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.

Bob DeBitetto stated the following.

"Bates Motel has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks. 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 Cuse and Kerry Ehrin take Norma and Norman Bates next."

Bates Motel Season 2 will begin pre-production later this year on ten new episodes slated to premiere in 2014.

Bates Motel also stars Max Thieriot, Olivia Cooke, Nicola Peltz and Nestor Carbonell.

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 returns this Monday night with the all-new episode "Trust Me.