Entertainment

Netflix responds to 13 Reasons Why critics with more content warnings

Netflix is responding to critics of its new show 13 Reasons Why by adding more warnings for viewers about graphic content.

Mental health experts have wanted more warnings for Netflix drama about teen suicide

The Netflix series 13 Reasons Why traces the life events of teenager Hannah Baker, who sends a series of tapes to classmates she believes played a role in her eventual suicide. (Beth Dubber/Netflix)

Netflix is responding to critics of its new show 13 Reasons Why by adding more warnings for viewers about graphic content.

The 13-episode drama, co-produced by actress and singer Selena Gomez, is based on Jay Asher's young-adult 2007 bestseller about a high school student who takes her own life and leaves behind 13 audiotapes detailing the events that led to her death, including sexual assault, substance abuse and bullying.

The show is rated TV-MA (may not be suitable for those under 17) and three episodes that contain explicit material have "viewer discretion advised" warnings. Mental health experts wanted more advisories shown.

Netflix said Monday it has now added a warning before the first episode and "also strengthened the messaging and resource language in the existing cards for episodes that contain graphic subject matter."