, David (July 26, 2016). "Bates Motel – Street Date, Pricing, Extras for 'Season 4' on DVD, Blu-ray Disc". TV Shows on DVD. Archived from the original on November 1, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
- ↑ "DVD Calendar Feature Articles - Metacritic". Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- ↑ Lambert, David (July 18, 2017). "Bates Motel - The Complete Series". TV Shows on DVD. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
- ↑ "FOX8 Secures Highly Anticipated "Bates Motel"". Foxtel.com. March 20, 2013. Archived from the original on April 5, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- ↑ "Universal Channel Sets UK Premiere Date For 'Bates Motel'". TVWise. August 9, 2013. Archived from the original on August 16, 2013. Retrieved August 23, 2013.
- ↑ "BBC One - Bates Motel".
- ↑ "January 2015 Programming Highlights". OSN.com. Archived from the original on January 14, 2015. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
- ↑ "Bates Motel: Fri at 21:30". MNet. August 9, 2013. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013.
- ↑ "Bates Motel 2013". unogs. May 2, 2019.
- ↑ "NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products and Retailer Hot Topic Introduce New Product Line Inspired by the A&E Hit Original Series 'Bates Motel'". The Futon Critic. March 18, 2014. Retrieved March 27, 2014.