After Strong Ratings, 'Bates Motel' Is Renewed For Third Season By A&E
Thriller drama Bates Motel has been renewed for a 10-episode third season by A&E and is expected to air in 2015, the network announced on Monday. The series, based on the classic novel Psycho and the equally important 1960 movie by Alfred Hitchcock, stars Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates and Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates. Production is expected to begin in the fall.
"The incredible writing team and talented Bates Motel cast has made this series one of the most compelling original dramas on television," David McKillop, A&E Network's executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement. "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."
Bates Motel is the work of Carlton Cuse, the creator of Lost, Kerry Ehrin from Friday Night Lights and Antony Cipriano. The show is A&E's top drama of all time among adults in the 18-49 age group and the second season - which premiered on March 3 - averaged a total of 4.6 million viewers and delivered 2.6 million adult viewers in the 18-49 age group.
A new series, Those Who Kill, starring Chloe Sevigny, which was paired with Bates Motel failed and was removed from the networks' schedule after two low-rated airings.
Bates Motel is one of several new TV shows based on movies, including Fargo, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series and the recently commissioned 12 Monkeys.
The current season of Bates Motel will conclude on May 5.