’13 Reasons Why’ cuts controversial suicide scene following backlash

Netflix’s drama series “13 Reasons Why” has cut one of its most controversial scenes.

Following years of backlash, the streaming service announced in a tweet Tuesday that the show’s 17-year-old protagonist Hannah Baker, played by actress Katherine Langford, would no longer be shown taking her own life on-screen in the Season 1 finale.

“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 tweeted Tuesday. “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.”

“No one scene is more important than the life of the show and its message that we must take better care of each other,” the show’s creator Brian Yorkey wrote in his own statement on Twitter. “We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially young viewers.”

The edited scene now ends on a shot of Langford staring at herself in the mirror before her death happens off screen. 

The original clip contributed to “13 Reasons Why” becoming Netflix’ most-tweeted-about new show upon its release in 2017, with Yorkey explaining to USA TODAY that the response to the scene wasn’t all bad. 

“This is going to sound like a political answer, but I truly believe that all conversation is good,” he said. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t affected by some of the strongly negative reactions to the show, because it’s a show I’m very proud of. But in the bigger picture, positive or negative, there were really intense conversations happening, and many of them were not happening before the show. You can’t have that kind of impact without some real polarity in the opinions, and I’m grateful for all of it.”

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.

Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.

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