13 Reasons Why is a popular Netflix TV show that ran for four seasons. I had heard a great deal about the show, but it took me a while to get around to watching it. While this is a “teen” show that takes place mainly in a high school, I do feel that anyone can enjoy it. Plus, the subject matter is so heavy that younger teenagers may struggle to get through it.
How to Stream or Download 13 Reasons Why
You can stream it or you can download 13 Reasons Why from Netflix using the Netflix App. Click on the Download button located at the end of this review. If you like Katherine Langford, check out also her performance in Knives Out (2019). If, on the other hand, you are interested in Dylan Minetter, check him out in Goosebumps (2015), Don’t Breathe (2016), or Scream (2022).
The Movie Review
I have to start by saying that the first season of 13 Reasons Why is fantastic. It is about a high school where a student called, Hannah has committed suicide and she has left a series of tapes explaining her reasons why. She calls out certain people and situations and it can be quite brutal to watch, to be honest with you.
We have a solid cast of young actors, but the main character in the first season is Clay and how this and the events that follow the suicide and the revelations affect him and those around him. I have to say that these actors really do not get enough credit for how believable they make everything in this show.
That first season had me on edge the whole time and it was very hard to watch in places. Dealing with suicide and horrible bullying can make this an uncomfortable watch that is for sure. However, I do think that shining a light on this kind of thing, especially in today’s social media-obsessed world is a good thing.
The second season I felt was a great follow-on. We have Hannah’s parents trying to sue the school and also a storyline about one of the kids and a student called Tyler wanting to do a school shooting. I found the second season to be just about as compelling as the first if I am being honest, especially the whole thing with Tyler and his “friends” trying to help him.
I would 100 percent say that 13 Reasons Why seasons 1 and 2 are worth your time watching. However, seasons 3 and 4 just never clicked with me. We have a new character in Ani, Clay is trying to deal with Tyler and his attempted school shooting and another character, Bryce, who was the main character that Hannah pointed the finger at is looked at much more closely in this season.
I did not think season 3 was as bad as many other people, but it was a huge step down from the previous two. With season 4, the students are getting ready for college and all of the events that have gone on so far are really taking a toll on Clay’s mental health. The actors did their best, but season 4 really struggled to keep my attention.
As I said, seasons 1 and 2 of 13 Reasons Why are great and well worth your time watching. Netflix is bad for canceling good shows after just one season, seeing this go on longer than necessary is kind of hard to take. Certainly, watching the first season at the very least, but I have to say if you check out before season 3 ends, I would not blame you one bit.
