When "13 Reasons Why" debuted on Netflix in March, the series was met with strong opinions from viewers and critics alike. The series based on Jay Asher's young adult novel of the same title put the spotlight on teen suicide, a sensitive issue that some viewers thought were overly graphically depicted. Nonetheless, the Brian Yorkey-developed web series has been picked up for a second season, which is scheduled to land on Netflix in 2018.
Some fans have begun to wonder what the sophomore season will tackle, given that Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) is dead and has told her story via the 13 cassette tapes she left in her wake.
Yorkey has shed some light on what may take place come "13 Reasons Why" Season 2, and here's what he has to say about it.
Other characters may speak up and tell their story
The premise of the Netflix series was about the late Hannah Baker's story leading up to her suicide. She told them via cassette tapes she recorded prior to her death, in which she explained some events involving certain people in her school, including Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette), Justin, Jessica, Alex, Tyler, Courtney, Marcus, Zach, Ryan, Justin, Sheri, Bryce, and Mr. Porter. These people each received a tape explaining how they played a role in Hannah's suicide.
Following the conclusion of the last season, "13 Reasons Why" season 2 may follow some of the characters after they've heard the tape, and what paths they would take moving forward.
Variety reported that executive producer Brian Yorkey was on hand during the recent Netflix’s FYSee Space event, in which he shed light on what they wanted to tackle on the show's sophomore season.
He explained that in the first season, Hannah was able to tell her version of her story, but viewers haven't heard the story from the point of view of the other characters involved in her story.
He explained, "Hannah told her version of events, but there are at least 12 kids who have another version of those events that we actually haven’t really heard from yet."
Netflix adding more trigger warnings to the show
In "13 Reasons Why" season 2, the story may delve into even more sensitive topics, including rape and bullying.
In line with the reaction of viewers to the sensitive topics showcased in the series, Netflix has decided to add more trigger warnings to the controversial show.
According to TIME, Netflix called the show a "valuable driver for starting important conversation with...families," but it was also important to them to add more viewer warning cards at the beginning of the episode, as well as "[strengthen] the messaging and resource language in the existing cards for episodes that contain graphic subject matter." The sophomore season of the show is expected to arrive in 2018.