TV

Netflix Is Finally Editing The Controversial Suicide Scene From ’13 Reasons Why’

The decision comes almost two years after the scene originally aired.

by Patrick Lenton  16 July 2019
13 Reasons Why

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More than two years after it first aired, Netflix has decided to significantly alter the controversial and upsetting suicide scene at the heart of the first season of 13 Reasons Why.

*CW: This article discusses suicide and self harm*

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The extremely popular teen drama, which is currently promoting its upcoming third season, has been continually under fire for a graphic, dangerous, and potentially glamourising depiction of youth suicide.

The first season of 13 Reasons Why was structured around the suicide of a teen girl, who gradually reveals the traumatic story around her own death through a series of tapes. This included an actual depiction of suicide which was both extremely graphic and nearly three minutes long in total.

“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,” Netflix said in a statement.

“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.”

The scene has been updated on Netflix, and now features Hannah looking at herself in the mirror before shifting to see her parents’ reaction to her suicide, without any of the former graphic imagery and overt imagery of self harm.

The move comes after multiple attempts by Netflix and the show to help mitigate the criticism, including additional content warnings, messages from the cast, and mental health resources for viewers.

A lot has been written about why this particular depiction of suicide is so dangerous, including by leading youth mental health organisations.

“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 best-selling book did before us,” said creator, Brian Yorkey.

“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.”

However many are pointing out that the problem doesn’t simply lie in the now-edited scene, and also expands to problems with graphic depictions of sexual assault in season 2.

If you need support, both Lifeline on 13 11 14 and the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 offer 24-hour assistance. For further information about youth mental health, both Headspace and Reach Out can provide guidance. You can also talk to a medical professional or someone you trust.