Netflix Just Renewed ’13 Reasons Why’ for Season 3
Fans of 13 Reasons Why have reason to celebrate today. Just two short weeks after dropping season 2 into our laps, Netflix has announced that the hit teen drama will be returning for a third season in 2019, with 13 all-new episodes.
#13ReasonsWhy has been renewed for a third season. All 13 episodes will premiere in 2019. pic.twitter.com/UPtOWyIvJq
— See What's Next (@seewhatsnext) June 6, 2018
Adapted from the YA novel of the same name, 13 Reasons Why has been both a fan favorite and the subject of much controversy, particularly around its depiction of teen suicide, which critics say is irresponsible and potentially triggering. Netflix took the concerns under consideration after season 1, conducting a study through Northwestern University’s Center on Media and Human Development, which they used to help inform the plot lines for season 2.
“I don’t think a lot of [parents] knew it was going to be such a conversation starter,” producer Mandy Teefey, mother of Selena Gomez (another of the show’s producers), told ET in late May. “I think it made a connection, whether they wanted to make it or not. The fact that we’re talking about it and that it was so talked about, that was our goal.”
Season 2 tried to provide more avenues of support for youth facing depression and suicidal thoughts, but the Parents Television Council still urged Netflix to pull the series because of what they deemed potentially harmful content.
We’ll have to wait to see what season 3 brings to the ever-evolving story, but producers would be wise to continue to manage how their show might affect viewers by providing support to fans who may feel they need help overcoming their own negative mental health issues.
If you’re struggling or know someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
Do you watch 13 Reasons Why? Let us know @BritandCo!
(photo via Beth Dubber/Netflix)
