Entertainment

Netflix Just Made A Change To '13 Reasons Why' After Criticism Of Show's Content

by Jamie LeeLo
Netflix

Netflix has been receiving some serious backlash for the kind of content portrayed in their hit series, "13 Reasons Why."

For those of you at home who might not be hip to the popular show, "13 Reasons" follows the story of high school teenagers after the suicide of one of their classmates named Hannah Baker. Hannah leaves behind a series of audio cassettes explaining her death, and the 13 reasons why she did it.

Drama ensues. You get where this is going.

Sure, while this kind of content can be attention grabbing and the series is ultimately dubbed a "thriller," there is that whole piece about glamorizing suicide and making it seem kind of mysterious and cool which it is... well... not.

In fact, it's incredibly serious.

There has been public outcry and concern that impressionable young people -- who may have these kinds of negative thoughts -- could be seriously triggered by the content and images portrayed.

The worry has stretched from outspoken celebrities like Shannon Purser of "Stranger Things," who said she doesn't want teenagers to "unwittingly watch something that could affect you in a negative way emotionally" to The National Association of School Psychologists.

Netflix

Additionally, The National Association of Schools Psychologists released the following statement:

Its powerful storytelling may lead impressionable viewers to romanticize the choices made by the characters and/or develop revenge fantasies. They may easily identify with the experiences portrayed and recognize both the intentional and unintentional effects on the central character.

So, what did Netflix do?

Responding to the feedback, Netflix aded new trigger warnings before each episode, plus the specific warnings that were already included on specific episodes.

The Hollywood Reporter ran the following statement from Netflix:

While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting important conversation with their families, we have also heard concern from those who feel the series should carry additional advisories. Currently the episodes that carry graphic content are identified as such and the series overall carries a TV-MA rating. Moving forward, we will add an additional viewer warning card before the episode as an extra precaution for those about to start the series.

In the meantime, viewer content discretion is advised, and if you or someone you know is in trouble or having suicidal thoughts, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Citations: Netflix Has Added New Trigger Warnings To '13 Reasons Why' (Seventeen), Netflix Adds Warnings to '13 Reasons Why' Following Criticism (Hollywood Reporter)