There’s been positive feedback around the Bates Motel TV serial escaping from the US and now we’re pleased to announce that Universal Channel has secured the UK premiere of the series, that’s already a critically-acclaimed prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s genre-defining film, Psycho.
Inspired by the 1960s film, Bates Motel takes a contemporary look into Norman Bates’ teenage years and delves into the complicated relationship between Norman and his mother, Norma. Imagining the dark and twisted backstory to Psycho, the series reveals how Norman’s psyche unravels and the events that helped shape the infamous serial killer. It stars Academy Award® nominee Vera Farmiga (UP IN THE AIR) as Norman’s devoted yet overbearing mother, Norma, and British actor Freddie Highmore (FINDING NEVERLAND) in the iconic role of Norman Bates.
Currently airing on A&E Network in the US, the series premiered on March 18th, to 3 million viewers, including 1.6 million adults 18-49, making it the most-watched original drama among the adult demographic in the network’s history. Following sustained strong ratings and positive reviews,they’ve already renewed it for a second season, which is good as so many shows get cancelled before they’ve even started these days. It’s now also been confirmed that it will make its UK premiere on Universal Channel. James Newton, Channel Director, had this to say:
“Bates Motel is among the most-distinctive and talked-about new dramas to emerge from the US this year, and we are extremely proud to be the channel opening its infamous doors to UK viewers. Reinventing one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history, we’re confident the show will take Universal Channel to a whole new level.”
We look forward to seeing it on UK screens and in the meantime you can watch the first six minutes via this link, check out some great teaser posters and also…their creepy interactive website. Great stuff.
