The premiere of 'Bates Motel' at Soho House, (Travis Wade/WENN.com)

1) Bates Motel

Freddie Highmore stars as the young Norman Bates, a character who, as an adult, gained infamy in the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho. This “prequel” series is set in modern times, though, with Vera Farmiga playing Norman's star-crossed mother Norma.

When: Monday on A&E

2) NCIS: Los Angeles

This is the first half of a two-part extended episode that will serve as a de facto pilot for a spinoff. The L.A. team flies to Idaho to meet up with NCIS: Red, which is a mobile team of agents. Guest-stars include Kim Raver, John Corbett and Scott Grimes.

When: Tuesday on CBS, Global

3) Mr. D

We've all seen those commercials with Gerry Dee talking about some poker thingy that no one understands. Well, what goes around comes around, as professional poker player Daniel Negreanu guest-stars as himself in an episode titled Poker Night.

When: Wednesday on CBC

4) Playing with Fire

New reality series follows the lives of a group of delicious young adults in the food industry in New York City, including Anna Boiardi, who just happens to be the heir to the Chef Boyardee brand. We're havin' Beefaroni!

When: Sunday on E!

5) The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex

A reunion special for the Emmy Award-winning series Wizards of Waverly Place. Selena Gomez returns as lead character Alex, who inadvertently casts a spell that creates good and evil versions of herself. So which one was dating Justin Bieber?

When: Friday on Family

6) Merlin

Two-hour series finale: As a great horde gathers for war, Merlin (Colin Morgan) begins to feel the weight of the ancient prophecies, which are playing out with shocking accuracy. It's all leading to Merlin's moment of destiny.

When: Saturday on Space

7) Amish Mafia

Reality series debut: Apparently even in these insular communities, there are demands and opportunities for alternative avenues of power and justice. Okay, sing along with me to the tune of The Sopranos: “Woke up this morning, got myself a broom ... ”

When: Thursday on Discovery

8) Dog Dazed

This documentary examines the growing uneasiness between dog owners and non-dog owners in North America's crowded urban centres. Just quit dressing up the dogs and we'll get along fine, okay?

When: Thursday on CBC

9) Dancing with the Stars

It seems no matter the quality of the stars, you can't kill this series with a disco stick. Joining the likes of Wynonna Judd, Andy Dick and Dorothy Hamill this time around is Sean Lowe, just coming off his run as The Bachelor.

When: Monday on ABC

10) Splash

The perfect series for you if you've ever thought, “Do you know what Dancing with the Stars needs? Water.” The celebrities in this diving competition include Louie Anderson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kendra Wilkinson.

When: Tuesday on ABC

bill.harris@sunmedia.ca