Mental health charity Samaritans have praised Netflix's decision to remove the suicide scene from 13 Reasons Why. The finale episode of the first season, which was released on the streaming platform in 2017, has been a controversial talking point over the last two years, but Netflix bosses announced plans to remove it.
The statement read, '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.
'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.'
Samaritans have now released a statement on the subject, praising Netflix for taking the action. Lorna Fraser, Executive Lead Samaritans’ Media Advisory Service, told us, "We welcome Netflix’s decision to edit out the suicide scene from the first season of 13 Reasons Why.
"We raised our concerns over the content and have been working with the Netflix team here in the UK to provide advice on the safe portrayal of suicide, including viewer support and signposting to helplines such as Samaritans.
"While covering difficult topics in drama can help to increase understanding and encourage people to seek help, it’s important this is done in a responsible way, due to the evidenced risks associated with covering this topic in the media. Programme makers should always seek advice from experts on the portrayal of suicide, to ensure any risk to vulnerable viewers is minimised.
"Samaritans publishes Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide and has been working with UK media for over two decades, providing advice on how to cover this topic safely.
"We would encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help. People can contact Samaritans for free from any phone at any time of the day or night on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or go to www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch of Samaritans."
Show creator Brian Yorkey also backed the decision, releasing a statement which read, 'It was our hope, in making 13 Reasons Why into a television show, to tell a story that would help young viewers feel seen and heard, and encourage empathy in all who viewed it, much as the best-selling book did before us.
'Our creative intent in portraying the ugly, painful reality of suicide in such graphic detail in season one was to tell the truth about the horror of such an act, and make sure no one would ever wish to emulate it. But as we ready to launch season three, we have heard concerns about the scene from Dr. Christine Moutier at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others, and have agreed with Netflix to re-edit it.
'No-one scene is more important than the life of the show, and its message that we must take better care of each other. 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.'
If you want to talk to someone about your mental health, call Samaritans on 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.org.