Warning: This article contains references to suicide which some readers may find upsetting.
13 Reasons Why drew a lot of controversy over its graphic depiction of suicide in its first season, but star Dylan Minnette is confident that the writers will not be censoring anything next year.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor – who plays Clay Jensen – said that season two will remain "real" and nothing will be 'sugarcoated'.
"I would be shocked if anything is censored," he said.
"The whole goal of the show is to be real and tell the story in a true way. And if they weren't going to do that in more scenes, I don't think they'd keep going with the show.
"They aren't going to sugarcoat anything. We haven't done it from day one, and I don't think we're ever going to do it. I'm sure it's going to be just as important and dark as last season."
Minnette was backed by executive producer Tom McCarthy.
"Censored? No," the director said. "Season two should be authentic to season two.
"As artists, our job is to present, and other people can have opinions about it and react. That's our job. I'm very proud of the show.
"As a dad with two daughters, I listen and take it very seriously. That's why I did the show. I didn't have to do a TV show right now. I saw the material and said, 'Oh yeah, nobody is talking about this.'"
Meanwhile, Minnette shared what he would like to see happen in season two.
"I'd love to see Clay escape his demons from season one," he said. "I'd like to see him in a healthier place.
"The show takes place a few months after season one. I'm curious to know how Clay has coped the last few months. Did he find closure? Is he moving on? Part of me wonders if he'll be able to escape his anxiety, but I doubt it because that would make for compelling storytelling if he still has anxiety."
Details for season two are still pretty sparse right now, but we do know that the cassette tapes are being scrapped and those hoping to see comeuppance for Bryce Walker have good reason to be optimistic.
"[I want to] see somebody punch Bryce in the face," creator Brian Yorkey previously said.
Meanwhile, Selena Gomez – who serves as executive producer on the show – said that she has been in the writers' room and there are season two moments which left her "almost freaking out".
13 Reasons Why season one can be watched now on Netflix.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or visit their website.
