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A&E “Bates Motel' kills in ratings

By April Neale Mar 19, 2013, 19:11 GMT

Norman and Norma, a happily forever mother-son duo clicked with the American viewing public.

Norman and Norma, a happily forever mother-son duo clicked with the American viewing public.

The premiere of A&E Network’s new original scripted drama series, “Bates Motel,” was watched by 4.6 million total viewers, 2.5 million adults 25-54 and 2.4 million adults 18-49 on premiere night. 

From A&E

The 10PM premiere episode was watched by 3.0 million total viewers as well as 1.6 million adults 18-49 and 25-54, becoming the networks most-watched original drama series debut among the key 18-49 and 25-54 demos.

“Bates Motel’ represents the very best of quality storytelling with an incredible cast led by Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore,” said Bob DeBitetto, President and GM of A&E Network and BIO Channel. “We are extremely pleased with the initial viewer response to this edgy and provocative series and are confident that it will continue to draw in new audiences.”

New episodes of “Bates Motel” premiere every Monday at 10PM ET/PT.  An encore presentation of the premiere episode will air Wednesday, March 20 at 11PM ET/PT after all-new episodes of “Duck Dynasty.”

“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”). Season one also co-stars Nestor Carbonell (“Lost,” “The Dark Knight Rises”) and Mike Vogel (“Pan Am”).

“Bates Motel” is produced by Universal Television for A&E Network. Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin serve as executive producers for Carlton Cuse Productions.