’13 Reasons Why’ Adds Trigger Warning Before First Episode

Netflix’s new drama 13 Reasons Why has received backlash over its depiction of teen suicide, ever since it was released on March 31, 2017. To quell the complaints from mental health professionals, educators, and parents across the country, Netflix will add an additional warning at the beginning of the first episode of the series.

“There has been a tremendous amount of discussion about our series 13 Reasons Why. While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting an important conversations with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories,” Netflix said in a statement.

The show, before the backlash began, already held a TV-MA rating and an epilogue in which Selena Gomez, one of the show’s producers, speaks about the importance of reaching out for help. The epilogue also offers the names of organizations to call or reach out to if the viewer is suicidal.

13 Reasons Why tells the story of a teens suicide and her friend’s journey to figure out the reasons why she did it. Some worry that the show and its message glorify and romanticize suicide. They also fear that it will inspire copy-cat behavior.

Based on the book by Jay Asher, the show’s creators have stood by the message and claimed that, in the end, the message is one that is firm against suicide.

“We wanted to do [the book] justice and yeah, [the backlash is] going to come no matter what. It’s not an easy subject to talk about but I am very fortunate with how it’s doing and I’m overwhelmed, very proud of it,” Gomez said.

“I stand behind what we did 100 percent,” Nic Sheff, one of the show’s writers told Vanity Fair. “I know it was right, because my own life was saved when the truth of suicide was finally held up for me to see in all its horror – and reality.”

While the second season of 13 Reasons Why has not been confirmed by Netflix, the Hollywood Reporter has revealed that writing has begun for the second season.