Knoxville Native Jonathan Tison Stars in Crystal Lake
The local actor portrays the iconic character Jason Voorhees in the new eight-episode series streaming on Peacock.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Television
Live Poll
Do you prefer watching original series on streaming platforms over traditional network television?
Knoxville native Jonathan Tison takes on the role of an older Jason Voorhees in the television series Crystal Lake. The horror production features the local actor across its eight-episode first season, which debuted on Peacock.
Why it matters
The casting of a local performer in a major franchise role highlights the path from regional theatre to national streaming platforms. Tison's work in the series represents a significant career milestone for the former Knoxville stage actor.
The first season of Crystal Lake consists of eight episodes released on Peacock. The future of the series beyond this initial installment remains under investigation as the production has not been renewed for a second season.
The players
Jonathan Tison
He is a Knoxville native and former stage performer who portrays an older version of Jason Voorhees in the television series Crystal Lake.
Peacock
It is the streaming service platform that currently airs the first season of the television series Crystal Lake.
The details
To secure the role, Tison filmed an audition tape wearing a plastic bag with cut-out eyeholes to portray the character. During the actual filming of the series, he donned a similar plastic bag over his head to conceal complex prosthetic makeup.
Timeline
1957 marks the year Jason Voorhees drowned in a lake.
October 15, 2026, served as the premiere date for the Crystal Lake series on Peacock.
Industry Dynamics
This project continues the ongoing trend of expanding classic horror film franchises into serialized streaming television. It follows the established history of the Friday the 13th film franchise by reintroducing the iconic villain, Jason Voorhees, to a modern audience.
Viewers can watch the complete eight-episode first season of Crystal Lake exclusively on the Peacock streaming platform. Access to the series requires a subscription to the service, with no additional content currently scheduled for future release.
The takeaway
The journey of Jonathan Tison from Knoxville stages like the Clarence Brown Theatre to a major streaming role illustrates the impact of local training. Aspiring actors can look toward diverse regional opportunities, such as commercial work and local playhouse performances, as valid stepping stones to professional success.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the entertainment world at Television.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tennessean.
Live Poll
Do you prefer watching original series on streaming platforms over traditional network television?
