The 5 Critical Reasons Netflix Removed The Original Bathtub Scene From 13 Reasons Why
The original bathtub scene from the Season 1 finale of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why remains one of the most controversial and debated moments in modern television history. As of December 17, 2025, the graphic, unedited footage of Hannah Baker’s suicide is no longer available on the platform, a decision made by Netflix years after the show’s debut following immense pressure from mental health organizations and medical experts. This retrospective look details exactly what was shown, the public outcry that followed, and the lasting impact of the streaming giant’s unprecedented choice to alter its own content.
The depiction of Hannah Baker’s final moments, intended by show creator Brian Yorkey to be an "unflinching" look at the pain of suicide, instead ignited a fierce global debate about the responsible portrayal of self-harm in media. The controversy centered on the potential for "suicide contagion," a phenomenon where media depictions of suicide can lead to an increase in real-life attempts, particularly among vulnerable young viewers.
The Controversial Scene and Character Profile: Hannah Baker
While the article focuses on the scene, understanding the key figures and the timeline of the controversy is crucial for topical authority. The focus of the show's first season was the tragic story of high school student Hannah Baker, played by actress Katherine Langford, who leaves behind a series of cassette tapes detailing the 13 'reasons why' she took her own life.
- Character: Hannah Baker (Protagonist)
- Actress: Katherine Langford (Received a Golden Globe nomination for the role)
- Show Creator: Brian Yorkey
- Original Release Date (Season 1): March 31, 2017
- Scene Location: Episode 13, "Tape 7, Side A" (The final tape)
- Scene Content: Hannah's graphic, three-minute-long suicide by slicing her wrists in a bathtub.
- Date of Editing/Removal: July 2019 (More than two years after the show's debut).
- Key Opposing Entities: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Child Mind Institute, and various mental health experts.
The sheer detail and duration of the original scene—nearly three minutes—were what drew the most criticism. Experts argued that showing the method and the act itself, rather than focusing on the aftermath or the emotional struggle, violated established media guidelines for safe suicide reporting.
The Unflinching Original: What Viewers Actually Saw
The original, unedited bathtub scene was designed to be a painful and difficult viewing experience. Showrunner Brian Yorkey defended its inclusion, stating that the intent was to show the reality of suicide as "ugly, painful, and in no way a romanticized choice."
In the original version of the Season 1 finale, Episode 13, viewers witnessed Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) filling the bathtub, changing into old clothes, and then deliberately cutting her wrists. The camera lingered on the act, showing her pain, the blood filling the water, and her eventual death. This graphic depiction was a deliberate choice by the creative team to shock the audience and drive home the severity of her trauma.
However, this artistic choice immediately backfired. The scene became a flashpoint for a national mental health crisis debate. Concerns were raised that the vivid detail could serve as a 'how-to' guide or, worse, sensationalize the act for a young, impressionable audience. Organizations warned of the "Werther Effect," or suicide contagion, where detailed media coverage of suicide can trigger copycat behavior.
The intense scrutiny led to real-world concerns. Studies published in the *Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry* suggested an increase in youth suicide rates in the months following the show’s release, though the direct causal link remains complex and debated. Nevertheless, the data was compelling enough to fuel the calls for the scene's removal.
The Edited Version: Why Netflix Made the Change
After more than two years of intense global criticism, Netflix took the unprecedented step of editing the controversial scene in July 2019. The decision was not taken lightly, but was ultimately driven by the advice of mental health experts, including Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of the AFSP.
The new, edited version of the scene is dramatically different. Instead of showing the graphic act, the episode now cuts away immediately.
The crucial difference is this: The revised scene shows Hannah Baker looking at herself in the mirror, then cuts to the next moment where her parents, Olivia and Andy Baker, discover her body in the bathtub. The actual act of self-harm, the blood, and the moments leading up to her death are completely removed.
In a statement released at the time of the edit, show creator Brian Yorkey explained the change: "We’ve heard from many young people that *13 Reasons Why* encouraged them to start conversations about difficult issues... But as we prepare to launch Season 3, we’ve heard concerns from mental health experts about the graphic scene in Episode 13... So we’ve agreed with Netflix to re-edit it." This statement highlighted the show’s dual legacy: sparking necessary conversations while also causing genuine harm.
The Lasting Impact on Content Moderation and Media Ethics
The removal of the original bathtub scene from *13 Reasons Why* set a significant precedent for content moderation on streaming platforms. It demonstrated that even successful, critically discussed content is not immune to public and expert pressure, forcing Netflix to prioritize public health concerns over artistic integrity.
The controversy surrounding the scene brought several key entities into the spotlight, including actors like Dylan Minnette (Clay Jensen), Alisha Boe, and Miles Heizer, who often had to defend the show's difficult subject matter in interviews. The entire production team was forced to confront the ethical implications of depicting sensitive topics like sexual assault and suicide.
The debate continues to this day among critics and viewers. Some argue that the original scene was necessary to prevent the romanticization of suicide, showing it as the brutal tragedy it is. Others, supported by the AFSP and the Child Mind Institute, maintain that responsible media must adhere to safety guidelines that prohibit the explicit depiction of suicide methods to prevent contagion. The edited scene now aligns with these guidelines, focusing the narrative on the emotional pain and the devastating aftermath, rather than the mechanics of the act.
Ultimately, the *13 Reasons Why* original bathtub scene controversy serves as a crucial case study in the intersection of entertainment, mental health, and social responsibility, forever changing how streaming services approach graphic and sensitive content.
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