August 12, 2026, 11:35 am | Read time: 2 minutes
In horror films, there are various subgenres, and among them, the slasher film is one of the most well-known. Masked murderers maniacally slay people with knives in classics like “Halloween” or “Scream,” and killers like Michael Myers or Ghostface have long become cult figures. One of the most iconic franchises in this segment is “Friday the 13th,” which has been causing fictional bloodshed since 1980. Currently, a new series is planned, and it now has a streaming home.
HBO Max Grabs “Friday the 13th” Series
This is revealed in a press release from Warner Bros. Discovery. The series is titled “Crystal Lake” and tells the backstory of the “Friday the 13th” series. The renowned indie studio A24 is producing the project, and filming has already been completed.
Additionally, Warner has secured streaming rights for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including Germany. The series will then appear on their in-house service, HBO Max. However, the United Kingdom and Ireland are exceptions. In the U.S., the series will land on competitor Peacock.
A specific date is not yet available, but a release in 2026 is at least already set.
What “Crystal Lake” Is About
While the “Friday the 13th” series is mainly associated with the hockey mask-wearing killer Jason Voorhees today, it’s often forgotten that Jason himself only appeared in the second film and only then developed into the horror film icon we know and love today. The first part, however, focused on his mother Pam, who is also the central figure in “Crystal Lake.”
She is still suffering from the loss of her son. Nearly a year after his fatal accident in the local lake, her past is stirred up again by the visit of two strangers. Their investigation sets off a series of disturbing events that shake the community of Crystal Lake. With each new revelation, doubts and mistrust grow as the residents try to uncover what secret the woman is hiding.
Also of interest: The Scariest Horror Movies of All Time
The lead role is played by Linda Cardellini (“Avengers: Endgame,” “DFT St. Louis”), with Brad Caleb Kane (“It: Welcome to Derry”) serving as series creator, showrunner, head writer, and executive producer.