Despite consistently being one of the biggest shows on Netflix, controversy seems to always follow “13 Reasons Why.” And in the case of the YA drama series, there’s really only one reason why. (See what I did there? Sorry, I’ll show myself out.)
The seemingly never-ending controversy stems from the very premise of the series, which follows a young teen as he tries to piece together the puzzle as to why his classmate committed suicide. Those upset with the series say that the show glamorizes suicide and has contributed to an increase in the number of young people taking their own lives. Proponents of the series say that the show teaches young teens about the outcome of suicide and warns against it, showing that it can all be better.
Well, with Season 3 around the corner, Netflix has decided to try to curb the controversy by going back and editing out a major scene from the first season. The scene where the girl commits suicide was originally shown in graphic detail as she slits her wrists in the bathtub. Now, the folks behind “13 Reasons Why” have decided to edit it down to only show her on the verge of cutting before cutting away.
Netflix released a statement (via Variety):
“We’ve heard from many young people that ’13 Reasons Why’ encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help—often for the first time. As we prepare to launch season three later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show. So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from season one.”
READ MORE: Netflix CEO Responds To ’13 Reasons Why’ Controversy Saying “Nobody Has To Watch It”
Showrunner Brian Yorkey concurred and added:
“It was our hope, in making ’13 Reasons Why’ into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the bestselling book did before us. Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in season one was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it. But as we ready to launch season three, we have heard concerns about the scene from Dr. Christine Moutier at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others, and have agreed with Netflix to re-edit it. No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers.”
Netflix has yet to announce the exact premiere date for “13 Reasons Why” Season 3. However, the studio is clearly getting ahead of the controversy. We’ll have to wait and find out if this statement and action taken is enough to quell the outrage of folks that don’t think the series should exist.
