Bates Motel (TV 2013)

Bates Motel serves as a modern-day contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic horror film, Psycho. The series explores the deeply disturbing, co-dependent relationship between a young Norman Bates and his mother, Norma, before the events of the movie take place. It shows exactly how Norman's mind fractured and how they ended up running the iconic motel.

The character of Norman Bates is brilliantly portrayed by British actor Freddie Highmore. Vera Farmiga stars alongside him as his overbearing mother, Norma Bates. The on-screen chemistry between Highmore and Farmiga was heavily praised by critics throughout the show's run.

The critically acclaimed series ran for exactly five seasons on the A&E network, premiering in 2013 and concluding in 2017. The creators purposefully limited the show to five seasons so they could naturally bridge the narrative gap straight into the plot of Hitchcock's original film. The final season features the famous Rihanna playing the role of Marion Crane.

No, despite being a prequel, the showrunners intentionally set Bates Motel in a modern, present-day timeline. The characters use smartphones and modern cars, giving the story a contemporary feel rather than a period piece. This creative decision allowed the story to stand on its own without being strictly bound to early 1960s technology.