What is bates motel about

Language is generally light, with characters using words like "damn," "hell," and "ass. Add your rating See all 19 parent reviews. Add your rating See all 43 kid reviews. The story picks up when Norma drags her son to the coastal town of White Pine Bay, where she buys a motel and makes plans to build a new life after the death of her husband.

But once there, they must turn to murder to protect what's theirs. Hitchcock purists beware: This updated take on the Master of Suspense's horror classic Psycho takes plenty of liberties in terms of character and plot, most notably moving Norman Bates and his mother into the 21st century.

But if you can get past the fact that Norman listens to moody indie pop tunes and texts his friends on an iPhone yes, really , you'll find a gripping series that -- at least in terms of art direction and costume design -- stays surprisingly reverent to its roots with thoughtful references to the film that inspired it. You'll also find a series that pushes the envelope with iffy content, not so much with blood, but with some disturbing scenes involving violence against women and veiled allusions to incest -- not quite at the level of, say, American Horror Story , yet still shocking enough to give parents pause.

Families can talk about dysfunctional family relationships and discuss why writers so often turn to them for good material -- both for drama, in the case of Bates Motel , or for comedy, in the case of a show like Arrested Development. What role does mental illness play in the relationship between Norman and his mother? How does Bates Motel compare to the Hitchcock horror classic and the novel of the same name that inspired it?

Why did the show's creators choose to set the action in modern times -- and do you think that was a good decision? Does the series accurately reflect what it's like to be a teenager today?

How does Norman measure up as a role model -- and should he be held accountable for his actions, considering his home life? Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate. Streaming options powered by JustWatch. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. Thank you for your support. Our ratings are based on child development best practices. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate.

The star rating reflects overall quality. Learn how we rate. Parents' Ultimate Guide to Support our work! Corona Column 3 Use these free activities to help kids explore our planet, learn about global challenges, think of solutions, and take action. Bates Motel. Popular with kids Parents recommend. Dark drama updates a horror classic with blood and violence. Rate TV.

Watch or buy. Based on 19 reviews. Based on 43 reviews. Get it now Searching for streaming and purchasing options You may later unsubscribe. Create your account Already have an account? Email Address. See score details. Series Info. After the death of her husband, Norma Bates buys a motel in the picturesque coastal town of White Pine Bay, giving herself and teenage son Norman a chance to begin anew.

Shy Norman is reluctant at first, but with the help of his mother -- with whom he shares an intensely close relationship -- the boy begins to open up to others and make new friends. Some locals, however, aren't as friendly and welcoming to the Bates, who discover that because White Pine Bay isn't as peaceful as it appears, they are forced to do whatever it takes to survive. The drama series, from executive producers Carlton Cuse "Lost" and Kerry Ehrin "Friday Night Lights" and inspired by the seminal horror film "Psycho," explores the formative years of Norman Bates and how his complicated bond with his mother forged a serial killer.

You might also like. View All Photos Freddie Highmore Norman Bates. Max Thieriot Dylan Massett. Olivia Cooke Emma Decody. Nestor Carbonell Sheriff Alex Romero.

Nicola Peltz Bradley Martin. Mike Vogel Deputy Zack Shelby. Keegan Connor Tracy Miss Watson. Ed Bianchi Director. Tucker Gates Director.

Carlton Cuse Screenwriter. Kerry Ehrin Screenwriter. Carlton Cuse Executive Producer. Kerry Ehrin Executive Producer. Tucker Gates Executive Producer. Reddit Pocket Flipboard Email. The Bates Motel is open for business. Norman Bates is a murderer. Bates Motel uses that tension to drive empathy for both him and his mother. Norman and his Mother are close. Next Up In Culture. Delivered Fridays. Thanks for signing up! Check your inbox for a welcome email. Email required. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice and European users agree to the data transfer policy.

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