‘13 Reasons Why’: Netflix Edits Katherine Langford’s Graphic Suicide Scene After Years of Controversy

Almost two and a half years after 13 Reasons Why first premiered, Netflix has re-edited a controversial scene in which central character Hannah (Katherine Langford) commits suicide. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the graphic scene was removed in response to backlash from mental health organizations that the harsh nature of 13 Reasons Why negatively affects teens, the drama’s core audience, and may have encouraged “copycat” suicides. “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,” said showrunner Brian Yorkey of the change.

“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 on Monday. “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.”

The scene in question comes about halfway through the Season 1 finale, “Tape 7, Side A.” In the original three-minute-long scene, Hannah cries in front of the mirror as she contemplates ending her life. She then sits in the bathtub and cuts her wrist with a razor blade, and she cries out as blood flows from her arm into the tub. The camera stays on Hannah as her breathing slows; a few moments later, her mother (Kate Walsh) comes into the bathroom and finds her daughter’s body, and she orders her husband to call 911.

The re-edited scene cuts directly from Hannah looking in the mirror to her mother coming into the bathroom. Viewers are no longer able to see the graphic nature of Hannah’s cut, or her slow fade out of consciousness in the tub. As in the original, Dylan Minnette’s voice plays over the scene as he recounts Hannah’s suicide to the high school guidance counselor.

“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,” said Yorkey in a statement. “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.”

As Yorkey’s statement makes clear, the 13 Reasons Why re-edit comes after two years of criticism from mental health organizations and medical professionals. A study published by the National Institute of Health this spring found that the suicide rate among boys 10 to 17 spiked in April 2017, the month after 13 Reasons Why first premiered. Until now, Netflix has responded to criticism by adding a warning card before episodes and issuing multiple PSAs about mental health starring the show’s young cast.

The change of heart has drawn support from the same groups that have been speaking out against the drama since its debut. The American Association of Suicidology, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American School Counselor Association, Dr. Helen Hsu of Stanford University, advocacy group Mental Health America, the Trevor Project and Dr. Rebecca Hedrick of Cedars-Sinai issued a joint statement regarding the re-edit, saying, “We support the decision to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from 13 Reasons Why. There has been much debate about the series in the medical community. But this positive change will ensure that 13 Reasons Why continues to encourage open conversation about mental health and suicide prevention — while also mitigating the risk for the most vulnerable teenage viewers.”

If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of resources.

Watch 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 13 on Netflix