A&E’s Psycho prequel series will be continuing for at least another year.  The network announced today that it has ordered a second season of Bates Motel, which premiered a couple of weeks ago to solid ratings and positive reviews.  The drama series comes from Lost co-showrunner Carlton Cuse and Friday Night Lights alum Kerry Ehrin and centers on the relationship between a teenage Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his mother (Vera Farmiga).  The show is similar to Lost in that it has set up a number of mysteries in its first few episodes, some of which may or may not be resolved by season’s end.  Hit the jump for more, including the full press release.

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Cuse and Ehrin have struck a nice Twin Peaks vibe with regards to the show’s sleepy town that obviously has much to hide, and while the performances are swell and the relationship between Norman and his mother is intriguingly complex, the series runs the risk of becoming too “twisty” for its own good.  I'm interested to see how the story unfolds as we move closer to the inevitable death of Norman's mother, but thus far Cuse and Ehrin have done a nice job of carving out a story wholly separate from Alfred Hitchcock's classic horror film.  

Production on the 10-episode second season will begin later this year in anticipation of a 2014 premiere.  Bates Motel airs on Monday nights on A&E.  Read the full press release below and sound off in the comments with how you’re liking Bates Motel thus far:

NEW YORK – April 8, 2013 – A&E Network has picked up a second season of the acclaimed drama series, “Bates Motel” starring Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore from executive producers Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin, it was announced today by Bob DeBitetto, President and General Manager of A&E Network and BIO Channel. The premiere of “Bates Motel” garnered 4.5 million total viewers and 2.5 million adults 25-54 and 18-49, based on Live+7 viewership, making it the most-watched original drama debut in the key demos in the network’s history.

“Bates Motel’ has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks,” said DeBitetto. “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.”

Season two of “Bates Motel” will begin pre-production later this year on ten new episodes slated to premiere in 2014.

“Bates Motel” also stars Max Thieriot (“Disconnect”), Olivia Cooke (“Blackout”), Nicola Peltz (“The Last Airbender) and Nestor Carbonell (“Lost,” “The Dark Knight Rises”).

In “Bates Motel,” following the tragic death of her husband, Norma Bates buys a motel on the outskirts of the idyllic coastal town of White Pine Bay, seeking a fresh start. As Norma and Norman get ensconced in their new home, they discover this town isn’t quite what it seems, and the locals aren’t so quick to let them in on their secrets. But the Bates’ are done being pushed around and will do whatever it takes to survive – and will do whatever it takes to protect their own secrets.

“Bates Motel” is produced by Universal Television for A&E Network. Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin serve as executive producers for Carlton Cuse Productions and Kerry Ehrin Productions respectively.