'13 Reasons Why' Star Katherine Langford Opens Up About Show's Sensitive Topics

If you’ve read the “13 Reasons Why” book by Jay Asher, you know exactly what goes on.

You know that Hannah, played by Katherine Langford in the Netflix series, is harassed to a point where she feels the only way out of it all is by suicide. You’ve read all about it — and now you’re going to see it on the series.

“Things like putting around a list and having your name on a list that objectifies you, that’s a big deal, and it can have big consequences,” Katherine shared about the thing that starts it all for Hannah’s demise.

She adds, “Being in high school is like being in a [different] world. That’s your world, and there isn’t any perspective. Once your reputation is ruined – in a way, your reputation is everything – that’s it.”

“The choice to stay on these moments to a point where it makes the audience just past uncomfortable was a very deliberate decision,” she continued, speaking about what viewers will witness on the series. “It was done because we wanted to show the ugliness and not use these events and issues as plot devices or romanticize them in any way. In doing that, it challenges the audience.”

Her co-star, Dylan Minnette, adds, “We are not glorifying these acts. By forcing you to watch, by forcing you to flinch and feel heartbroken and devastated and disturbed … The only way to do it is to break your heart because that’s real life.”

13 Reasons Why premieres Friday, March 31st on Netflix.