13 Reasons Why: Netflix edits season one suicide scene after backlash

After a two-year fight over one of its most controversial — and successful — TV shows, the streaming giant has had a stunning backdown.

After two years of backlash, Netflix has decided to edit out a controversial scene from teen drama 13 Reasons Why.

Ahead of season three’s release later this year, a nearly three-minute scene in which lead character Hannah Baker (played by Australian actor Katherine Langford) takes her own life in a bathtub has been now cut.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the scene will now show Hannah looking at herself in the mirror and then go immediately to her parents’ reactions to her death, leaving out any depiction of her suicide.

While the season one finale scene came with a graphic content warning, it was heavily criticised by mental health bodies and schools, including ones in a Australia.

In a statement to THR, Netflix confirmed it was in the process of removing the controversial scene from the series.

RELATED: Calls for 13 Reasons Why to be canned

Australian actor Katherine Langford in a scene from 13 Reasons Why.

“We’ve heard from many young people that 13 Reasons Why encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues like depression and suicide and get help — often for the first time,” Netflix said on Tuesday.

“As we prepare to launch season three later this summer, we’ve been mindful about the ongoing debate around the show.

“So on the advice of medical experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, we’ve decided with creator Brian Yorkey and the producers to edit the scene in which Hannah takes her own life from season one.”

Sources also told THR Netflix planned to “monitor and issue take-downs” for any pirated versions that featured the original scene.

Showrunner and creator Yorkey said the original scene had intended to “tell the truth about the horror” and the “ugly, painful reality of suicide”.

13 Reasons Why is one of Netflix’s most popular shows.

But he had since reconsidered its inclusion after consultation from multiple mental health bodies and Netflix.

“No one scene is more important than the life of the show … We believe this edit will help the show do the most good for the most people while mitigating any risk for especially vulnerable young viewers,” he told THR.

When 13 Reasons Why was first released in Australia it sparked an increase in calls to mental health and suicide helplines.

Headspace’s national manager Kirsten Douglas told the ABC in 2017 young people had come forward to claim the show “triggered their own vulnerabilities and made them consider whether suicide is a possible option for them”.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call triple-0