A&E is checking in to the "Bates Motel."
The cable network has ordered its "Psycho" prequel, from "Lost's" Carlton Cuse and "Friday Night Lights'" Kerry Ehrin, straight to series.
Based on Alfred Hitchcock's classic horror film, "Bates Motel" is an exploration of Norman Bates' formative years, including, of course, his relationship with his mother, Norma. The series, which has been ordered for 10 episodes, has been dubbed as a cross between "Twin Peaks" and "Smallville."
"We are proud to be partnering with Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin on their thrilling reinvention of one of the most compelling characters in cinematic history," Bob DeBitetto, A&E Network president, and David McKillop, A&E's executive vice president of programming, said in a statement. "It's a provocative project from two of the best storytellers in the business and we're looking forward to getting started."
"Bates Motel" is scheduled for a 2013 premiere on A&E, joining another serial killer prequel story headed for the small screen. "Pushing Daisies" creator Bryan Fuller brings his "Silence of the Lambs" prequel series, "Hannibal," to NBC in 2013 as well.
The A&E series is not the first attempt at a "Psycho" spinoff -- NBC aired a 90-minute TV movie also titled "Bates Motel" in 1987.