‘13 Reasons Why’ Backlash Update: Netflix Promises To Add Viewer Warning Card

Netflix is finally responding to the backlash that “13 Reasons Why” received from critics by adding a viewer warning card in the opening sequence.

Following the show’s release on March 31, several mental health communities expressed their concern over the creator’s decision to feature Hannah Baker’s (Katherine Langford) actual suicide. In episode 13, Hannah sits inside her bathtub and starts slashing her wrists using a blade. She bleeds out before her parents can come to her rescue and rush her to the hospital.

Read: “13 Reasons Why” star Katherine Langford cries on “Ellen Show”

Previously, two of the 13 episodes of “13 Reasons Why” featured the viewer warning card, but now, the same card will be shown before episode 1. The text will also be made more visible with the use of a bolder font.

Netflix released a statement (via Entertainment Weekly), saying that there has been multiple discussions about “13 Reasons Why.” “While many of our members find the show to be a valuable driver for starting an 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 first episode as an extra precaution to those about to start the series and have also strengthened the messaging and resource language in the existing cards for episodes that contain graphic subject matter,” the statement read.

Additionally, 13ReasonsWhy.info will also be shown alongside the viewer warning card. The organization was designed to cater to those who need help and support for some of the grave issues featured in the series. “13 Reasons Why” does not only tackle suicide, but the series also focuses on bullying, sexual assault and more.

Meanwhile, “13 Reasons Why” creator Brian Yorkey previously defended their decision to show Hannah’s suicide in such a graphic and realistic manner. He also slammed the reports saying that the series is glamorizing teen suicide. “We worked very hard not to be gratuitous, but we did want it to be painful to watch because we wanted it to be very clear that there is nothing, in any way, worthwhile about suicide,” he told Entertainment Weekly.

“13 Reasons Why” executive producer Selena Gomez also told E! News that it was never their intention to encourage anyone to commit suicide. Instead, “I just wanted it to come across in a way that kids would be frightened, but confused – in a way that they would talk about it because it’s something that’s happening all the time. So, I’m overwhelmed that it’s doing as well as it’s doing,” she said.

In other news, there are ongoing rumors saying that a “13 Reasons Why” sequel could be possible. Though Netflix hasn’t made a final decision yet, the writers are already brainstorming for future storylines. There are also some rumors suggesting that Season 2 will center on Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette), the young boy who was in love with Hannah and who was also part of tape 11.