27 best horror shows to watch (and 14 shows you should skip)

Horror shows: Bates Motel

• Seasons: 5
• Created by: Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin and Anthony Cipriano
• Starring: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, Max Thieriot, Olivia Cooke, Nicola Peltz, Nestor Carbonell and Kenny Johnson
• Streaming: Peacock

You probably immediately recognize Vera Farmiga for bringing Lorraine Warren to life in The Conjuring movies, but did you know she also played Norma Bates for five years on the Psycho contemporary prequel series Bates Motel? In fact, Farmiga did such an exceptional job on this show that many fans are still better she didn’t receive any mainstream awards attention, the same goes for Freddie Highmore who played Norman.

The first season of Bates Motel revolves around Norma and Norman settling into an old hotel that Norma purchases after Norman’s father dies. Early on, Norma murders a rapist who attacks her at home, forcing her and Norman to cover up the crime.

Of course, that’s just the beginning of what will become a long and complicated relationship with death and murder throughout the show. Bates Motel serves as a suspense-driven narrative that explores the genuinely uncomfortable relationship between one of the most iconic mother-son duos in all of horror fiction. If you missed the show when it was airing, do yourself a favor and catch up.

Verdict: WATCH