Freddie Highmore, Keegan Connor Tracy, Max Thieriot
The take
Bates Motel is a prequel to the 1960 Hitchcock cult classic Psycho. Need I say more? Set in modern-day Oregon, It portraits the unusual relationship between protagonists Norman (Freddie Highmore) and his mother Norma (Vera Farmiga) as they go about their lives inside the Bates Motel. While it is a great show in every way, nothing beats the premise, it’s wildly interesting to discover what Psycho’s Norman Bates’ teenage years would have looked like. You guessed it: Lots of murder, intrigue, and a healthy dose of psychopathic disorders. This psychological horror drama's clever writing and splendid performances do a great job of building tension and making the viewer feel uncomfortable, not to mention keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout its 5 seasons.
An ambitious mini-series that succeeds in adapting the classic magic realist novel
8.0
Ethos
A level of attention to aesthetics usually reserved for the most elaborate films, mixed with a complex and relevant story, make this series from Turkey unmatched in its quality
9.9
Black Doves
A tale of espionage, romance, and friendship all tied in a neat bow, just in time for Christmas
8.1
The Sticky
Margo Martindale stands out in this true-story-based Canadian maple syrup heist
7.1
Caliphate
A psychological thriller that provides insight on what drove so many young people to ISIS.
8.9
Say Nothing
A powerful take on the Northern Ireland conflict that smartly shows all sides
8.5
Occupied
Norway's most expensive show ever is a timely thrill ride with a grim geopolitical premise.
8.7
Unorthodox
A well-acted fact-based thriller about untangling the grip of a close-knit community
8.5
Escape at Dannemora
Based on a true prison escape story, this slow-burn suspense thriller features once-in-a-lifetime performances by a star-studded cast
9.3
The Looming Tower
A well-written thriller miniseries about the rivalry between the CIA and the FBI and how they failed to prevent 9/11.