A&E's original drama Bates Motel will kick off its third season on March 9, the network said.

With Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates and Freddie Highmore as her conflicted teenage son Norman returning in their lead roles, the new season will focus on the characters coming to terms with the truth behind their dark family dynamics, A&E said.

Other returning cast members include Max Thieriot as Norman's half-brother, Nestor Carbonell as the town sherriff, Olivia Cooke as Norman's friend Emma and Kenny Johnson as Norma's estranged brother. Kevin Rahm, Tracy Spiradakos and Ryan Hurst will have recurring guest roles throughout the new season.

Inspired by characters in the Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho, Bates Motel is executive produced by Carlton Cuse (The Returned) and Kerry Ehrin (Friday Night Lights).