Bates Motel

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Season 1
  • Network: A&E
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 18, 2013
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 34
  3. Negative: 3 out of 34
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Critic Reviews

  1. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chuck Bowen
    Mar 15, 2013
    38
    Greater offenses have been committed in the name of Psycho, such as the regrettable Psycho III, but this series might be less forgivable for the egregiously pandering waste of talent and potential on display.
  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Mar 18, 2013
    30
    Farmiga and Highmore give solid performances as Norma and Norman Bates. But they're working with inferior material.
  3. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Glenn Garvin
    Mar 18, 2013
    20
    Having started with a bad premise, producers Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin then made it infinitely worse by rejecting the loneliness and isolation that were the nucleus of Hitchcock’s film.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best TV Season of 2013
17
#17 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
11
#11 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 415 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 340 out of 415
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 415
  3. Negative: 48 out of 415
  1. dpaniagua
    Mar 19, 2013
    10
    so far its amazing from start to finish. the actors (vera farmiga and freddie highmore) give it their all in their outstanding performances.so far its amazing from start to finish. the actors (vera farmiga and freddie highmore) give it their all in their outstanding performances. its too good to miss out and you wont stop watching it.… Full Review »
  2. frogboy
    Mar 18, 2013
    9
    So far, so good. It's only the pilot, so there's time for "Bates Motel" to become great. Vera Farmiga provides a wonderfully nuancedSo far, so good. It's only the pilot, so there's time for "Bates Motel" to become great. Vera Farmiga provides a wonderfully nuanced performance as Norma, Norman's domineering mother. Freddie Highmore is a dead-ringer for a young Anthony Perkins. This is not American Horror Story. There are no ghosts or goblins here. Just one boy's forming psyche that eventually turns him Psycho. We'll see where the writers take it.… Full Review »
  3. Moviebuff94
    Mar 19, 2013
    10
    This is a true homage to classic. It gives you this nail biting edge of your seat feeling that leaves you clamoring for more. I can't wait toThis is a true homage to classic. It gives you this nail biting edge of your seat feeling that leaves you clamoring for more. I can't wait to see where this is headed and how we see young Norman turn 'Psycho'. Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga give amazing performances that take your breath away.… Full Review »
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