Bypassing the pilot process, A&E Network has placed an order for a series about the formative years of Norman Bates.
A&E has ordered 10 installments of Bates Motel from Universal Television, with preproduction and casting expected to begin shortly. The series, which has Carlton Cuse (Lost) and Kerry Ehrin (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) serving as executive producers, will premiere on the network next year, according to officials.
Bates Motel, inspired by Hitchcock's genre-defining film, Psycho, is a contemporary exploration of the formative years of Norman Bates, relationship with his mother, Norma, and the world they inhabit. In this prequel, viewers will gain access to the twisted backstory and learn first-hand how Norma shaped the serial killer.
"We are proud to be partnering with Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin on their thrilling reinvention of one of the most compelling characters in cinematic history," said Bob DeBitetto, president and general manager, A&E Network and Bio Channel and the network's executive vice president of programming, David McKillop in a statement. "It's a provocative project from two of the best storytellers in the business and we're looking forward to getting started."
