The A&E Network today announced that it is renewing a drama series for a second season. Just weeks after the March 18 premiere of “Bates Motel,” the season picked it up for a 10-episode season.

The series stars Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, and comes from executive producers Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin.

Bob DeBitetto, president and general manager of A&E Network and BIO Channel, made the annoucement.

Said DiBitetto: “’Bates Motel’ has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks. 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.”

A&E noted in its announcement: “The premiere of ‘Bates Motel’ garnered 4.5 million total viewers and 2.5 million adults 25-54 and 18-49, based on Live+7 viewership, making it the most-watched original drama debut in the key demos in the network’s history.”

Season two is set to start pre-production later this year, with the season to bow in 2014.