A new introduction video that addresses some of the sensitive topics that feature in 13 Reasons Why will play ahead of the first episode of each season, Netflix announced Wednesday.
Cast members Dylan Minnette (Clay Jensen), Katherine Langford (Hannah Baker), Justin Prentice (Bryce Walker), and Alisha Boe (Jessica Davis) appear out-of-character in the video, which lets viewers know what they might expect in the season ahead. They note that while the issues addressed in the show are meant to start a conversation, the show might not be for some viewers who may be “struggling with these issues yourself.”
“If you ever feel you need someone to talk with, reach out to a parent, a friend, a school counselor or an adult you trust, call a local helpline, or go to 13reasonswhy.info because the minute that you start talking about it, it gets easier,” Minnette said.
The video is part of Netflix’s response to concerns from parents about the themes and topics in the show, which include suicide, rape, mental illness, and substance abuse. After receiving the results from a study it commissioned from Northwestern University, Netflix has also added more resources for parents and younger viewers to use to start conversations and filmed a new season of 13 Reasons Why’s aftershow, Beyond the Reasons that will feature actors, experts, and educators. These additional actions are on top of the advisory cards added in front of season 1 episodes amid concern from parents last year.
“The hope is that the steps we’re taking now will help support more meaningful conversations as season 2 rolls out later this year,” Brian Wright, Netflix’s vice president of original series, said. “We’ve seen in our research that teens took positive action after watching the series, and now – more than ever – we are seeing the power and compassion of this generation advocating on behalf of themselves and their peers.”
For more information about suicide prevention or to speak with someone confidentially, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) or Samaritans (U.K.).
H/T Deadline
