Crystal Lake series explores Jason Voorhees origins

The upcoming horror prequel series ‘Crystal Lake’, set in the ‘Friday the 13th’ universe, is scheduled to premiere on October 15, 2026. Produced by A24 and streaming on Peacock, the eight-episode series explores the origins of the franchise, focusing on Pamela Voorhees (played by Linda Cardellini) and her son, a young Jason Voorhees (played by Callum Vinson).

Creative direction for the series emphasizes a more grounded and psychological approach. Rather than focusing on the iconic hockey mask, the show aims to portray Jason as a bullied outcast to establish a human basis for his character. The production intends to use intense violence and psychological tension to expand the lore of the 1970s setting.

Accompanying the television release, A24 will publish an official ‘Crystal Lake’ novel written by Tim Waggoner. The book, also arriving on October 15, serves as a companion piece to the series, delving into Pamela Voorhees’ past and the events surrounding Jason’s death in 1971.