A&E’s new original series Bates Motel scared up 3 million viewers in its Monday night premiere, the network announced Tuesday.
The series, billed as a prequel to the 1960’s classic thriller movie Psycho, also drew 1.6 million 18-to-49 and 25-to-54 viewers, making it the network’s most-watched original drama series premiere among those key demos.
Including repeats, Bates Motel averaged 4.6 million viewers during premiere night, according to A&E.
The debut delivery was below the 4.1 million total viewers who tuned in for the premiere of A&E’s last drama debut Longmire last June and the 3.6 million for the launch of The Glades in 2010.
“Bates Motel represents the very best of quality storytelling with an incredible cast led by Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore,” said Bob DeBitetto, President and general manager of A&E Network and BIO Channel. in a statement. “We are extremely pleased with the initial viewer response to this edgy and provocative series and are confident that it will continue to draw in new audiences.”
