A&E; Renews 'Bates Motel' for Second Season

A&E has extended its stay at Bates Motel, renewing the series for a second season.

From Universal Television, the Psycho prequel ranks as A&E's most-watched scripted drama in network history among adults 18-to-49 and 25-to-54. The series premiere drew 4.5 million total viewers and 2.5 million in both 18-to-49 and 25-to-54 when factoring in Live+7 figures. The series held up well in its second airing, jumping 6 percent among the 25-to-54 set against increased competition in its 10 p.m. Monday slot.

The second season again will feature 10 episodes and come from showrunners Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin, who use Psycho as a inspiration to help tell the story of Norman Bates' (Freddie Highmore) formative years growing up with his mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga).

“Bates Motel has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks,” A&E president and GM Bob DeBitetto said in announcing the pickup Monday. "With superb writing and exceptional acting, led by the critically acclaimed performances of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, we’re incredibly excited to see where Carlton and Kerry take Norma and Norman Bates next.”

The series marks A&E's latest push into original scripted programming and joins a roster that also includes Longmire, which last year was renewed for a second season. A&E also has the pilots Occult, with Josh Lucas, and Those Who Kill, starring Chloe Sevigny, in the works.