From Executive Producers Carlton Cuse (Lost) and Kerry Ehrin (Friday Night Lights) Bates Motel delves into the twisted relationship between serial killer-to-be Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his mother Norma (Vera Farmiga). A prelude to the classic horror film Psycho the series takes a contemporary glimpse into Norman s formative years and reveals how he became one of the most infamous murderers of all time.