A&E has renewed "Bates Motel" after airing only three episodes of the new series. The drama thriller will return for a 10-episode second season after debuting to 4.5 million viewers on March 18, AceShowbiz said.

"Bates Motel has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks," says Bob DeBitetto, president and GM of A&E.

"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 and Kerry take Norma and Norman Bates next."