13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why (also stylized as TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY) is an American teen drama television series based on the 2007 novel Thirteen Reasons Why by author Jay Asher. Developed for Netflix by Brian Yorkey and with Selena Gomez serving as an executive producer, the series stars Dylan Minnette and Katherine Langford alongside an ensemble cast. The series follows the students of the fictional Liberty High School and the wide range of social issues affecting modern youth.

The show originally revolved around Clay Jensen (Minnette) and the aftermath of the suicide of fellow student Hannah Baker (Langford). Before her death, she leaves behind a box of cassette tapes in which she details the reasons why she chose to kill herself as well as the people she believes are responsible for her death.

The first season was released on Netflix on March 31, 2017. It became the second most watched series on Netflix at the time of its release. Netflix renewed 13 Reasons Why for a second season due to the success of the initial 13 episodes; the second season was released on May 18, 2018. A third season was released on August 23, 2019; that same month, the series was renewed for a fourth and final season, which was released on June 5, 2020.

13 Reasons Why received mixed reviews. The first season received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised its themes, emotional weight, subject matter, character development and acting, particularly the performances of Minnette and Langford. Subsequently, it prompted concerns from mental health professionals due to its graphic depiction of issues such as suicide, sexual assault, and bullying, along with other mature content.

The later three seasons were met with a negative critical response. Coinciding with the release of the second season, Netflix released a video with the cast that cautioned viewers about some of the topics covered in the show and provided a support website with crisis numbers for people affected by depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. For her performance, Langford received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Television Series Drama.

Series overview

Set in the fictional town of Crestmont, California, the first season follows Liberty High student Clay Jensen, who receives a set of cassette tapes at his front porch. These tapes were recorded by Hannah Baker, a former Liberty High student who killed herself two weeks prior and recorded thirteen reasons why she did so on the tapes. Each tape includes a reason for various people in Hannah's life – fellow students Justin Foley, Jessica Davis, Alex Standall, Tyler Down, Courtney Crimsen, Marcus Cole, Zach Dempsey, Ryan Shaver, Sheri Holland, Clay himself, Hannah herself, Bryce Walker, and school counselor Kevin Porter – and how those people are connected to her death.

In the second season, Hannah's parents sue the school district, during which Hannah's tapes are released online. The fallout from the events of the first season and the toll it has taken on the lives of Liberty High's students is further shown as new secrets about the subjects and their loved ones are revealed during the ensuing trial against the school.

The third season takes place eight months after the events of the second season. Ani Achola, a new student at Liberty High, narrates the season as Clay and his friends struggle to keep Tyler's attempted school shooting a secret and to help him in his recovery. Tensions rise among the tapes' subjects after Bryce is killed, with Clay as a suspect, and drastic measures are soon taken to protect each other. Concurrently with the present events of the season, Bryce's past actions and the person he has become in the aftermath of the release of Hannah's tapes are examined.

In the fourth and final season, Clay and his friends prepare to graduate from Liberty High. However, they struggle to keep the truth behind Bryce's death a secret and their deteriorating trust in each other threatens to unravel all of their personal secrets. Clay's mental health begins to deteriorate as he tries to keep everyone united, forcing him to face the traumas of his recent past, with the help of his therapist, Dr. Ellman.