Does ‘13 Reasons Why’ Romanticize Suicide?

Still from 13 reasons why
Netflix
Still from 13 reasons why
Netflix

Does ‘13 Reasons Why’ Romanticize Suicide?

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Netflix’s new series 13 Reasons Why tells the fictional story of a teenage girl who leaves behind 13 cassette tapes after killing herself. Each tape is addressed to someone in her life she says played a role in her death.

While the show is popular among viewers, it’s raised some eyebrows with critics who say it romanticizes suicide and can pose a health risk to vulnerable teens. Others say the show provides an opportunity to bring discussion of teen suicide to the forefront. Morning Shift talks to Variety TV critic Maureen Ryan, Columbia College television and youth professor Sharon Ross and youth suicide prevention expert Jonathan Singer.