To 13 Reasons Why fans, it seemed that a second season was impossible. In addition to the show being based on one book, the series focuses on a mystery that, by episode 13, is solved. But, according to The Hollywood Reporter, a 13 Reasons Why Season 2 is actually in the works. Sources told the outlet that, for a few weeks now, the writers' room has been hard at work on more episodes built off of Jay Asher's original, young adult novel. Romper has reached out to Netflix for comment about the potential new season but has not heard back at this time.
Another note: This post contains spoilers, so if you haven't watched the show yet but are planning to, you might refrain from reading any further.
Season 1 of Reasons follows a trail of tapes that were recorded by protagonist Hannah Baker as she explains why she killed herself to the parties who unknowingly nudged her to do so. Unlikely characters are pulled to the forefront while the plot develops, and a very tangled web is woven among the complicit students, who consist of former friends, lovers, and enemies of Hannah. After the "reasons" are revealed, the series culminates in Hannah's controversial suicide scene, and it all seems to be very much concluded. So what would a 13 Reasons Why Season 2 look like? Writers can't just bring Hannah back to life or conjure up 13 more, hidden tapes — or can they?
Rather than subvert all the conventions that the first season was built upon, it seems more likely that Season 2 will delve into the aftermath of the tapes, and how the school, parents, and police deal with the problem. So many wrongdoings were exposed, necessitating a lot of healing and legal action. Though Hannah may no longer be in the picture (save the occasional flashback), the remaining 13 Reasons Why cast members have distinct, captivating backstories that viewers only got a taste of in the first season; There are plenty of secrets that can still be unpacked.
Darkness, mystery, and complex characters all helped make 13 Reasons Why the most tweeted-about Netflix original in its first week of streaming. Though disturbing throughout, fans connected with the raw subject matter, no matter how controversial or upsetting the show may be to some. Approaching suicide, mental health, sexuality, bullying, and sexual assault head-on, the truth still resonated, which is perhaps the show's greatest strength. As long as these values are kept, a Season 2 will be a success — tapes or no tapes.
