'Bates Motel' renewed for second season

A&E’s Bates Motel will keep the lights on for another year.

The network just renewed the creepy horror-drama for a 10-episode second season. The show has maintained strong ratings since its premiere a few weeks ago. Bates Motel debuted to 3 million viewers on March 18 (now up to 4.5 million counting DVR), making it the network’s most-watched drama debut ever. The second and third week kept Bates in the same ballpark, with both nights generating 2.8 million viewers in the overnight numbers.

“Bates Motel has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks,” said Bob DeBitetto, president and GM of A&E. “With superb writing and exceptional acting, led by the critically acclaimed performances of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, we’re incredibly excited to see where Carlton and Kerry take Norma and Norman Bates next.”