Peacock's horror series "Crystal Lake," a prequel to the "Friday the 13th" films, premiered Thursday to mixed reviews that praised star Linda Cardellini, according to reviews in The Hollywood Reporter and the Guardian.

The eight-part series, developed by Brad Caleb Kane, tells the story of Pamela Voorhees, the mother of masked killer Jason. The Guardian described Pamela, played by recent Emmy winner Cardellini, as a camp cook and single mother.

The Hollywood Reporter's review called the show the best "Friday the 13th" property yet, adding in its headline, "which isn't saying a lot." It said Cardellini gives "the best Friday the 13th-adjacent performance to date." The review said the show is "better than it needed to be," but that it "takes itself more seriously than its auspices demand." It said most episodes run at least 50 minutes, with a "multi-episode lag" before a strong finish.

The Guardian's review was harsher, calling the series "IP stretching at its most pointless." It said Cardellini "tries to bring some prestige to the pulp and almost succeeds," but that the show's tone is less certain than her performance. The review said the series swings between serious moments and "full-on, Syfy channel goofiness."

The franchise includes 12 films since 1980 that grossed almost $500 million worldwide, the Guardian said. Jason had not appeared on screen since a 2009 remake, in part because of a fight over the rights, according to the Guardian.

TheWrap's review, published before the premiere, said in its headline that Cardellini "elevates" what it called a "wobbly" series.

What we know: "Crystal Lake" premiered Thursday on Peacock, and critics praised Cardellini's performance.
What we don't: How many people are watching, or whether Peacock will order a second season.