Netflix has responded to critics after renewing 13 Reasons Why for a third season. The controversial series returned for a second instalment last month and has already been renewed by… read more
Netflix has responded to critics after renewing 13 Reasons Why for a third season.
The controversial series returned for a second instalment last month and has already been renewed by the streaming service for a further season. However, many viewers have condemned Netflix for their decision to extend the show after the “horrifying” rape scene that was featured in season two.
Reed Hastings, Netflix’s CEO, stood by the decision to renew the series during the company’s annual shareholder meeting: “13 Reasons Why has been enormously popular and successful. It’s engaging content.
“It is controversial. But nobody has to watch it.”
13 Reasons Why previously came under fire after the release of its first season, with mental health organisations labelling the show’s depiction of suicide as “dangerous” and “irresponsible”.
Advocacy group Parents Television Council called for the series to be cancelled at the time, and has spoken out once again following the show’s renewal.
“We condemn Netflix for renewing its teen-targeted suicide drama 13 Reasons Why,” said PTC president Tim Winter in a statement.
“The company already potentially has the blood of children on their hands from keeping this series – with its graphic suicide scene, its sodomisation of a teen boy and a potential school shooting, among other adult content – on its platform for children to view.”
If you’re affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article you can visit rapecrisis.org.uk or call 0808 802 9999. You can also visit www.samaritans.org or call 116123 for support regarding suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
13 Reasons Why star Christian Navarro has announced filming is now underway for season two of the Netflix series. The actor who plays Tony in the serious suicide drama… read more
13 Reasons Why star Christian Navarro has announced filming is now underway for season two of the Netflix series.
The actor who plays Tony in the serious suicide drama confirmed the news on Twitter yesterday when he wrote: “Day One. S2. Ready to make some magic.”
Day One. S2. Ready to make some magic. 🎧🏎
— Christian Navarro (@ChristianLN0821) June 12, 2017
Showrunner Brian Yorkey recently responded to fans questioning where the storyline can go now that Jessica’s (played by Alisha Boe) storyline is “done”. Speaking to EW, he explained: “When people intimate that Jessica’s story is done, I find that a horrific thought because Jessica is just beginning the process of recovering from her rape, and we have a rapist who has not in any way been brought to justice.
“To leave those two things hanging out there in the world would be upsetting.”
Last month, Netflix announced there will be an additional warning added to the start of the series about “graphic content”, and they will strengthen the warnings already in place for other graphic episodes. This followed criticisms from mental health organisations, who argued the 13 Reasons Why could be potentially harmful or triggering for certain viewers.
“There has been a tremendous amount of discussion about our series 13 Reasons Why,” said Netflix in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting important conversation with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories.
“Currently the episodes that carry graphic content are identified as such… Moving forward, we will add an additional viewer warning card before the first episode as an extra precaution for those about to start the series and have also strengthened the messaging and resource language in the existing cards for episodes that contain graphic subject matter.”
13 Reasons Why season one is available to view on Netflix.
Netflix has announced there will now include an additional warning at the start of their 13 Reasons Why series and strengthen existing warnings for graphic episodes in the future. The… read more
Netflix has announced there will now include an additional warning at the start of their 13 Reasons Why series and strengthen existing warnings for graphic episodes in the future.
The online series, co-produced by Selena Gomez, has been a hit with Netflix viewers since its release, but the way in which the show depicts suicide and depression has been labelled as harmful or triggering by certain mental health professionals.
Although 13 Reasons Why has been praised by many viewers for its raw, emotional and unapologetic portrayal of teen suicide, others have expressed concern about graphic scenes depicting death and sexual assault, as well as the notion that others are to blame for the main character’s (Hannah) death.
Netflix has now issued a statement saying the streaming site will add an additional warning to the start of the series about “graphic content”, and strengthen the warnings already in place for other graphic episodes.
“There has been a tremendous amount of discussion about our series 13 Reasons Why,” said Netflix in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting important conversation with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories.
“Currently the episodes that carry graphic content are identified as such… Moving forward, we will add an additional viewer warning card before the first episode as an extra precaution for those about to start the series and have also strengthened the messaging and resource language in the existing cards for episodes that contain graphic subject matter.”
Headspace was one mental health organisation that highlighted the “risky” and potentially “distressing” content in 13 Reasons Why.
Headspace boss Dr. Steven Leicester explained: “There is a responsibility for broadcasters to know what they are showing and the impact that certain content can have on an audience – and on a young audience in particular.”
National manager of Headspace school support Kristen Douglas also described how “harmful suicide exposure” can result in “increased risk and possible suicide contagion”.
“It’s not like car crashes or cancer. Irresponsible reporting of suicide can lead to further death,” she told Huffington Post Australia.
“We need to talk more about youth suicide, but there’s a way of doing that and a way we can raise those concerns and have a range of awareness.
“But we need to steer clear of really dangerous things like method, or oversimplifying it to one thing like bullying.”
13 Reasons Why is available to view on Netflix.
