While I personally think Xfinity on Demand through Comcast is garbage, they do have one advantage over other cablers: they have the first episode of A&E’s “Bates Motel” ahead of its March 18th premiere date!

The series stars Academy Award nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” “The Departed”), Freddie Highmore (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Finding Neverland”), Max Thieriot (“Disconnect”), Olivia Cooke (“Blackout”) and Nicola Peltz (“The Last Airbender”). Season one also co-stars Nestor Carbonell (“Lost,” “The Dark Knight Rises”) and Mike Vogel (“Pan Am”).

“In “Bates Motel,” following the tragic death of her husband, Norma Bates buys a motel on the outskirts of the idyllic coastal town of White Pine Bay, seeking a fresh start. As Norma and Norman get ensconced in their new home, they discover this town isn’t quite what it seems, and the locals aren’t so quick to let them in on their secrets. But the Bates’ are done being pushed around and will do whatever it takes to survive – and will do whatever it takes to protect their own secrets.”

On The A&E Network from executive producers Carlton Cuse (“Lost”) and Kerry Ehrin (“Friday Night Lights”) – the show debuts on Monday, March 18 at 10 PM ET/PT. Head inside for the footage.