Everyone Is Talking About 13 Reasons Why

WARNING: Confronting content

13 Reasons Why is the television series adaptation of the novel by the same name and its plot follows a young teenager who has committed suicide and the 13 tapes she has left behind for the 13 people that had a part to play in her final decision.

Netflix originals are always poised to excite and shock, but their newest series, 13 Reasons Why has audiences divided for a plethora of justifications. The program’s role in the mental health, rape and suicide discussion, which is in itself often cloaked in controversy and a collective sense of unease, has seen both accolades of praise and critical repudiation. So here is a comprehensive outline of the hype surrounding the TV show…

It’s on Netflix which is reason enough for people to be abuzz. Any program on the masterminds-of-television-streaming service is always a hot topic

13 Reasons Why isn’t your ordinary teen show, rather it challenges audiences and is much more raw and much more real from what is typically aired

It provides subtle yet symbolic commentary on social media and how it can make or break a person’s image and self-esteem

Not too dissimilar to the HBO greats, Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead, the series is equipped to shock and leave viewers on the very edge of their seats through the mysterious tone it endures

A writer for Forbes gave 13 Reasons Why glistening reviews and deemed the series “Netflix’s best new show in years”

The TV series comes at the back of producer Selena Gomez’ dismissal form rehab. She asserts that following her experience of depression, this story is so real and relatable for her and she hopes that the show will help others through their darkest moments

The series sheds light on constant surveillance and the invasion of individual privacy and has a persistent emphasis on voyeurism which is a debatable point and an often avoided topic in public conversation

13 Reasons Why covers the subject matter and method of suicide in a somewhat uncensored way that is even restricted for the Australian Media because of fears that it might give certain viewers ideas for approaches to self-harm

Headspace has made a public statement following the influx of calls regarding the series and they explain that the depiction of teen suicide may be troubling for audiences. The Head of Direct Clinical Services at Headspace stresses that, “There is a responsibility for broadcasters to know what they are showing and the impact that certain content can have on an audience.”

The harmonious poetry-like monologues of an intelligent female lead are admirable components of the Netflix original and have been widely appreciated by audiences that can look past the concentrated and graphic premise to notice it

Film professionals have expressed their concerns about Netflix’s judgement to secure such a graphic and explicit show where trigger warnings aren’t considered warning enough

The dissonance between the characters created an environment where no individual felt comfortable to talk. Basic communication was an important factor that was ostensibly absent from the show's storyline

After all is said and done, the show has quite successfully brought an issue to light that is commonly deemed taboo and even though it may be a topic of public discourse, the series helps to build a platform for people to talk. Regardless of what people are saying, people are talking about it and every conversation needs facilitators.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Headspace on 1800 650 890. You can also visit www.lifeline.org.au or www.headspace.com