A&E is checking in at the “Bates Motel.”
Cabler has ordered 10 episodes of the Universal Television series while forgoing a pilot. A&E’s faith in not asking for pilot first comes in the form of former “Lost” showrunner Carlton Cuse, who will exec produce with Kerry Ehrin.
Set to premiere in 2013, “Bates Motel” examines the formative years of iconic “Psycho” character Norman Bates, and his twisted relationship with his mother. Series will offer insight into their backstory, including how Bates, played by Anthony Perkins in the classic Alfred Hitchcock horror film, became a 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 A&E president Bob DeBitetto and exec VP of programming David McKillop in a joint statement. “It’s a provocative project from two of the best storytellers in the business and we’re looking forward to getting started.”
“Bates Motel” marks the second major Hollywood project based on Hitchcock’s classic horror pic. Fox Searchlight is currently shooting “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho,” a behind-the-scenes drama detailing the helmer’s struggles while making the 1960 feature with Anthony Hopkins set as Hitchcock and Scarlett Johansson playing Janet Leigh.
On Friday, A&E renewed western drama “Longmire” for a second season. Show has gotten off to a strong start for A&E, averaging 3.9 million viewers per episode.
