"13 Reasons Why" is the latest hit Netflix show that delves into the dark world of bullying, depression, and suicide. Focusing on Hannah Baker, it reveals 13 tapes that she recorded to tell those in her class how they affected her life (and ultimately her decision). The second season has been confirmed and it will continue the story of the characters fans grew to know and love, but that wasn't always going to be the case.
At one point the idea was to create a world similar to "American Horror Story." Each season of "13 Reasons Why" was going to be a standalone season, creating an anthology of stories.
Based on the novel '13 Reasons Why'
It's easy to understand why the series was almost going to be an anthology similar to "American Horror Story." The first season was based on the novel of the same name by Jay Asher, and that season told the full story. There wasn't anything else for the showrunner Brian Yorkey to adapt. It made more sense to create a new storyline instead of moving on with the story.
However, things changed midway during the season. Yorkey realized that the story was more than just about the life of Hannah and how her death affected others. There were other stories to tell. The teenagers had all been through a traumatic experience, and the aftermath would need to be told. That led to the birth of the storyline for "13 Reasons Why" season 2.
A story focused on a new character
While the story will continue with the same set of characters, it will not be focused on Hannah's suicide. Instead, Yorkey is creating a storyline around one particular teen from season 1: Jessica. There are plenty of questions surrounding her future, especially since her rapist is still out there, with justice yet to be served.
The second season will focus on who she becomes after her ordeal.
"13 Reasons Why" fans are likely happy that the show isn't an anthology. After all, there are plenty of questions that still need answers. Fans need to know why Tyler needed a gun and what will happen now that another teen has killed himself.
Yorkey has revealed that the tape format is going to disappear.
That was Hannah's way of sharing her story, but Jessica will have a different method. Is it possible that a blog or vlog will become the main way of storytelling, since that is more of a modern-day method of communicating?
"13 Reasons Why" season 2 will premiere on Netflix in 2018. Fans can expect answers to questions they had from the season 1 finale.