Once upon a time, On My Block introduced audiences to a modern day fairy tale. There were quests (see: the Rollerworld money), a hint of magic (hello, gnomies!), lots of romance and, even, tragedy. Now it’s time to head back to On My Block’s hometown of Freeridge for, well, Freeridge, led by a brand new core four of protagonists. And, as the new teaser trailer reveals, there’s a “dark energy” brewing. 

Sisters Gloria (Keyla Monterroso Mejia) and Ines (Bryana Salaz), along with pals Cam (Tenzing Norgay Trainor) and Demi (Ciara Riley Wilson), are our guides into the secrets of Freeridge, debuting Feb. 2. Of course there are mysteries ahead — this is the On My Block world after all. 

“Both shows rely heavily on mystery to drive the story. And both shows have series-long mythologies,” series co-creator Lauren Iungerich tells Tudum. 

While On My Block relies on tangible conundrums like the hidden Rollerworld cash for drama, Freeridge is going a bit more mystical. The coming-of-age comedy follows its quartet as they accidentally unleash a curse, bringing unforeseen misfortune into their lives. In the trailer, you’ll notice a threatening message scrawled on a window, a worried witch and so much panicked screaming. Peggy Blow, who portrays Marisol “Abuelita” Martinez, also appears in the YA comedy in a new role, adding to the supernatural atmosphere; Abuelita dies in On My Block Season 4. 

Keep reading and check out the first photos of your new Freeridge BFFs — along with some familiar On My Block faces — as Iungerich previews the entire spooky adventure. 

On My Block has an unforgettable core four at its center. What should fans know about this new group?
Fans should know that the new core four of Freeridge don’t step into the shoes of our original crew. They step into their own shoes, right alongside the legacy of the kids who came before them. Through the lens of this new group of friends, we’ll see Freeridge as we know it and also explore a Freeridge we haven’t seen before. Where On My Block was driven by the boys, Freeridge is being driven by the girls.

The colorful characters who orbited the On My Block core four also became fan favorites, like Jasmine and Oscar. Are there any supporting characters you’re most excited for us to meet? 
All the new supporting characters are equally exciting, fresh and fun. And we also have some of our On My Block family returning to join this crew in their adventures. 

There may just be a curse afoot in Freeridge. How does it influence the series and this central mystery? 
The curse definitely informs both the mystery and mythology in Freeridge. Saying any more will spoil the fun! 

Do viewers need any prior knowledge of the On My Block world to understand Freeridge? 
Nope! New viewers can enjoy the show as is. But we have laid in lots of On My Block insider nuggets for the die-hard fans. We truly hope our On My Block audience connects with this new crew, and we also hope that new fans of the franchise will want to check out where the world started with On My Block. We’re hoping that in success, Freeridge might give some new life to our beloved firstborn Freeridge-set show. 

Peggy Blow is back for Freeridge after her moving On My Block goodbye as Abuelita. What was it like working with her again after we learned so much about Abuelita’s backstory in Season 4? 
We love Peggy. She’s a total pro and utter joy to work with. The character that Peggy portrays in Freeridge was her own original idea that she threw out on a whim and we wholeheartedly embraced. It’s gonna be a surprising character to get to know, and we had the best time bringing her to life. 

Are there any Easter eggs for longtime franchise fans that you want to tease? 
I’m a terrible tease, so instead I’ll just say there’s a lot of connective tissue between On My Block and Freeridge. For the die-hard fans of On My Block who miss the show — we see you. 

This interview has been edited and condensed.