Note: The following article contains discussion of themes including suicide and sexual assault that some readers may find upsetting.
Expect 13 Reasons Why to be causing a lot less controversy when it returns to Netflix next weekend.
The Young Adult drama series has faced harsh criticism in the past for its graphic depictions of suicide, sexual assault and school violence, with Netflix going as far as to retroactively re-edit a suicide scene out of its first season earlier this year.
13 Reasons Why's third season is a whodunit-style mystery all about the murder of bully Bryce Walker (Justin Prentice), with multiple students becoming suspects.
This shift to a more conventional plot will mean that the series can get away from causing constant controversy, according to cast member Timothy Granaderos (who plays Liberty High bully Montgomery de la Cruz).
"[Season three is] not the same as the past two seasons. I don't think you’ll be asking me the same questions about the two prior scenes," he told The Radio Times.
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"There are definitely scenes that are wild but I don't think you'll be asking if any scenes will need to be removed from season three."
Focusing on Bryce's murder has allowed 13 Reasons Why to transition into "absolutely a different" kind of show than in prior years, according to the actor.
"Right off the get-go you know it is a murder-mystery, the stakes are very high and everyone is a suspect," he explained. "So, I think fans will be left questioning who they thought they were loyal to. It's going to take off really quickly.
"Within the first episode or two you're going to be engaged trying to put the mystery together. But I think that's the fun of season three. It definitely feels like a different show."
Netflix recently renewed 13 Reasons Why for a fourth season, while also confirming that will be its swansong.
13 Reasons Why seasons 1 and 2 are available to watch on Netflix, and season 3 will begin on August 23.
We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), and Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
