13 Reasons Why: Netflix edits controversial suicide scene ahead of season 3

Netflix has edited the controversial suicide scene in 13 Reasons Why two years on since the furore it caused.

Upon its release in March 2017, the series sparked a debate about whether it deals with the subject of teen suicide tactfully and was criticised heavily by mental health organisations

It was reported at the time that schools were issuing letters to parents warning them about the drama, which led to the show’s producers defending their decision to include the controversial scene.

Now, Netflix has revealed it’s taking “the advice of medial experts” and will revise the scene ahead of the show’s third season.

“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.

“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, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 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 series centres on 17-year-old high school student Hannah Baker who dies by suicide, leaving behind 13 cassette tapes for 13 different people she felt were instrumental in her decision to take her own life.

In response to the criticism of the show, its writer Nic Sheff penned an open letter in response to the criticism explaining the decision to show Baker’s suicide in graphic detail.