The BEST episodes of Bates Motel season 1

Every episode of Bates Motel season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Bates Motel season 1!

Following the tragic death of her husband, a widow and her teenage son settle into a new town with a dark underbelly and must do whatever it takes to protect their own secrets.

Last Updated: 11/29/2025Network: A&EStatus: Ended
The Truth
star
8.10
2041 votes

#1 - The Truth

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 4/22/2013

Dylan asks Norman to move in with him; Norma warns Emma that some things are best kept to themselves.

Directors: Tucker Gates
Watch Now:Amazon
Midnight
star
7.99
1923 votes

#2 - Midnight

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 5/20/2013

Romero decides to take action; Norman brings Emma to the dance, but gets a ride home from Miss Watson.

Directors: Tucker Gates
Watch Now:Amazon
Trust Me
star
7.95
2044 votes

#3 - Trust Me

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 4/8/2013

Norma deals with distractions as her suspicions grow about certain town residents.

Directors: Johan B. Renck
Writer: Kerry Ehrin
Watch Now:Amazon
What's Wrong with Norman
star
7.91
2169 votes

#4 - What's Wrong with Norman

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/1/2013

Dylan learns there is more to his new job than he originally thought; Emma and Norman make a shocking discovery.

Directors: Paul A. Edwards
Writer: Jeff Wadlow
Watch Now:Amazon
Ocean View
star
7.86
1955 votes

#5 - Ocean View

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/15/2013

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.

Directors: David Straiton
Writer: Jeff Wadlow
Watch Now:Amazon
Underwater
star
7.75
1785 votes

#6 - Underwater

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 5/13/2013

Abernathy increases the pressure; Bradley and Dylan connect; Miss Watson encourages Norman's active imagination; Emma takes a trip.

Directors: Tucker Gates
A Boy and His Dog
star
7.75
1940 votes

#7 - A Boy and His Dog

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/6/2013

A mysterious stranger causes problems for Norma; Bradley is not happy when rumors spread at school; Dylan and Remo go on a fateful road trip; Norman takes up a grisly hobby.

Directors: Ed Bianchi
Writer: Bill Balas
Watch Now:Apple TV
Nice Town You Picked, Norma...
star
7.72
2442 votes

#8 - Nice Town You Picked, Norma...

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 3/25/2013

When Dylan arrives he immediately begins causing trouble; the Bates' are drawn into the secrets surrounding White Pine Bay.

Directors: Tucker Gates
Writer: Kerry Ehrin
First You Dream, Then You Die
star
7.58
2835 votes

#9 - First You Dream, Then You Die

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 3/18/2013

Widow Norma Bates and her shy teenage son, Norman, seek a fresh start in a coastal town filled with secrets; the arrival of an unexpected guest turns the Bates' lives upside down.

Directors: Tucker Gates
Watch Now:Apple TV
The Man in Number 9
star
7.58
1930 votes

#10 - The Man in Number 9

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 4/29/2013

The Bates Motel welcomes its first guest; Norman learns that popular girls come with many complications and Norma hires Emma to work at the motel.

Directors: S.J. Clarkson
Writer: Kerry Ehrin