13 Reasons Why: Netflix urged to cancel series following 'harmful' and 'unnecessary' season 2 rape scene

The backlash against a 'horrifying“ rape scene in Netflix series 13 Reasons Why has fuelled a TV censorship watchdog group to campaign for the show's cancellation.

The Parents Television Council is urging the streaming service to end the show describing it as “a ticking time bomb to teens and children.”

In a statement, the watchdog group said: 'We're issuing a warning about Netflix's 13 Reasons Why Season 2 and urging the company to pull the series entirely because of the potentially harmful content."

Following the furore surrounding the show's depiction of suicide upon its debut last year, the new batch of episodes arrived fit with a PSA and mature content disclaimer which saw the show's lead stars tell the audience the season ahead will tackle “tough, real-world issues,” even going so far as to encourage younger viewers to watch with an adult.

This disclaimer was added for good reason thanks to a graphic scene in the season two finale which features the rape of a male character, the victim of which later is shown walking to a high school dance with an automatic rifle. This scene caused the show's premiere to be cancelled following the tragic school shooting in Santa Fe which left 10 dead.

The series' showrunner has attempted to justify such storylines assuring concerned viewers they "did as much research as [they] could."

The Parents Television Council aims to “provide a safe and sound entertainment media environment for children and families across America.”

Many viewers were left disturbed by the rape scene with many feeling it was “narratively exploitative” and needlessly violent. One viewer described it as “unacceptable” while another claimed to be “traumatised” by the scene.

If you're affected by these issues, visit rapecrisis.org.uk. You can call 0808 802 9999 between 12 noon - 2.30pm and 7 - 9.30pm every day of the year for confidential support and/or information about your nearest services.