13 Reasons Why: Netflix’s Most Controversial Show and Its Problematic Legacy

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Even after almost ten years, the teen drama 13 Reasons Why is still one of the most debated shows Netflix has ever produced. Looking back, the series, which centers on the fictional suicide of high school student Hannah Baker, appears increasingly problematic with time.

The show isn’t poorly made, and the acting is actually quite strong. The problem with 13 Reasons Why is that it handles very difficult and sensitive topics in a way that many find deeply problematic. This is why it remains one of Netflix’s most controversial series – the quality of the production actually makes its handling of these themes even more upsetting.

The very things that caused controversy around the series were also what initially drew in a large audience. Because so many people were watching, Netflix had little reason to cancel it – something that might happen if the show aired now.

The deaths of characters in 13 Reasons Why are deeply upsetting, and the show doesn’t treat them with the seriousness they deserve. They feel similar to the dramatic deaths often seen in long-running soap operas, but even those shows wouldn’t depict graphic violence and emotional trauma in such an excessive and unnecessary way.

13 Reasons Why Was One Of Netflix’s First Global Sensations

Looking back to 2017, it’s important to remember that Netflix renewed 13 Reasons Why even after the first season sparked controversy. The series was actually renewed three times, and it ended after four seasons – it wasn’t canceled, but simply concluded its run.

Despite criticism from mental health experts after its initial release, Netflix continued to support the show because season one received positive reviews and resonated with audiences. Even as criticism grew during season two, strong viewership numbers continued, with many people curious to see what all the controversy was about.

As a fan, I think the saying ‘any publicity is good publicity’ really fits with how popular 13 Reasons Why became on Netflix. Even though it was controversial, people kept watching – I know I did! – because we were all so invested in seeing what happened to everyone.

The show definitely lost its way after the first season, when it ran out of material from Jay Asher’s book. However, it still managed to keep people watching with its over-the-top storylines until the very end, with a total of 49 episodes.

Data from FlixPatrol shows that the first two seasons of 13 Reasons Why are still among Netflix’s most popular shows ever, ranking in the top 20. Looking at shows released in the 2010s, only Stranger Things season 3 and The Witcher season 1 have been viewed more. This teen drama was a massive hit when it originally streamed.

13 Reasons Why Was Heavily Criticized When It Came Out

From the start, 13 Reasons Why sparked a lot of controversy, despite its popularity on Netflix. Critics argued the show romanticized suicide, unfairly blamed others for Hannah’s death, and inaccurately portrayed both mental health issues and serious crimes like rape. It was also criticized for oversimplifying the complexities of psychological well-being.

Mental health experts worried that Hannah’s detailed description of who contributed to her suicide, as shared in an audio recording, could inspire others to attempt suicide, particularly in schools globally. As a result, Netflix removed the scene showing the actual act of her death, following guidance from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

The show focused too much on shocking and disturbing events to be a meaningful exploration of bullying or teenage mental health. It felt more interested in sensationalizing tragedy than genuinely addressing these issues.

As the show went on, each new group of troubled teenagers became increasingly difficult to watch and harder to feel sorry for. Even when characters like Bryce Walker tried to turn their lives around, it was hard to feel any sympathy for them.

Despite looking good, 13 Reasons Why is ultimately a disappointing show. It had potential to be great, but serious flaws have overshadowed any positive aspects.

13 Reasons Why’s Approach To Mental Health Was Not Ideal

The problem with 13 Reasons Why isn’t that it gets mental illness wrong, but rather that it oversimplifies it. The show portrays mental health struggles as a direct consequence of other people’s actions, implying that revenge can somehow fix things – even after death.

Instead of presenting this simple idea using common story patterns to show it’s an exaggerated but somewhat true portrayal of life, the show strives to feel completely realistic. This unintentionally gave millions of teenagers a flawed understanding of mental health.

Following the release of 13 Reasons Why, there was a clear increase in online searches about suicide, likely due to the show’s portrayal of revenge and suicidal thoughts. No other series on Netflix has been linked to such a harmful effect on society.

A Show Like 13 Reasons Why Would Not Get Made Today

In a way, 13 Reasons Why has been a valuable lesson for television. Since its release, no other show has repeated its mistakes in portraying the difficult issues teenagers face every day. Throughout its four seasons, the series unfortunately provided many examples of what not to do when dealing with such sensitive topics.

The way 13 Reasons Why depicted Justin’s death from HIV/AIDS in its fourth season was as problematic as how it handled Hannah’s suicide. It’s likely both storylines would have been approached very differently if the show were made today.

As a big fan of TV, I remember when Netflix was still relatively new to making its own shows, and in 2017, 13 Reasons Why really put them on the map. With names like Selena Gomez and a director from a show as respected as The Wire involved, it made perfect sense that Netflix thought it had a surefire hit on its hands. Looking back, though, I think extending the show beyond the second season was a decision they’d probably rethink if they were making it now.

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2026-01-31 01:09