[9] The same month, Max Thieriot was cast as Norman's half brother, Dylan Massett.

[11] Olivia Cooke was the final main cast member to join the series, portraying Emma Decody.

[15][16] Though filming for the first season was expected to wrap on January 24, 2013, production continued into early February.

The site's consensus reads, "Bates Motel utilizes mind manipulation and suspenseful fear tactics, on top of consistently sharp character work and wonderfully uncomfortable familial relationships".

[3] The season finale episode drew in a total of 2.70 million viewers, with a 1.2 ratings share in the 18–49 demo.