The first season follows Norman and Norma Bates when they buy a motel shortly after Norman's father dies. On one of the first nights of the two owning the motel, things end badly when the former owner breaks in and rapes Norma. A returning Norman knocks the attacker out and Norma then kills him, and they decide to hide the body in a lake. When the town sheriff and his deputy notice that a man has gone missing, Norma and Norman must keep them from digging too far.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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