“Bates Motel” to debut March 18 on A&E

Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga star in "Bates Motel." Photo by Joe Lederer/Copyright 2011

A&E has announced today the new original scripted drama series “Bates Motel,” from executive producers Carlton Cuse (“Lost”) and Kerry Ehrin (“Friday Night Lights”) will premiere at 9 p.m. Monday, March 18 on the network.

Details on “Bates Motel,” provided by A&E, are as follows:

“Bates Motel” is a contemporary prequel to the genre-defining film “Psycho,” and promises to give viewers an intimate portrayal of how Norman Bates’ psyche unravels through his teenage years.

Fans will have access to the dark, twisted backstory of Norman Bates and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma, truly is.

The series stars Academy Award nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” “The Departed”), Freddie Highmore (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Finding Neverland”), Max Thieriot (“Disconnect”), Olivia Cooke (“Blackout”) and Nicola Peltz (“The Last Airbender”).