Plot Synopsis

A contemporary prequel to the genre-defining film PSYCHO, BATES MOTEL tells the story of Norman Bates as a child -- before he killed his mother and her lover and before 'Mother' murdered others at the Bates Motel. This 60-minute, scripted drama shows how Norman's psyche unravels through his teenage years and reveals how his relationship with his mother helped forge the most famous serial killer of them all. Following the tragic death of her husband, Norma Bates buys a motel on the outskirts of an idyllic coastal town, White Pine Bay, seeking a fresh start. As Norma and Norman get entrenched in their new home, they discover this town isn't quite what it seems, and the locals aren't so quick to let them in on their secrets. But the Bates are done being pushed around and will do whatever it takes to survive -- and to protect their own secrets. BATES MOTEL returned for its second season on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E. Picking up from last season, Norman fixates on Miss Watson's death while Norma's mysterious past haunts the family with the introduction of her brother. Meanwhile, Norman's brother, Dylan, gets more entrenched in the familial drug war that fuels White Pine Bay and finds himself in the middle of the danger as Bradley, who remains on the hunt to uncover her father's killer, is driven to precarious extremes. Sheriff Romero is caught up on all fronts as everything in town escalates and Emma complicates her relationship with Norman as the duo explore new love interests. Michael Vartan, Kathleen Robertson and Michael O'Neil guest starred in Season 2. On Monday, March 9, 2015 at 9pm ET/PT, A&E premiered the third season of BATES MOTEL. This season focuses on the evolution of the Bates family and dives head first into Norman's waning ability to stay in denial about what's happening to him and the lengths he will go to gain control of his fragile psyche. The dramatic events of last season leaves Norma reluctantly more aware of Norman's mental fragility and is fearful of what he is capable of. After a blissful summer of closeness with his mother, living within the safe confines of home and the Bates Motel, Norman's fears about what really happened with Blaire Watson resurface and Norma questions what really happened. Forced to look at the truths about Norman for the first time, their deeply intricate relationship continues to evolve. Norma finds herself turning to the other man in her life, Norman's half-brother, Dylan, and begins to rely on him in ways that she never expected. This relationship inevitably triggers jealousy in Norman and a new kind of love triangle between Norma and her two sons erupts. Estranged brother and uncle, Caleb returns to haunt the family throughout the season challenging the family bond even further. Pressures of the outside world take a hold of the family when newcomers Kevin Rahm, Tracy Spiridakos and Ryan Hurst arrive at White Pine Bay. After a summer of living at the Bates Motel, Sheriff Romero and Norma have grown closer but there will always have that troubling question mark surrounding Norman. Something doesn't feel right, but spite of his instincts, Romero finds himself continually drawn back to the Bates family -- and to Norma. Emma also determined to find out what is happening to Norman becomes more emboldened, fearless, goes after the things she wants. Familiar face, Bradley returns to surprise the family and digs up old memories. In the Season 3 finale, Norma hits a breaking point with Norman's issues. Emma has a surprising reaction to seemingly positive news. Romero finally chooses sides, sealing his fate in town. Caleb makes a decision that will uproot his new life. Season 4 of BATES MOTEL premiered on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E, further revealing Norman's continued downward spiral and the effect it has on the family. This season Norma becomes increasingly fearful and desperate, going to great lengths to find Norman the professional help he needs. This further complicates their once unbreakable trust while Norman struggles to maintain his grip on reality. Sheriff Romero once again finds himself drawn back into Norma and Norman's lives. Will things finally heat up between Norma and the other man in her life, Sheriff Romero, and just how much further will he go to protect her?. The 10-episode fifth and final season of BATES MOTEL premiered on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT on A&E, with a simulcast on Lifetime and LMN. Vera Farmiga returns for double duty as executive producer while also reprising her role as Mother who is very much alive and well but only in the twisted, complicated mind of Norman Bates played by Freddie Highmore. In addition, eight-time Grammy Award winner and series super fan Rihanna checks in to play the role of Marion Crane, putting a newly re-imagined and contemporary spin on the iconic character. Norman's dangerous transformation came full circle when he methodically murdered his beloved mother, Norma, in the final gut-wrenching episodes of Season 4. Season 5 picks up almost two years later and finds Norman, a grown man now, living a double life. Publicly he's a happy and well-adjusted member of the White Pine Bay community, but at home Norman struggles; his violent blackouts continue to increase as 'Mother' threatens to take over his mind completely. Meanwhile, Dylan Massett and Emma Decody, since leaving White Pine Bay, have been living their lives blissfully unaware of Norma's death and Norman's full on descent into psychosis. Unfortunately, for them, they will soon find themselves drawn back into Norman's insanity, while a vengeful Alex Romero, who is currently incarcerated for a perjury, hungers for a chance to destroy his stepson and avenge the murder of his one true love, Norma Bates.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Monday, April 24, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT, A&E premiered the series finale of BATES MOTEL, immediately followed by "The Final Check Out." In the 65-minute series ender, "The Cord," Norman Bates comes home. Then, the half-hour special (11:05pm), "The Final Check Out," gives super fans a chance to celebrate and say goodbye to the series they know and love. Questions gathered across social media throughout the season are answered by cast members Vera Farmiga (Norma), Freddie Highmore (Norman/Mother) and Nestor Carbonell (Sheriff Alex Romeo) and executive producers and creators Kerry Ehrin and Carlton Cuse. This celebration of the BATES MOTEL is shared through interviews, favorite scenes, bloopers and more.