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13 Reasons Why's fate confirmed following show controversy

Photo credit: Netflix
Photo credit: Netflix

From Digital Spy

Note: This article discusses topics including sexual violence and suicide that some readers may find upsetting.

Netflix has confirmed that its controversial teen series 13 Reasons Why has been renewed for a fourth and final season.

More than a year after it was renewed for season 3, the streaming service has finally released the first trailer for the upcoming episodes and confirmed that they'll premiere on Netflix on August 23.

But along with the confirmation of the season 3 premiere, The Hollywood Reporter has also revealed that the streaming service will bring the series back one last time, ending its run with a fourth and final season.

Photo credit: Netflix
Photo credit: Netflix

Related: 13 Reasons Why creators hit back at study linking Netflix show to rise in suicides

According to the publication, production on season 4 of the show is already underway, and the final series will focus on the main characters' graduation from high school. There's no news yet on number of episodes, premiere date or cast list.

The series has already continued longer than Jay Asher's book of the same name that provided the basis of the show's first season, which followed Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) in the wake of Hannah Baker's (Katherine Langford) suicide.

While the second season dealt with the aftermath of some of the revelations made by Hannah on her tapes as her case went to trial – and Bryce Walker (Justine Prentice) is also later put on trial for sexually assaulting Jessica Davis (Alisha Boe) – the third season will explore another major character death.

The news of the show's fourth and final season renewal comes just a few weeks after Netflix confirmed that it had edited 13 Reasons Why's controversial suicide scene from season one after consulting with experts.

Photo credit: Netflix
Photo credit: Netflix

"Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in season one was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no-one would ever wish to emulate it," showrunner Brian Yorkey said in a statement.

"But as we [get] ready to launch season three, we have heard concerns about the scene from Dr Christine Moutier at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others, and have agreed with Netflix to re-edit it.

"No one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers."

13 Reasons Why returns to Netflix on August 23.


Readers affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact Samaritans free on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or visit 13ReasonsWhy.info, which provides crisis information and resources about topics covered in the series.

We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), and Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.


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