13 Reasons Why returned to Netflix only a week ago, but it has already received backlash for airing graphic sexual assault scenes.
The second series, produced by Selena Gomez and her mother Mandy Teefy, tackle issues of rape, sexual abuse and gun violence, one year after the first season caused outrage for its teen suicide storyline.
However, 13 Reasons Why cast members have defended the show and say the subject matters are crucial in encouraging dialogue between parents and children.
Publicly backing the show was Alisha Boe, who portrays rape survivor Jessica Davis in the series.
The 21-year-old actress said she was “excited to tackle “such a relevant topic” following the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements to end sexual misconduct.
She told US daytime show Good Morning America: “When I booked season one, I didn’t know how to have the dialogue [about depression and suicide]; I didn’t have the language to express that.
“I was 19, and after filming season one, I was able to have an open dialogue with my mum, my family members and my girlfriends, so I learned a lot.”
Katherine Langford, who plays suicide victim Hannah Baker on the show, also defended the programme and spoke about the young viewers who have been through a similar situation to her character.
Explaining the purpose of the show, she said: “I think this show always had the intention of never being a PSA [public service announcement].
“But just always having the intention if it can, to promote discussion or instigate discussion or dialogue on issues that are really important and [on] topic.”
The 22-year-old TV star said she has been touched by the positive response she has got from fans and knows the show is making a difference.
She continued: “I think that for me playing Hannah, I was aware of the difference of opinion, and I’ve always maintained that I think that was important to promote the discussion [about suicide].”
“But also for me, it’s also been beautiful to hear from people who resonated with the show, and who resonated with Hannah in particular,” she said.
Meanwhile actor Devin Druid, whose character Tyler Down brings a gun to school in the latest series, hopes the programme can promote discussion about topical subjects such as gun violence.
He previously admitted his character’s harrowing rape ordeal was “incredibly intimidating” but felt the “need to represent what victims go through”.
Speaking to the Build Series, the 20-year-old star explained: “You’re suddenly given this responsibility to portray a horrific thing that unfortunately happens to many people around the world – a lot of them even younger than Tyler.”
“It’s a heartbreaking thing to think about, and with [Tyler’s assault scene], I felt tasked with this need to represent what victims go through.
“To hopefully show that they’re understood and heard, and for people who don’t know what these issues are or don’t have the empathy to understand, to show them what it’s like.”
13 Reasons Why season 2 is available to watch on Netflix now
For support about any of the issues raised in the show visit 13ReasonsWhy.info.
Alternatively, call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 12 or Rape Crisis on 0808 802 9999.
