It’s been over two weeks since 13 Reasons Why premiered on Netflix and the show has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate. Some have praised it for its unflinching portrayal of teen suicide while others have criticized it for being insensitive and potentially harmful.
The show’s creator Brian Yorkey has defended the show saying that it’s meant to be a “conversation starter” about an important issue. And it’s true that 13 Reasons Why has sparked a lot of conversation. But some of that conversation has been about why the show is rated TV-MA.
TV-MA is the highest rating given to a TV show by the Motion Picture Association of America. It means the show is intended for mature audiences only and it’s not suitable for children or teens.
So why is 13 Reasons Why rated TV-MA? There are a few reasons.
First and foremost the show contains graphic depictions of suicide and sexual assault. It’s not gratuitous or sensationalized but it’s still extremely difficult to watch.
Secondly the show deals with some heavy topics like bullying rape and suicide. These are not easy subjects to discuss and the show doesn’t shy away from showing the dark realities of these issues.
Third the show includes strong language and some drug use.
All of these factors combine to make 13 Reasons Why a show that is not suitable for younger audiences. And while some people may argue that the show is too graphic or disturbing it’s important to remember that the show is rated TV-MA for a reason.
If you are thinking about watching 13 Reasons Why please be aware that the show may be too intense or triggering for some viewers. If you are struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts please reach out for help. There are resources available to you.
Why is 13 Reasons Why rated TV-MA?
Answer: According to the TV Parental Guidelines TV-MA is reserved for programs with mature themes and content that is intended for adults only.
Some of the content in 13 Reasons Why that would warrant this rating includes mature subject matter such as sexual assault substance abuse and suicide.
How does the TV-MA rating affect who can watch 13 Reasons Why?
Answer: The TV-MA rating means that the show is not suitable for viewers under the age of 17.
This is due to the mature themes and content featured in the show.
What type of content is included in 13 Reasons Why that would warrant a TV-MA rating?
Answer: Some of the content in 13 Reasons Why that would warrant this rating includes mature subject matter such as sexual assault substance abuse and suicide.
Why did the producers of 13 Reasons Why choose to make the show TV-MA?
Answer: It is likely that the producers of 13 Reasons Why chose to make the show TV-MA in order to accurately depict the difficult and often dark subject matter that the show addresses.
Do all shows on Netflix have a TV-MA rating?
Answer: No not all shows on Netflix have a TV-MA rating.
Some shows may be rated TV-14 which means they are suitable for viewers 14 years of age and up.
Is 13 Reasons Why the only show on Netflix with a TV-MA rating?
Answer: No there are other shows on Netflix with a TV-MA rating.
Some of these shows include Dexter Orange is the New Black and BoJack Horseman.
How many seasons of 13 Reasons Why are there?
Answer: As of October 2020 there are four seasons of 13 Reasons Why.
Is 13 Reasons Why based on a book?
Answer: Yes 13 Reasons Why is based on the 2007 young adult novel of the same name by Jay Asher.
What is the premise of 13 Reasons Why?
Answer: The premise of 13 Reasons Why is that a high school student named Clay Jensen receives a box of cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah Baker before she committed suicide.
The tapes detail the thirteen reasons why she chose to end her life.
Who stars in 13 Reasons Why?
Answer: Some of the main cast members of 13 Reasons Why include Dylan Minnette Katherine Langford Christian Navarro and Alisha Boe.
Who directed 13 Reasons Why?
Answer: The first season of 13 Reasons Why was directed by Tom McCarthy.
Is 13 Reasons Why a true story?
Answer: No 13 Reasons Why is not a true story.
However it is based on a novel of the same name by Jay Asher.
What are some of the awards that 13 Reasons Why has won?
Answer: 13 Reasons Why has won numerous awards including the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series.
When was 13 Reasons Why released?
Answer: 13 Reasons Why was released on Netflix on March 31 2017.
How many episodes are in 13 Reasons Why?
Answer: As of October 2020 there are seventy-four episodes of 13 Reasons Why.
