One of the most recent influences Psycho has had is the creation of the television series, Bates Motel.  This spin-off series is a prequel to Psycho that details the life of Norman Bates and his mother and perhaps gives us as viewers more insight to why Norman is the way that he is. This show portrays the twisted and unnatural relationship between Norma and Norman Bates that ultimately led to Norman’s adult psychosis.  One major difference in this television spin-off is its setting.  It takes place in Oregon and instead of 1960, it’s actually 2013.  Norman has a cell phone and goes to a regular school, but within the Bates’ house if might as well be 1960.  All the furnishings and clothing is very period to the original Psycho film.

The Bates Motel characterizes Norman almost exactly as Anthony Perkins did in the film.  Norman is a gangly and awkward teenager lacking in many social skills, just like he was in 1960.  There are also a few different characters in the show that were never dreamt of for the film, like Norman’s half-brother.  The television series creators came up with a new character, Dylan, who is Norma’s son from a previous relationship.

The show does not begin with Norman’s psychotic persona.  Instead it opens with Norman as a normal, yet socially awkward and shy, boy of seventeen.  Although the show seems that all is well at first, it begins to depict exactly what shapes and moulds Norman into a vicious killer.  It is believed that as the show goes on it will follow Norman’s progression into a serial killer.

In the first few episodes alone, there are many references and hinting at moments from Psycho.  Norma is shown getting out of the shower, reminding us of Marion’s murder later on in the film.  Norman meets a man who is very interested in taxidermy.  This sparks the thought that perhaps this is where Norman acquired his passion for taxidermy.  Even though the show is depicted in present day, the Bates house and Norma’s clothing are the same as in the film.  The clothes that Norman wears when he is “Mother” in Psycho can be seen on Bates Motel on Mrs. Bates herself.

Above all, this show gives us a great background and understanding of Norma Bates.  She is not seen in Psycho, at least not in the form one would expect.  This show gives us a background that helps us to fill in some of the blanks Hitchcock left for the viewers to fill in, such as the development and abuse of one of film’s most iconic serial killers. Bates Motel gives us details that the 109 minute feature film Psycho was unable to give us.

Psycho has influenced films and productions since it originally aired in 1960.  It is seen as one of the most influential films of all time.  Looney Tunes to A&E have referenced this critically acclaimed film.  Norman Bates, with the help of Alfred Hitchcock, has become a household name and international icon that will be referenced and spoofed for years to come.



"Psycho (1960 Film)." Wikipedia. N.p., 11 Apr 2013. Web. 11 Apr 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psycho_(1960_film)

Hyman, Vicki. "'Bates Motel' review: Putting the why in 'Psycho'." nj.com. The Star-Ledger, 18 Mar 2013. Web. 11 Apr 2013. <http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2013/03/bates_motel_review_worth_the_h.html>.

Nixon, Rob. "Pop Culture 101: Psycho." Turner Classic Movies Film Article. Turner Classic Movies. Web. 11 Apr 2013. <http://www.tcm.com/this-month/article/191166|0/Pop-Culture-101-Psycho.html>.