AVERAGE

Exploring the mother-son relationship behind Psycho (1960) in a TV series seemed like an intriguing idea.

The show got a modern-day setting in Oregon and the story began with Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga) taking over a motel and moving into the old mansion next to it together with her teenage son (Freddie Highmore). The Bates were extremely close and over the years, Norma fought to protect her troubled son even though he increasingly showed signs of a deteriorating mental health. Everything slowly built up to the final season when the events of Psycho were finally reimagined in a respectful and creative way.

More of a dark drama series than horror, sometimes burdened with uninteresting subplots, but always boosted by the two leads’ outstanding performances.

2013-2017:U.S. 50 episodes. Color. Developed by Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, Anthony Cipriano. Cast: Vera Farmiga (Norma Bates), Freddie Highmore (Norman Bates), Max Thieriot (Dylan Massett), Olivia Cooke, Nestor Carbonell, Kenny Johnson (14-17), Nicola Peltz (13-15). 

Trivia: In the last season, Rihanna plays Marion Crane.