Crystal Lake: What to Know About the Friday the 13th Prequel Series

Brad Caleb Kane and A24 are bringing the “Friday the 13th” universe back to Crystal Lake with the prequel series “Crystal Lake,” premiering on Peacock on October 15. The show offers a fresh look at the Jason Voorhees mythology, so a quick refresher on the franchise’s history will help viewers catch every connection. Watch the video above as Looper breaks down everything you need to know before starting “Crystal Lake.”

Each “Friday the 13th” movie has added its own twist to the story. Over the years, Jason has been reimagined as everything from a disembodied demonic force to a space-faring cyborg, transforming him into a remarkably flexible horror icon. Still, most versions share a few defining traits: his imposing size, near-total silence, signature hockey mask and elaborate approach to murder.

Jason’s beginnings in the original “Friday the 13th,” widely regarded as one of the greatest slasher films ever made, were far more unconventional. Judging from its trailer, “Crystal Lake” appears ready to return to this foundational chapter of Jason Voorhees’ story.

Fans may recall that Jason did not become the central villain of the franchise until “Friday the 13th Part 2.” In the 1980 original, he had already died after drowning in Crystal Lake as a child. The killer stalking the camp was actually his mother, Pamela Voorhees, played by Betsy Palmer, who sought revenge for her son’s death.

Several actresses have portrayed Pamela since the original film, and “Crystal Lake” casts Linda Cardellini in the role. Callum Vinson plays the young Jason. Set during the 1970s, the series will follow Pamela’s descent into delusion and violence, making it a direct prequel to “Friday the 13th.” That setup gives the show an opportunity to revisit the origins of the franchise while introducing new horrors at the infamous camp. Watch Looper’s video above for a complete guide to the “Friday the 13th” lore before “Crystal Lake” arrives.