Selena Gomez, executive producer of 13 Reasons Why, hit Instagram on Sunday, May 7 to announce that the controversial Netflix-exclusive TV show is being renewed for a second season.
Based on the 2007 bestselling novel by Jay Asher, this Netflix adaptation follows Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford), a teen who commits suicide after bouts of bullying and sexual assault. In her stead, she leaves 13 tapes behind for classmate Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) about the people whom she holds responsible for her death.
Series creator Brian Yorkey told the Los Angeles Times that the show still has more to tell and that Hannah’s story isn’t over just yet. He explains that Hannah’s family still doesn’t know the full story, her rapist hasn’t been brought to justice, and there’s a living survivor whose story of recovery is just beginning.
Yorkey also said he would be dissatisfied if the show ended without Hannah’s rapist being brought to some sort of justice.
The renewal comes after public outcry that the show glorifies teen suicide, but Paste writer Whitney Friedlander claims it’s one of the most important shows to watch this season because of its discussions on bullying and its effects.
Netflix has taken steps to amend concerns, raising the show’s advisory rating to TV-MA and created a website with information and resources about suicide prevention.
Additionally, the show now has an after-show, Beyond the Reasons, with the cast, producers and mental health professionals discussing the issues brought up within the show’s story line.
