Bates Motel (2013-2017)

In a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s legendary film Psycho (1960), the A&E series Bates Motel follows Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his smothering mother Norma (Vera Farmiga) as they move to the fictional town of White Pine Bay, Oregon to start a new life after Norman’s father dies in an “accidental” death. With her insurance money, Norma purchases and operates the titular motel. Of course the odd couple can’t live a normal life, and mother and son soon find themselves in the middle of a disappearance and eventual murder case. Throw in the unexpected appearance of Dylan (Max Thierot), Norma’s other son; Miss Watson (Keegan Connor Tracy), Norman’s intrusive teacher; Alex Romero (Nestor Carbonell), the town’s suspicious sheriff; and Bradley Martin and Emma Decody (Nicola Peltz and Olivia Cooke), two cuties that Norman crushes over, and you have a recipe for an amazing drama. Max Thierot heats up the series when he gives us a long look at his shirtless body in a contemplative moment. We’d love to give Max some room service!