First look at Season 3 of A&E’s Bates Motel, starring Vera Farmiga

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

It’s hard to believe that we’re already at that time of year where we can start talking about A&E’s fantastic “Bates Motel” again. With its return set for Monday, March 9th, Season 3 is going to really start digging into Norman’s unstable mind, and we’re here with a first look featuring both Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore. Dig on those below!

This season of "Bates Motel" focuses on the evolution of the Bates family and dives head first into Norman’s waning ability to stay in denial about what’s happening to him and the lengths he will go to gain control of his fragile psyche. The dramatic events of last season leaves Norma reluctantly more aware of Norman’s mental fragility and is fearful of what he is capable of.

After a blissful summer of closeness with his mother, living within the safe confines of home and the Bates Motel, Norman’s fears about what really happened with Blaire Watson resurface, and Norma questions what really happened. Forced to look at the truths about Norman for the first time, their deeply intricate relationship continues to evolve. Norma finds herself turning to the other man in her life, Norman’s half-brother, Dylan, and begins to rely on him in ways that she never expected. This relationship inevitably triggers jealousy in Norman, and a new kind of love triangle between Norma and her two sons erupts. Her estranged brother and the boys’ uncle, Caleb, returns to haunt the family throughout the season, challenging their bond even further.

Pressures of the outside world take hold of the family when newcomers Kevin Rahm, Tracy Spiradakos, and Ryan Hurst arrive in White Pine Bay. After a summer of living at the Bates Motel, Sheriff Romero and Norma have grown closer, but they will always have that troubling question mark surrounding Norman. Something doesn’t feel right, but in spite of his instincts, Romero finds himself continually drawn back to the Bates family — and to Norma. Emma, also determined to find out what is happening to Norman, becomes more emboldened, fearless, and goes after the things she wants. Familiar face Bradley returns to surprise the family and digs up old memories.

From executive producers Carlton Cuse (“Lost,” “The Returned”) and Kerry Ehrin (“Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood”), “Bates Motel” serves as a contemporary prequel to the genre-defining film Psycho and provides viewers with an intimate portrayal of how Norman Bates unravels through his teenage years.