Friday the 13th

“Friday the 13th: The Series” is a horror TV show from the United States and Canada that aired for three seasons between October 3, 1987, and May 26, 1990, in first-run syndication. The plot centers on Micki and Ryan, who run an antique shop, along with their helper, Jack Marshak, as they attempt to retrieve cursed antiques and secure them in the store’s vault.

Initially, the show was going to be called “The 13th Hour,” but producer Frank Mancuso, Jr. believed this might deter viewers. Instead, he opted for the name “Friday the 13th” to attract a larger audience. Despite the title, the series is not linked to the film franchise of the same name, as it does not feature Jason Voorhees or any characters from the movies. In the UK, it was listed in TV guides as “Friday’s Curse,” although ITV referred to it as “Friday the 13th: The Series” during commercial breaks.

There are, however, several connections between the TV show and the film series in terms of cast and crew. Frank Mancuso, Jr., who produced the TV series, also produced the film series from “Friday the 13th Part 2” until the last installment released by Paramount. The show’s lead actor, John D. LeMay, later starred in “Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday.” Guest actor John Shepherd portrayed Tommy Jarvis in “Friday the 13th: A New Beginning,” and episode director David Cronenberg appeared in “Jason X.” Additionally, Fred Mollin, Rob Hedden, and Tom McLoughlin contributed to both the TV and film series behind the scenes.