The BEST Episodes of Bates Motel
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: May 22, 2020
Network: A&E
A contemporary prequel to Psycho, giving a portrayal of how Norman Bates' psyche unravels through his teenage years, and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma, truly is.
#1 - The Cord
Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired Apr 24, 2017
Norman Bates comes home.
8.25 
#2 - Marion
Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired Mar 27, 2017
A special guest checks into the motel; Dylan grapples with devastating news; Sam and Madeleine's marriage reaches a crossroads.
8.19 
#3 - The Truth
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired Apr 22, 2013
Dylan asks Norman to move in with him; Norma warns Emma that some things are best kept to themselves.
8.18 
#4 - Inseparable
Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired Apr 3, 2017
Norman and Mother are brought together as trouble looms large; Romero convalesces with the aid of an old friend; Dylan returns home.
8.18 
#5 - The Immutable Truth
Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired May 5, 2014
A tragic event from the past haunts Norman; Norma tries to prevent Norman from making a terrible mistake; Romero and Dylan find a way to end the drug war; Emma makes a decision about her future.
8.11 
#6 - The Convergence of the Twain
Season 5 - Episode 2 - Aired Feb 27, 2017
Norman's date doesn't go as planned; Romero's frustrations reach a boiling point; Chick brings Norman a gift.
8.08 
#7 - Forever
Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired May 9, 2016
Norma and Norman attempt to reconnect as they plan for the future; Dylan and Romero decide to take action for Norman's own good!
8.07 
#8 - Norman
Season 4 - Episode 10 - Aired May 16, 2016
Norman plans a special event for his mother; Romero faces pressure due to his actions; and Dylan considers reaching out to Norman.
8.06 
#9 - Midnight
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired May 20, 2013
Romero decides to take action; Norman brings Emma to the dance; Norman gets a ride home from Miss Watson.
8.06 
#10 - The Body
Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired Apr 10, 2017
Mother uses tough love to protect Norman; Sheriff Greene opens a murder investigation; Dylan gets help for his brother.
8.06 
#11 - Trust Me
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired Apr 8, 2013
Norma deals with distractions as her suspicions grow about certain town residents.
8.00 
#12 - Visiting Hours
Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired Apr 17, 2017
Norman's legal problems worsen; Emma takes care of family business as Dylan finds himself caught between his past and his future; Romero begins his plan for revenge.
8.00 
#13 - What's Wrong with Norman
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired Apr 1, 2013
Dylan learns there is more to his new job than he originally thought; Emma and Norman make a shocking discovery.
7.97 
#14 - Unfaithful
Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired May 2, 2016
Norma is torn between Norman and Romero; during a holiday outing, Norman comes to the realization that everyone has changed while he was away.
7.97 
#15 - Goodnight, Mother
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired Mar 14, 2016
Norma and Norman each suspect the other in a terrible deed; Dylan contemplates his future with Emma; Romero makes a choice that drastically impacts the Bates family.
7.97 
#16 - Norma Louise
Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired Apr 13, 2015
Norma contemplates a life outside of White Pine Bay. Emma and Dylan bond while helping Norman.
7.95 
#17 - Dark Paradise
Season 5 - Episode 1 - Aired Feb 20, 2017
Norman tries to keep up appearances despite a troubling discovery; Dylan and Emma receive a surprise guest.
7.95 
#18 - The Box
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired Apr 28, 2014
Norma is desperate to connect with Norman; Dylan must decide if he should risk his life to save a loved one; Romero hopes a former colleague can help him determine Norman's involvement in a crime.
7.94 
#19 - Ocean View
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired Apr 15, 2013
Norma receives some much-needed help, while Norman desperately awaits his mother's return home; Emma and Norman follow more clues, leading to a big discovery.
7.93 
#20 - Caleb
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired Mar 17, 2014
Norma's brother Caleb arrives at the motel; Norma finds an ally in her efforts to prevent the bypass; Emma holds a memorial for a friend; a townie girl interests Norman.
7.92 
#21 - The Vault
Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired Apr 18, 2016
Norman uncovers painful truths as his therapy progresses; Norma works to prevent a secret from being revealed; Romero assists an old friend despite the risk to his career.
7.91 
#22 - Unconscious
Season 3 - Episode 10 - Aired May 11, 2015
Season Finale - Norman's issues push Norma to the breaking point. Emma has an unexpected reaction to good news.
7.87 
#23 - Dreams Die First
Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired Mar 20, 2017
Norman tries to piece together Mother's movements; in Seattle, Dylan and Emma confront an ugly truth; Sam's girlfriend, Marion, makes an impulsive decision with far-reaching consequences.
7.86 
#24 - Hidden
Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired Mar 13, 2017
Norman learns who he can rely on as he attempts to protect his secrets; Romero struggles to find safety.
7.86 
#25 - Bad Blood
Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired Mar 6, 2017
Norman helps Chick with a project; Romero makes his move; an apologetic Madeleine reaches out to Norman.
7.85