On March 31st, 2017, Netflix released one of their most anticipated shows of the year. This show would touch hearts, spark major controversy, and even prompt important, potentially life-saving conversations worldwide. This ground-breaking phenomenon would be called 13 Reasons Why, and it would soon be one of the most talked about TV shows in pop culture.

As many may know, 13 Reasons Why is a “Netflix Original.” However, the concept of the story is originally from Jay Asher’s novel, 13 Reasons Why, upon which the TV show is based. It tells the story of several teenagers, most prominently Clay Jensen, that have just lost one of their classmates, Hannah Baker, who committed suicide. Before she died, Hannah Baker recorded 13 tapes to leave behind for the 13 people who were, essentially, the 13 reasons why she killed herself. We learn the story behind each tape and individual seemingly responsible, while still trying to understand Hannah Baker’s point of view. Throughout the story, several important issues, that are extremely relevant in today’s society, are brought to light. These would include issues like bullying, depression, and sexual abuse which, undoubtedly,  struck a chord with a variety of people. The book has sold over 3 million copies just in the United States, and has even been labeled as a New York Times Bestseller.

Because of the popularity of the book, Netflix made the decision to make their own TV adaptation of the story. It’s easy to say that fans were anxious to see the final product as they waited months for the shows release. When the show finally did start streaming, it became instantly popular and even sparked a lot of controversy. There were many who said they felt the show romanticized suicide, as Hannah Baker and Clay Jensen have a bit of romance in the show. However, the show was still a huge success. For many, it helped them gain the courage to talk to others about their own personal struggles. Effectively, it caused a great amount of people to have hard discussions about topics that usually would be kept private.

Over a year later, people are getting antsy waiting for the next season. Rumors of the show’s release date have spread like wildfire. Many believed that Netflix would start streaming it on the day of season 1’s original release, March 31st. To the public’s dismay, March 31st came and went with unpleasing results. With no official plans to release it for the rest of April, many theorize that Netflix might be planning to drop the new season without warning.

Promotion for the new season has been quite minimal so far. A video of the cast stating the need viewer discretion among those the show may trigger was released in late March. This is most likely Netflix’s attempt at easing some of heat they came under after the release of the first season. In addition to this, Netflix released a list titled “what we know about 13 Reasons Why season 2 - so far” onto their official twitter. A list of the new cast members joining the cast was also released. These new actors include Samantha Logan, Kelli O’Hara, Ben Lawson, Bryce Cass, Chelsea Alden, Anne Winters, and Allison Miller. Other than this, we really don’t have much information about what’s to come.

As Netflix can drop the new season whenever they want, the anticipation for this upcoming season is high. After the ending of the last season, people are eager to see what comes next, and continue the story of the characters we have grown to love throughout the first season. However, until the next season finally comes out, all we can do is keep looking for new promos, and keep checking Netflix for the new episodes we so desire.

Thumbnail Photo by Netflix