<P> The series , a contemporary prequel and reimagining of Alfred Hitchcock 's 1960 film Psycho ( based on Robert Bloch 's novel of the same name ) , depicts the lives of Norman Bates ( Freddie Highmore ) and his mother Norma ( Vera Farmiga ) prior to the events portrayed in the film , albeit in a different fictional town ( White Pine Bay , Oregon , as opposed to the film 's Fairvale , California ) and in a modern - day setting . Max Thieriot and Olivia Cooke both starred as part of the main cast throughout the series ' run . After recurring in the first season , Nestor Carbonell was added to the main cast from season two onward . </P>
<P> The series , a contemporary prequel and reimagining of Alfred Hitchcock 's 1960 film Psycho ( based on Robert Bloch 's novel of the same name ) , depicts the lives of Norman Bates ( Freddie Highmore ) and his mother Norma ( Vera Farmiga ) prior to the events portrayed in the film , albeit in a different fictional town ( White Pine Bay , Oregon , as opposed to the film 's Fairvale , California ) and in a modern - day setting . Max Thieriot and Olivia Cooke both starred as part of the main cast throughout the series ' run . After recurring in the first season , Nestor Carbonell was added to the main cast from season two onward . </P>
where does the show bates motel take place
where does the show bates motel take place
White Pine Bay , Oregon
White Pine Bay , Oregon