The tragic story of Hannah Baker was told in “13 Reasons Why” season 1 but the emotionally intense narrative is not yet over. As a high school junior, Hannah commits suicide but prior to her death, she leaves 13 tapes behind to explain the reasons why she decided to take her life away. Now, Netflix has confirmed that “13 Reasons Why” season 2 will be in the works.
Recognized as the most-tweeted-about TV series in 2017, “13 Reasons Why” will bring on another 13 episodes next year because Hannah’s story is not yet over. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, series creator Brian Yorkey opened up about new details to be incorporated into the new installment.
When asked whether he had always planned a season 2 for “13 Reasons Why,” the showrunner revealed that he was able to push through with his plans for a second season after the first one was finished.
“We really have characters who, after 13 episodes, are just beginning the process of recovery and the process of coming to terms with what part they might’ve played in Hannah’s death and how Hannah’s death will change their lives going forward,” Yorkey explained. Looking into these factors, he believes there are a lot more stories to tell. These include storylines on the characters that Hannah mentioned in the tapes along with their backstories and their approach to grieving and recovering, to name a few.
“We saw Hannah’s version of events unfold, but there’s a lot more to be told also about those characters. To me, there’s a tremendous amount that I still want to know,” Yorkey added.
According to the series creator, “13 Reasons Why” also emphasized the ways with which society is raising boys into becoming men and the ways through which girls and women are being treated. In both cases, the society can do better, Yorkey says. During the first season, it was only the start of the process, observing the male and female characters growing up into men and women. As the audiences will no longer see Hannah growing up, Yorkey is looking forward to watch such process being experienced by the other characters.
When asked about Hannah’s appearance in “13 Reasons Why” season 2, the showrunner was quick to assure fans that she will still be an integral part of the story. “I think one of the things that is still hanging out there is this question of is someone responsible for Hannah’s death? Is the school responsible? Who is responsible, if anyone is?,” he said.
This can only be explored “through the trial” as well as through the other teens’ revelations and experiences of reflection. Because there will be an increased focus on other characters, a new context of events will come into play for “13 Reasons Why” season 2. While familiar issues will be featured, new stories will also be brought forward to fill in certain gaps in order to fully understand Hannah Baker’s life and persona.
Similarly, when asked about the cliffhanging scenes of the “13 Reasons Why” season 1 finale, Yorkey explained that these will eventually lead to the concepts of bullying, rape and other similar circumstances. “They’re all related, so I would very much like to explore where they all go and to see if there is, as I think there will be, some light for these kids,” he clarified. “We’re going to continue to tell their stories really honestly. We’re going to answer all of the burning questions that people have about [the show].”
While there will be a voiceover in every episode of “13 Reasons Why” season 2, it will no longer be Hannah’s. There will also be a different type of analog technology that will be used in the second installment. The cassette tapes will not be the main tools, although the boxes will still be around.
The “13 Reasons Why” season 2 premiere has been set to air on Netflix in 2018.
