Entertainment · October 15, 2026
How Do You Get ‘Friday the 13th’ Fans to Care About Jason’s Mom? ‘Crystal Lake’ Team on Their Ambitious Attempt and Decision to Leave Out the Hockey Mask
The 'Friday the 13th' prequel series 'Crystal Lake' premiered on Peacock on October 15, 2026. Created by Brad Caleb Kane and produced by A24, the eight-episode series stars Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees, the mother of Jason Voorhees. Set in the 1970s following Jason's drowning, the show explores Pamela's psychological journey and her conviction that her son is still alive. The production utilized original filming locations in Blairstown, New Jersey, and emphasizes a blend of character-driven storytelling with the franchise's signature visceral gore.
Read the original coverage
- VarietyTrade
How Do You Get ‘Friday the 13th’ Fans to Care About Jason’s Mom? ‘Crystal Lake’ Team on Their Ambitious Attempt and Decision to Leave Out the Hockey Mask
Read at Variety ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Exclusive | ‘Crystal Lake’ creator breaks down Linda Cardellini’s casting and why the ‘Friday the 13th’ prequel used ‘gallons of blood’
Read at New York Post ↗ - DeadlineTrade
Brad Caleb Kane On Making 'Crystal Lake' In Same NJ Town As 'Friday the 13th'
Read at Deadline ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- The series 'Crystal Lake' is a prequel to the 'Friday the 13th' franchise.
- Brad Caleb Kane is the series creator and showrunner.
- Linda Cardellini stars as Pamela Voorhees.
- The show premiered on Peacock on October 15, 2026.
- The story is set in the 1970s and focuses on Jason's mother following his drowning.
- The series was produced by A24.
Reported by only some outlets
- The series consists of eight episodes.
- Filming took place in Blairstown, New Jersey, the same location as the original 1980 film.
- Callum Vinson plays the young Jason Voorhees.
- Brad Caleb Kane is also an executive producer on the HBO series 'It: Welcome to Derry'.
- The production used approximately a gallon of blood per kill.
Confirmed
- Peacock and A24 released 'Crystal Lake' on October 15, 2026.
- Linda Cardellini plays Pamela Voorhees.
- Brad Caleb Kane is the creator and showrunner.
- The series is a prequel focused on Jason's mother in the 1970s.
Reported
- Linda Cardellini was the only choice for the role of Pamela Voorhees. (New York Post)
- The production used approximately a gallon of blood for every kill scene. (New York Post)
- The filming location in Blairstown, NJ has remained essentially unchanged for 45 years. (Deadline)
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