Bates Motel (2013 — 2017)

Bates Motel (2013–2017), an American psychological horror drama, premiered on March 18, 2013 and concluded on April 24, 2017. The show was developed by Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano and is a production of Universal Television and American Genre for the cable network A&E. Serving as a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic film Psycho (based on Robert Bloch’s novel of the same name), it delves into the lives of Norman Bates and his mother Norma before the events depicted in the film. Set in a different fictional town (White Pine Bay, Oregon instead of Fairvale, California) and in modern times, the first season follows Norma and Norman as they purchase a motel after Norman’s father passes away. However, their new venture takes a dark turn when an old owner breaks in one night and assaults Norma. In self-defense, she stabs him to death while Norman knocks him out. With the body to dispose of now, Norma decides against involving the police and enlists her son’s help in covering up the crime. The situation becomes more complicated when Norman secretly keeps a belt belonging to the victim.

In season two, the aftermath of Norman’s teacher’s murder causes her mysterious past to be revealed. To keep the motel afloat and avoid the bypass, Norma makes risky choices while Bradley goes to extreme measures in pursuit of her father’s killer. Dylan also uncovers unsettling information about his parentage. In season three, Norman’s ability to deny his reality weakens as he becomes more desperate to gain control over his fragile psyche. After last season’s intense events, Norma is now acutely aware of her son’s mental state and fearful of his potential actions. At the same time, Sheriff Romero begins to distance himself from the Bates family when he suspects that Norma is lying to him about her husband’s death.

In season four, Norma’s fear of Norman grows, causing her to search for professional help. This complicates their once unbreakable bond as Norman struggles with his grip on reality. Meanwhile, Sheriff Romero is once again pulled into the lives of Norma and Norman. To enable Norma to place Norman in a psychiatric hospital, Romero agrees to marry her due to his insurance coverage. In the fifth season, two years after Norma’s death, Norman appears happy and well-adjusted in public but struggles at home where his blackouts are becoming more frequent and ‘Mother’ threatens to take over entirely. Dylan and Emma also find themselves being drawn back into Norman’s world while Romero seeks revenge against his stepson.