Besides Halloween, many consider Friday the 13th one of the scariest days of the year. So maybe it’s no coincidence that the following are being released when they are. Let’s take a look at the spooky releases streaming in time for Friday, Jan. 13, 2023.
Velma – HBO Max (Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023)
Technically this animated series premiered on Jan. 12, 2023, but it’s close enough to Friday the 13th to count. Plus, it’s a spin-off of the much beloved and endlessly popular Scooby-Doo franchise, which is arguably perhaps every supernatural mystery horror lover’s first introduction to the genre. (I’ll sic my black-eyed children on anyone who tries to argue otherwise.) So on this list, it stays!
However, unlike the cartoon most of us first watched and met Velma Dinkley through, her namesake show is aimed at adults. This modern-day prequel tells the story of how the “greatest team of spooky mystery solvers” ever assembled got together. And it’s all thanks to Velma —and a classmate she was accused of murdering.
But the trouble is, the team isn’t really complete because there’s no Scooby. But there are still ghosts and a mystery that needs to be solved, so for those of us adults who still love our Scooby Doo, this new animated series gives us permission to indulge.
For more info: Visit https://www.hbomax.com.
Sick – Peacock (Friday, Jan. 13, 2023)
This pandemic-inspired horror movie written by Kevin Williamson (Scream) from Blumhouse and Miramax finds two besties heading to a remote cabin to quarantine, not take a vacation. With the nearest neighbor miles away, it’s not only a perfect social distancing spot but also an idyllic one…until it’s not.
Suddenly they find themselves terrorized by a mask-wearing, knife-wielding maniac. Pandemic or not, that’s never a good combo. But this looks like a good movie for slasher fans.
For more info: Visit https://www.peacocktv.com.
Servant Season 4 – Apple TV+ (Friday, Jan. 13, 2023)
This slow-burn, mind-bending horror suspense series from M. Night Shyamalan is twisted. I only recently broke down and subscribed to Apple TV+ at the end of last year, partly because of this show. I’d been curious about it ever since it premiered in 2019 and have only heard good things about it since. Now I get it.
It all starts when a couple suffers an unspeakable tragedy. As part of that, they go all in on an unconventional therapy aimed at helping the mom recover. Instead, they end up inviting something unimaginable into their home and lives. How will it all end? That’s what we’ll find out in season 4.
For more info: Visit https://tv.apple.com.
The Last of Us – HBO Max (Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023)
Okay, this new scary series based on the video game of the same name doesn’t technically premiere until Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023. Close enough. We’ll just count it as part of the Friday the 13th weekend streaming celebration binge-athon.
Plus, it was one of the shows on IMDB’s list of most anticipated new series in 2023. Which I was happy to see because it’s certainly been on my personal list of shows I’m excited about. I’m a sucker for post-apocalyptic dramas, especially when they contain zombies or zombie-like creatures, which are called the Infected in The Last of Us.
For more info: Visit https://www.hbomax.com.
Check-In
How do you like to celebrate Friday the 13ths?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
I like scanning Twitter and looking for Friday the 13th jokes.:-)
Adopting a black cat (well, wishfully, anyway!)…
Oh that’s wonderful! And of course it’s you doing some kind of good. Love it!
LOL! How fun!!!