When Netflix debuted 13 Reasons Why in March of last year, it garnered almost immediate criticism from a range of groups over its depiction and handling of complex and difficult subject material, including mental health issues and suicide.
The feedback the show received, particularly from school groups, parents, and mental health services was extremely critical of the somewhat fantastical portrayal of suicide that the show featured, leading to groups like Headspace to issue warnings about the series and its graphic content.
Netflix acted with reasonable swiftness to address concerns, placing content disclaimers before episodes one, twelve, and thirteen of season one – all episodes that directly depict intensely heavy scenarios – but for season two the company is going one step further.
The series will include direct PSA trigger warnings prior to all seasons of the show, beginning with season two. The videos feature the cast of the show speaking out-of-character, with Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Justin Prentice, and Alisha Boe all directly addressing the audience.
Netflix stated that the videos were commissioned in response to a survey conducted by the company, which showed that “two-thirds of parents” asked the show’s cast to speak out-of-character and give specific recommendations of support for viewers who may be affected after watching.
As an accompaniment to that, Netflix has put together a resource list aimed at teens, consisting of vital links to crisis support systems. Importantly, it’s not merely limited to the United States; every country Netflix is airing the show in is represented via the dedicated website, which can be found via this link.
No release date for 13 Reasons Why season 2 has been confirmed at this stage, but it is expected to arrive at some point in 2018.
