13 Reasons Why
Here's what we found in 13 Reasons Why. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to 13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why is an American teen drama television series developed by Brian Yorkey, based on Jay Asher's 2007 novel. The series, which aired for four seasons on Netflix, centers on the students of Liberty High School and explores a wide range of intense social issues affecting modern youth. The initial season follows Clay Jensen as he uncovers the reasons behind his classmate Hannah Baker's suicide through a series of cassette tapes she left behind, detailing her perspective on the individuals and events that contributed to her decision. Subsequent seasons expand on the aftermath of Hannah's death, focusing on themes of sexual assault, bullying, mental health, and the justice system within the high school community. While aiming to stimulate conversation around taboo topics, the show has generated significant controversy for its graphic depictions of mature content, leading to the addition of viewer warning cards and edits to specific scenes.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The series prominently features LGBTQ+ characters and storylines, exploring themes of coming out, internalized homophobia, and same-sex relationships. Creator Brian Yorkey is openly gay, contributing to the representation, which evolves and intensifies across seasons. While aiming for diversity, some portrayals have been criticized for adhering to stereotypes or for problematic plotlines.
Monty de la Cruz, a closeted gay character, violently assaults Winston Williams after they share a kiss, illustrating internalized homophobia and violence. Monty later has sex with Winston, further complicating his struggle with his sexuality. In Season 4, main character Alex Standall explores his bisexuality, entering a relationship with Charlie St. George, who also identifies as bisexual. This season also controversially features Justin Foley's death from AIDS, a plotline criticized for potentially perpetuating stigma around HIV/AIDS and its connection to substance abuse and sex work.
Violence
13 Reasons Why contains frequent and graphic depictions of violence, encompassing self-harm, sexual assault, and physical aggression, which are central to the plot across multiple seasons. The intensity and explicit nature of these scenes have been a major point of controversy.
Romance and Sexual Content
The series contains extensive and often graphic sexual content, particularly focusing on sexual violence and non-consensual acts. It includes explicit scenes of sexual assault, discussions of sexual activity, and instances of nudity, especially among teenage characters.
Profanity
The show features a high frequency of strong language and profanity throughout its run, consistent with its mature themes and depiction of realistic teenage dialogue in stressful situations. The use of expletives is pervasive rather than occasional.
Substance Use
Substance use, including both alcohol and illegal drugs, is a recurring and prominent theme within the series, depicted frequently among the high school characters. The show portrays both casual use and the serious consequences of addiction.
Scary & Intense Content
The series is characterized by its consistently intense and often frightening content, including graphic imagery and psychologically disturbing themes. The overall tone can be described as a psychological thriller, with elements designed to evoke distress and fear, particularly related to the traumatic experiences of the characters.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion against authority figures, including parents, teachers, and school administrators, are central and recurring themes throughout the series. Teenagers frequently defy rules and express disdain for adult institutions, often driven by perceived failures of the adult world to protect or support them.
Would these 7 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Not recommended for viewers under 17, and extreme caution is advised for anyone under 16, even with parental guidance. The series carries a TV-MA rating due to its graphic and mature themes, including suicide, sexual assault, drug use, and strong language. Mental health professionals have raised concerns about its content, particularly for vulnerable young adults. If watched, it should be accompanied by open and thorough discussions with a trusted adult to process the difficult topics presented.
Good to Know
The series deals with highly sensitive and potentially triggering content, including detailed depictions of suicide, sexual assault, and mental health crises. Netflix added prominent warning cards before each season and specific graphic content warnings before individual episodes. The original graphic suicide scene in Season 1 was edited out by Netflix in 2019 due to advice from mental health experts. Parental discretion and active co-viewing with discussion are strongly recommended due to the graphic nature and complex moral dilemmas presented.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families