‘Bates Motel’ season 3: Freddie Highmore – Vera Farmiga show returns in March

A&E is bringing “Bates Motel” back to TV this March, and once again, it is going to be trying to make that earlier timeslot happen.

The network confirmed today that the Freddie Highmore – Vera Farmiga show, arguably one of the strongest of its kind out there right now, will begin on Monday, March 9 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. We’re not huge on this timeslot, given that it will be against “The Voice,” “Scorpion,” “Sleepy Hollow,” and a whole lot more. However, the network moving the show up an hour may be a nice bit of armor that protects it somewhat against the beast otherwise known as “Better Call Saul,” which is going to be airing Mondays at 10:00 throughout its run. Still, it remains clear that Mondays are going to remain very stacked.

The network also confirmed that “The Returned,” the supernatural series based on the French show about a small town completely rocked by the return of the deceased. This sounds a lot like “Resurrection,” but is not inspired by that in any way. It is much closer of an adaptation to a show that predates the ABC series.

Are we excited about this lineup? We’re at least invested in “Bates Motel,” but we have to say that after what happened to both “The Glades,” “Longmire,” and “Those Who Kill,” we have a hard time really committing to new shows that air on this network. We know that it’s a terrible mindset to automatically assume the worst, since in many ways you are dooming what could be a great show; however, A&E has developed this mentality for us more than any other cable network these days. Lifetime is probably a close second.

We’ll have some further news soon, but head over here to get more of the latest “Bates Motel” scoop. Also, sign up now to check in to be a part of our official CarterMatt Newsletter, where further news is sent to you. (Photo: A&E.)