'13 Reasons Why' is Editing Out Controversial Suicide Scene From Season 1

Since it premiered in 2017, Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why has occupied a controversial position for its depiction of suicide, with some praising the show’s frank representation of the act and others saying it was exploited and misinterpreted. This week, a new development in the show’s ongoing controversy broke, with the show’s creators saying that they would edit out the infamous suicide scene from Season 1.

According to E! News, the change was announced on the show’s Twitter account, which explained that "on the advice of medical experts," the extremely graphic scene in which Hannah Baker takes her life will no longer be a part of the series.

Previously, the series has come under fire for the disparity between its attempts at tasteful depictions of suicide’s aftermath and its graphic depiction of actual suicide, and has been the subject of a number of scientific and statistical studies in conjunction with teen suicide.

Adding to the announcement from the show’s account, creator Brian Yorkey said that the former priority is more important. “No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other,” he said. “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.”

In addition to this change, Netflix has also launched 13ReasonsWhy.info to provide viewers with additional information on the topic, if need be. They have also promoted the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

If you ask us, it’s the absolute right decision to remove the scene from the show--as the creators say, the overall message is far more important than the drama of any individual scene.

If you or someone you know is feeling depressed and needs help, don't hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.