Netflix cuts graphic suicide scene from show

Streaming giant says it took decision to edit first series of 13 Reasons Why on the advice of medical experts

‘We believe this edit will help the show do the most good ... while mitigating any risk for vulnerable young viewers’

NETFLIX has edited out a graphic suicide scene from its show 13 Reasons Why, nearly two years after it was first broadcast.

The controversial show will return to Netflix for a third series later this year. The series revolves around 17-year-old high school student Clay Jensen and his deceased friend Hannah Baker, who took her own life after enduring gossip and sexual assault at school.

Series one – first broadcast in March 2017 – showed Hannah’s suicide, in graphic detail. The three-minute scene has now been cut from the show, which is still available to view online.

“We’ve heard from many young people that 13 Reasons Why encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help – often for the first time,” Netflix said in a statement yesterday.

“As we prepare to launch season three later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show. So on the advice of medical experts … we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from season one.”

The new scene features Hannah looking in the mirror before cutting to her parents’ reaction to her suicide.

Studies have tied the show to higher rates of suicide and suicidal thoughts among young people. Earlier this year the National Institute of Mental Health suggested 13 Reasons Why was linked to a 28.9 per cent rise in people aged 10 to 17 killing themselves in the month after the show first aired.

One 2017 study reported that Google searches for ‘How to kill yourself ’ also rose, alongside better awareness of suicide overall. Yorkey, the show’s creator, said the series – an adaptation of a book – was designed to spark conversation.

“It was our hope, in making 13 Reasons Why into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard,” he said.

“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.

“But as we 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.”

The move has been backed by a host of suicide awareness charities.