Suicide scene from first season of 13 Reasons Why altered ahead of Season 3's release

More than two years after the first season of the show premiered, 13 Reasons Why is reportedly altering the controversial Season 1 scene in which central character Hannah Baker dies by suicide. Ever since Netflix released the teen drama on March 31, 2017, the decision to depict a teenager’s suicide onscreen, has provoked criticism, with some flagging the series for potentially glamorising suicide and purportedly causing an uptick in suicide attempts in young people.

Netflix did include a content warning before the episode, informing viewers that the finale “contains scenes that some viewers may find disturbing and/or may not be suitable for younger audiences, including graphic depictions of violence and suicide.”

The original scene, initially defended by the 13 Reasons Why writers and showrunner, depicted Hannah cutting her wrists in the bath. Now, the scene will skip from Hannah entering the tub to her parents’ horrified reaction upon finding her body.

“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. “As we prepare to launch Season 3 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 1. 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.”