BATES MOTEL: BBC ACQUIRE CONTEMPORY PREQUEL TO PSYCHO

The critically acclaimed series, which aired in the U.S. between 2013 and 2017, is a contemporary prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's genre-defining film Psycho and depicts the lives of Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his mother Norma (Vera Farmiga).

Across the five series, it takes a modern-day glimpse into Norman's formative years and delves into the twisted relationship between Norman and his mother to reveal how he became one of the most infamous murderers of all time.

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisitions, says: "Bates Motel is modern reinvention of the classic spine-tingler. Full of suspense, intrigue and unexpected twists, it will keep BBC viewers mesmerised until the very end."

All five series of Bates Motel (50x45) will be made available on BBC iPlayer.