User reviews

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!!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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?)

Only just discovered Bates Motel on BBC iplayer and binge watched over a few days and well into season 3. Think the actors and the set are excellent. Well cast and the motel and house replicate the original film. My initial enthusiasm is beginning to wane. I think Norma and Norman's story could have been told in a couple of seasons. It's getting somewhat repetitive and parallel events unbelievable. White Pine Bay has more going on than Midsommer County. I think the character of Dylan is a very sympathetic one (even though he does wrong) and pulls the story together well. Not sure I'll stick with watching to the end of all of the seasons.

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.

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

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.

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.

First episode is shaky. Stick with it. Just when you think you know what's going on it proves you wrong. Story, acting, characters, everything is amazing. Just watched 5 series in a few weeks. Sad to finish. Watch it!!👍

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.

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!

I think they've messed up the psicosis plot with this 5th season. Sometimes you have to know how to stop.

Norman is new to town, and as soon as the show starts a group of popular and attractive girls offer him a ride in their BMW convertible. Ok, this is looking pretty bad already. Since when do potential pyscho murders get offered this kind of attention and friendliness within 5 minutes of just moving to town. This seems like a decent chick-flick for those interested in highschool romance dramas.

I can forgive the unrealness, as reality can be boring. I have no problem getting past a few scenes like this. What really just makes the show unbearable is all the characters who keep forcing their way into each scene. It's so unrealistic. Norman has met and befriended so many people on the first day, this is just bizarre and not normal human behavior at all. I guess a show about a pyscho loner murdering people wouldn't be interesting, so they had to cram Teen Wolf into it, just replace the werewolves with an unrealistic pyscho killer who acts like a rebellious teen with lots of (hot) friends and the occasional momma boys scene that is crammed in to make seem different than every other heart-throb high school teen drama.