Warning: This article contains discussion of rape and suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Viewers have called for Netflix to remove one of its most popular shows that hit 'every possible trigger warning point'.
The series became an instant hit on the streaming service when it first dropped back in 2017, but multiple councils and charities have called for its removal from Netflix due to the 'multiple distressing scenes' included in the show.
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In case you hadn't guessed, we're talking about 13 Reasons Why.
The drama is centred on 17-year-old Hannah Baker (played by Katherine Langford), who takes her own life, but leaves behind 13 cassette tapes explaining her reasons, which her school friend Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) listens to as he struggles to come to terms with her sudden death.
Throughout the show's four-season stint, it has contained some harrowing scenes, some of which have since been cut.
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The series came under fire after it included a 'graphic' male rape scene, which caught the attention of councils who called for it to be taken down from the streaming service.
And, a graphic scene depicting a suicide in season one was also later cut.
After the first season aired, the Parents Television Council shared a statement speaking out against the series in the hopes that the age recommendation would be changed from the 'teen category' due to its controversial topics.
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The council called for rather a change of age rating, saying: "Netflix has delivered a ticking time bomb to teens and children who watch 13 Reasons Why."
"The content and thematic elements of the second season are even worse than we expected." added the organisation's President, Tim Winters.
He continued: "You cannot apply a PG-13 or TV-14 rating to programming which, by the industry’s own guidelines, requires an R or TV-MA for explicit dialogue. We call on Netflix immediately to remove ‘13 Reasons Why’ from its ‘Teen’ programming category and to cease marketing other explicit content as appropriate for children.”
The show's creator, Brian Yorke, addressed the concerns, explaining:
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"We fully understand that that means some of the scenes in the show will be difficult to watch.
"I think Netflix has helped provide viewers with lots of resources for understanding that this may not be the show for everybody, and also resources for people who do watch it and are troubled and need help.
"But the fact is that, as intense as that scene is, and as strong as the reactions to it may be, it doesn't even come close to the pain experienced by the people who actually go through these things."
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The streaming giant also added warnings before every episode as well as launching series Behind the Reasons which aimed to encourage discussions of the issues presented in the show.
Viewers also took to social media to give their thoughts on the age rating after watching the polarising show, with one person sharing: "I think it should be aimed 14 years old and above it also depends if it’s triggering or not. I had to skip certain things We have also gotta realise that these kids won’t be high school for long so progressions go ahead."
Another added: "Why has the Parents Television Council critiqued and issued warnings against 13 Reasons Why? The show is clearly not for families or for kids under 17 years old since the show is rated TV-MA."
Meanwhile, some have called for the show to be removed full stop, with one writing: "I think one day Netflix should just remove 13 Reasons Why from their selection and let it forever disappear into the ether and we will never hear about it again."
Another added: "Wish they would remove the show tbh."
Topics: Mental Health, Netflix
Chelsea Connor