'13 Reasons Why' Creator Defends Claims of 'Increased Suicides' Due To The Show

Netflix had a massive success rather unexpectedly in the form of 13 Reasons Why and how the show created a cult following too. Even though the second season of the show polarized critics and audiences alike, the show continued to have the same impact as the first season.

But if there was one thing that the show was remarked about that made the most noise, that was how suicides have increased owing to the show's cultural impact. Executive producer Brian Yorkey has made his case alongside the series' adviser, psychiatrist Rebecca Hedrick and defended the reports.

Ahead of the show's third season premiere, they are defending 13 Reasons Why against reports suggesting the show is linked to an increase in youth suicides. Late last year, a study suggested that the drama may increase the risk of teen suicide. The series creator and the show's adviser refuted study findings in a guest column for THR.

In the guest column, they discuss the exhaustive efforts that have been made to work with experts to keep 13 Reasons Why authentic. They also note the positive impact they say the show has had in improving teens' communication with their parents.

The duo also rebutted recent studies’ findings. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control, they point out that there was not an increase in suicide rates for adolescent females (age 10 to 19) during the spring of 2017. That's the season when 13 Reasons Why made its debut.

Other data they presented showed that November 2016 was the highest recorded month for adolescent female suicides. That's several months before 13 Reasons Why debuted. They added that the rise in adolescent male suicides began before the series premiered.

For the uninitiated, 13 Reasons Why is an adaptation of Jay Asher’s novel of the same name. Season 1 follows the aftermath of Hannah Baker’s suicide. Following her death, thirteen cassette tapes arrive for her friend, Clay. In them, she reveals what led to her decision to take her own life. Season 2 premiered last May.