Bates Motel (TV Series 2013–2017) Poster

(2013–2017)

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9/10
Bates Motel Surprised Me!
BlueCymbidium8 June 2013
I am pretty picky when it comes to television shows... and I actually really enjoy this one. It isn't my favorite, but it's definitely a lot better than expected! It's certainly on the DVR list.

I think that the actors are actually quite good (so many bad shows with terrible actors/actresses). The cast seems to have been carefully chosen, as the mother suits the role very well and the actor who plays Norman is absolutely perfect for the role. He is endearingly awkward.

I was worried it would be too "teenage" but it is not. It's actually not quite as dark as I had thought, but it is working it's way in that direction... which is good. I like a slow build. We learn more and more about Norman and his "issues" slowly through each episode instead of having it all thrown right in our faces in the first episode.

I suggest giving it a try!!

(sorry if this sucked... it's my first review!!)
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8/10
Wrong and getting wronger -- in just the right way
smorrow2-14 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I know this show is clicking because my 21 year old son squirms through out the show in total discomfort over the Norma and Norman relationship. He wanted to dump the show after the first episode but came back for the second. I'm sure he'll be back, almost against his will, for the rest. The main actors, Vera Farmiga as Norma and Freddie Highmore as Norman are spot on perfect. They have the look for sure, but more importantly, they have the psychology down perfect. Things are played in such a way that that mother/son kiss could be construed as normal, innocent affection, but you know damn well that something is wrong and getting wronger. There's a lot of story going on in this show -- a lot of mysteries to keep you hooked. Highly recommended.
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9/10
Based on first three episodes
fracturedrich5 April 2013
Watch it,that is all that needs to said about this series.It has got decent actors,great pacing it has the makings to become one of my favourite shows.I can not wait for the next episode,i have watched three and they have all been very good i would rate this as a nine out of ten.I was not expecting it to be this good.I am not going to say to much as i don't want to spoil it.There are some shocking moments so remember that it has a horror theme and is very violent in places.They have gone all out with good actors i knew all of them from good films and series.The guy who plays the legendary Norman Bates does it perfectly,he even looks like him from certain angles,the mother plays the part very well i cant pick a bad fault about any of the actors.The story has me hooked,i know this is going to be good all the way to the end.
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10/10
Bloody brilliant
katiehigson10 June 2018
Managed to binge the entire 5 seasons in one week! The acting is incredible. I laughed, I cried and I hid behind a cushion. It's got everything you could want from a psychological horror drama. Couldn't reccommend it enough.
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10/10
Vera Farmiga. That about says it all.
tylerjac-590-21850330 June 2018
Bates Motel is a binge worthy, down and dirty, yet artfully crafted masterpiece. Add the talents of Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore and Nestor Carbonell and you have the holy grail.

The story line is well thought out- the acting is superb, the texture dark and frightening.

Vera Farmiga is probably the most under rated actor in the business. She is similar to a shape shifter, able to morph into something unique to the part she is playing. I guess that is the definition of " great actor "

She reminds me of that line from a song by Billy Joel, " She has a way about her "

That way is pleasing, both to the eye, and to the soul.

And as for Freddie Highmore, as I watched him develop the character, I began to believe that he really was insane. Great acting.

Nestor Carbonell as Sheriff Romero. Everything you believe a Sheriff should be-a rough, tough, take no prisoners type of guy.

Things he did weren't always on the up and up, or even legal- but you found yourself still rooting for the guy.

Catch this show. You will find yourself thoroughly satisfied.
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10/10
Crap. I'm sucked into this show.
wildsparrow1626 March 2013
I really don't have time to be hooked on another TV show, but I'm sucked in. This is very suspenseful - I have not been bored for a moment. I really like the addition of Dylan. He adds some edge to the show, although it's already pretty gripping. I really thought this would just be some gore-fest - it's not (although there are some grisly scenes). It really is intriguing - the family dynamics and characters. I look forward to more. I loved Vera Farmiga in Higher Ground and Orphan - I will check out more of her work. She is very versatile - a fine actress. I am not familiar with the others, but they are pretty awesome, too.
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10/10
Scary, Suspenseful, Good Acting, and Utterly Unsettling
nicholasdoran66125 April 2013
Now, I had my doubts, for Psycho was one of the best horror movies ever to be made, and making a prequel show could ruin it all. But, my doubts proved to be fortunately wrong. The story centers around young Norman Bates, who's just moved to a small Bay Area town with his mother Norma Bates. It is set in the modern world, so that's why I had to rack a point off, but who cares. It is absolutely amazing. Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore lead an all stellar cast into the world of serial murder, cover ups, and horrific betrayal that can only go so unimaginably high. With shocks and gasps, and the kind of suspense that makes you clench your teeth, Bates Motel is definitely a must watch. If you haven't see this show yet, go on to channel 46 and start watching because it will grip you, and it won't let go.
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10/10
A must watch series even horror-haters will love it too!
jester870623 April 2013
I'm not sure the age range of the "reviews" written by a view of these people, but I must say they are way off about this show. I went into this series with high hopes. I knew Norma and Norman's relationship would be deeply explored, and that's what drew me in. I however was not expecting there to be so much intriguing mystery surrounding the little community they find themselves in. The casting is top notch, I honestly don't think they could have picked a better actress for Norma.

With most series you get a small taste with the pilot episode. Just enough to make you stick around long enough for the series to pick up speed, but this isn't so with Bates Motel. It starts at Mach 1 and doesn't let up. We are now about half way into the series it just keeps getting better and better. It's a Horror story, a gripping mystery, and one very good plot twist after another. Honestly I can't tell you the last time I've watched a series with this many twists in it so early into its run. Don't listen to the kids who wrote bad reviews. There parents shouldn't be letting them watch this anyway, its definitely an adult oriented show.

Take my advice and do not miss this show. It's one of the best on TV right now.
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10/10
Perfection with the best series finale I've ever seen
deanoherb11 June 2019
Everything about this series was perfect, the story, the cast literally everything

Probably the best way to end the series as well - a lot of series ruin the whole show on a bad ending but this was literally the perfect way to end
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Riveting - worth watching
phd_travel20 March 2013
The pilot was quite riveting. The lovely and talented Vera Farmiga is excellent as the complicated possessive Norma Bates. Freddie Highmore doesn't yet have the creepiness of Anthony Perkins but it's early days lets see how things develop and he transforms. The supporting cast looks promising too.

Some unexpected things - it is set in the present day. A bit puzzling why all the pretty girls are so into the geeky Norman.

It is much better a prequel than Carrie Diaries which has too many inconsistencies. Norman Bates story is quite an open book and the coming story holds lots of possibilities. This is one to watch.
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7/10
This show will give you only frustration
rony3628 April 2020
Just done watching all 50 episodes and found this creation very interesting. All five seasons will give you a lot of frustration so prepare to deal with it till last episode.
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9/10
Great Storyline and Performance
amaliarambe29 July 2019
The story is exquisite and unique. A perfect combination of love story, thriller, drama, and a little comedy. The talented Vera Farmiga is excellent, along with Freedie Highmore, Max Theriot, and Nestor Carbonell.
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7/10
intriguing reimagining
SnoopyStyle2 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Norma Louise Bates (Vera Farmiga) buys a small motel in White Pine Bay, Oregon after leaving behind her husband's mysterious death. Her son Norman (Freddie Highmore) befriends chronically-ill Emma Decody (Olivia Cooke) and popular girl Bradley Martin (Nicola Peltz). He finds a mentor in his teacher Miss Watson (Keegan Connor Tracy). The new start turns sour rather quickly as the murders pile up. Norma's estranged son Dylan Massett (Max Thieriot) arrives in town. She reveals that Norman killed her husband in a delusional state. Sheriff Alex Romero (Nestor Carbonell) investigates the deaths and the town's cash crop business. Norma is distressed by the arrival of her brother Caleb Calhoun (Kenny Johnson) and their deep, dark secret.

This is a reimagining of the Psycho franchise. Highmore has the frailty and damage of Anthony Perkins. The star performance has to be Farmiga. She delivers a frantic explosive craziness. It's a lot of fun. The show is intriguing but it does struggle as it approaches the original movie's events. The fifth and final season basically takes that movie and twists it into a pretzel. The big addition is Rihanna as Marion Crane. She is functional in the role although I don't think it's necessary to provide the back story. After all, it is Norman's show and the audience doesn't need to be set up like the original movie. The season is not quite as compelling after Norma's death. Despite Farmiga's continued presence, she is not the real Norma and the movie loses some of the explosive emotions. Overall, this is intriguing with some compelling performances.
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1/10
Most annoying mother and son on TV
scrottie-mcboogerballs3 January 2020
It gets really tiring watching Norma act like a nut job, who can't stop crying and fuking every time she is in a bad mood.

Is everyone stupid in this town? People don't investigate mystery murders?

As the plot develops it's hard to decide who is more annoying - Norma or Norman!
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8/10
Riveting, well played prequel idea
OJT10 April 2013
The last thing I like to do is watching a series. I prefer films. Ended stories. However I could not resist watching the first episode of this idea of a nowadays prequel which is to explain how Norman Bates could become like he did in the classic Hitchcock movie Psycho. A strange, but still kind of compelling idea.

And from the start I was really drawn into the story, due to Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore. They play so well, that is starts twisting your mind. Freddie Highmore is such a perfect cast. Or rather, he's such a talented young actor. He's been studying the body language of Anthony Perkins character in the classic film. It's literally like seeing the young Norman. And in a strange way, Vera Farmiga is just like how we would see tough mother afraid of losing grip of her last piece of family, her beloved son.

It's also great to see the house on the hill and the Bates Motel to good usage again, as it still is standing like it was back in 1960. Maybe the most iconic film featured house in the history of film. I started enjoying it because of the acting, and will have to see more of this, building up the interest of seeing Psycho amongst the younger generation, and getting to lean about the grand master of suspense, Sir Alfred Hitchcock.
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10/10
Creepy Show!
BringBackFear27 October 2013
Alfred Hitchcock (Psycho 1960) was a suspenseful and frightening film about Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and his dead Mother. The Bates Motel TV SHOW takes the story to a whole new level. It it is a prequel to the movie, about Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his mother, Norma Louise Bates (Vera Farmiga). Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga give an excellent performance in their roles. There are many other added features to the show including characters that are connected to the Bates family. I would recommend watching this show if you haven't seen it yet. Please see it from the beginning. There are many new twists in the story. I believe any Alfred Hitchcock fan would be excited to see this show. If you are a horror fan, watch this upcoming season!
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9/10
Better ending than Game of Thrones
wbamber-137595 September 2019
Finally just finished Bates Motel, I was happily surprised by how good this hidden gem was. Very entertaining from start to finish, everything about it, setting, acting, visuals, and so on. Story was very compelling and kept you engrossed every single episode, the performances from the main two actors Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore were highly entertaining, they were brilliant and I couldn't imagine anyone pulling those two characters or Norman and Norma off better. The final season a lot of shocks oh my "didn't see that coming". All round great great show!! Sad it's over..
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9/10
Best prequel series I've ever seen
leesimon-263576 November 2021
This show was incredible from beginning to end.

The characters are great and the way they are set up really makes you believe the arc that eventually takes place. Even the ones only created fr this show (ie. Not in the Hitchcock movie.)

I enjoyed the storylines that develop throughout each season. The show is chilling, thrilling, suspenseful, and funny at times.

I watch and re-watch this how. I really love it. Highly recommended.
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9/10
A gem in the dark
the_real_Doc_Justice26 October 2020
Of course this show has had plenty of audience and good word of mouth, and still enjoys a good run on Netflix and al., yet it doesn't get the recognition it is worth of, in my opinion. It barely won any awards.

In the shadow of the fading Dexter, the exquisite Fargo, many other great series, and of course, the monumental shadow cast by its own source material.

I'm so glad I finally gave it a chance.

It isn't perfect, there are a few flaws there and there, but I guarantee it will take you to places you would never have expected.

The cast is great, Farmiga is of course up to the challenge, but they put the bucks on Highmore, and oh boy does he deliver. The guy is just pure clay in the hands of the writing and direction. Anytime, whatever you feel towards his character is what he has been told to make you.

Some say the first seasons are weaker than the latter, but I disagree, the "Twin Peaks" feel of the beginnings is what got me caught in. It evolves along the way.

I keep this one in my favorites nested between Six Feet Under and... Growing Pains, for some reason (wtf?)
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10/10
WOW! Just wow!
snkhan-2790531 May 2019
Never expected this to be so good. Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore kill it as Norma and Norman Bates. With each season the series gets better and better. Even though we know the ending through the movies the series ends so great! I wish GOT's last season was even 10% as good as this! Hahahahaha
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In loss of words.
neighkey31 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Just finished watching the entire series.

I am deeply hurt, disturbed and feel nothing but sorry for Norma. Vera Fermiga as Norma had a jaw dropping performance.

Freddy Highmore was ridiculously great at his part.

As for the story line, I will just say this... No other show made me feel so bitter. Norman, though you are a character, you have shown me a part of emotion which I never thought was so painful.

I am in total loss of words.

Emma Decody, Alex Romero and all the other characters... You were good too.

And lastly, Dylan. I really enjoyed his acting.

I enjoyed season 2 and 5 the most.
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7/10
It should be a mini series
abhishek-aga6530 April 2020
Atmosphere of a show, production, casting all are up to the mark but somehow i dont feel it should be a 5 season series with not so great sub plots...

It should be a mini series concentrate totally on the relationship of norman and norma and the check ins on to the motel..
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8/10
Definitely worth every minute!
effyforever17 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I just finished season 5 so I can officially say that I've seen the entire show. I binged it over a few days and I'm pretty sad that it's over.

I thought season 1 was a bit slow to begin with, but the depth and complex characters got me hooked and so I continued to watch. The Norma-drama is what's really interesting and her interactions with other characters are fun to follow. After the first murder on the show it's impossible to stop watching, you can't stop but to wonder what's gonna happen next. The show only got better with season 2 and then even better with season 3 (is this even possible anymore? Well it is for Bates Motel).

Season 4 was my absolute favorite. Though I wanted to kill Norman the entire series, he was extremely annoying. At this point you can really see how twisted his mind is, and it's hard to imagine how Norma can be in such denial? It was frustrating to watch scenes with Norman in the Pineview Institute because his doctors are somehow unable to see that Norman is out of his god damn mind?! What I really liked about this season was the evolution of Norma and Romero. From not caring for Romero at all throughout the series he evoled to one of my favorite characters. This high gard guy all of a sudden has a soft side. His pain when Norma died broke my heart. Again: I wanted to kill Norman. I had high expectations for season 5 after reading good reviews and I got really disappointed. I felt like the show lost it's vibe with Norma gone and only existing in Norman's mind. In season 5 you start to understand why Norman is the way he is and you won't hate him as much as previous seasons. But it will make you feel great when Romero beats the crap out of him in the finale.

The most amazing thing about this show is that you come to care for the characters. At least I did. The acting is great, Freddie Highmore does a great job as Norman, since I've hated the guy pretty much the hole time.

But to sum up the case: Bates Motel is among one of the greatest shows I've ever seen. It's amazing and it only gets better with each season. It's worth watching!
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6/10
How and why
kenrichorton22 July 2018
How and Why does this nerd get all the women and sex in this movie and he's the craziest
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4/10
A huge let down.
kjjames8116 August 2018
Okay I am not going to go over the story, everyone knows that this dismal effort is meant to be the prequel of Psycho.

First the limited positive things about the series, the actors, in fact most of them do a very good job at hand.

Now onto the negatives, which there are quite a few:

Firstly having the series set in our times and not in the 50's. Next the stories in which each series has, some are really bad. Then there is the addition of Norman's brother, not that it is the actors fault, it's not. Every time the character is on the screen, the tension leaves that episode. Also since when do attractive girls make a bee line for the new nerd, never ever has this happened.
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