Horror fans are staying up all night to binge-watch the new Friday the 13th prequel series, Crystal Lake, which is now available in full for UK audiences. All eight episodes of the show were released at the start of this week for Sky TV customers and via the broadcaster's NOW streaming platform, with viewers needing an entertainment membership or Sky Atlantic as part of their package.
What Is Crystal Lake About?
Crystal Lake is a new entry in the Friday the 13th franchise, set before the events of the original 1980 film, which became a cult hit and cemented Jason Voorhees as an iconic horror character, typically armed with a machete and wearing a hockey mask. The franchise went on to spawn 11 more films, including sequels, spin-offs and a reboot released between 1981 and 2009, as well as a crossover with Nightmare on Elm Street villain Freddy Krueger.
According to its synopsis, the series depicts a seemingly fatal accident at summer camp that claims young Jason Voorhees' life, leaving his mother, Pamela, grief-stricken. As the town moves on, Pam clings to the hope that her son, whose body was never recovered, may still be alive. The town's chief of police, Levon Brooks, offers comfort and friendship, and the two grow fond of each other, but Pam's intentions come into question as other dead bodies begin to turn up in the quiet town of Crystal Lake. Levon asks his sister, Briana, a journalist, to dig into these unusual deaths.
Early Fan and Critic Reactions
The series has been mostly welcomed positively by critics and fans alike, despite some initial concern over the prospects of such a prequel. One reviewer said: "Crystal Lake's gore, on the other hand, is all but understated. The show is a brutal, obscene affair in the best possible way, proving that a slasher doesn't have to be sanitised to deliver a poignant message and a powerhouse performance."
Another critic added: "Shockingly disgusting, and I mean that in the best way! Crystal Lake pays homage to Friday the 13th's indie slasher roots, plus balances gore and quality surprisingly well. Linda Cardellini is fantastic. A Halloween Treat!"
Fans Share Their Verdicts
Fans have quickly made their way through all episodes and shared their recommendations online. One posted: "I couldn't stop watching. I want another season! The storyline was well done and fitting. Linda Cardellini is perfect as Pamela Voorhees. The series couldn't have been written any better. I'm going to re-watch this series."
Another confessed: "Just stayed up all night watching Crystal Lake with my friends, holy moly that was a good show. 9/10." A fan of the original films offered reassurance, saying: "As a Friday The 13th fan, this series does the movies justice, learning Jason and Pam's backstory was great, also seeing Jason return was super exciting, if you are a fan of the iconic movies, you're going to love this show. A lot information was learned about Jason, his mom and dad, so hopefully they return for a second season."
Crystal Lake is streaming on NOW and Sky Atlantic.
