Although many fans of 13 Reasons Why are likely looking forward to chugging their way through the highly-anticipated 13-episode second season of the drama, it's already time to bring up season three.
The news that the controversial (but necessary) Netflix series would be getting a second season came as a bit of a surprise last year, since the first season ends basically around the same point of Jay Asher's YA novel — although there are many, many differences between the two — and also with main character Hannah Baker taking her life. Of all the shows out there, it certainly seemed like it would lend itself well to a limited series situation. But then the explosion of 13 Reasons Why popularity took over, and it was obvious the powers that be wanted to continue on with the story. While the reception to season two is still up in the air, it's safe to assume season three will move forward regardless.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in January, Paramount Television head Amy Powell was asked if the studio's property would be open to creating a third season. "It's up to [showrunner] Brian [Yorkey]," she said. "We're not going to pressure him to create more seasons if he doesn't feel they are there, but he is already starting to think about what a season three could be."
Now that season two is upon us, it's not hard to guess what season three could consist of. The second season picks up a few months after the first season ends, with the characters still struggling in the aftermath of Hannah's death and the subsequent lawsuit her parents launch against the high school. The season mainly revolves around themes of healing and recovery, but also introduces a number of dramatic situations into the mix: serious drug additions, graphic sexual assault, bullying, and more. Powell went on to note that Yorkey approached the idea of season two with a bit of trepidation, which makes it seem like any future episodes will be handled with care.
"Brian Yorkey was reticent to come back for a second season until he could crack it," she explained. "He didn't want to commit to it blindly until he knew how to find an entry point into these characters and their stories . . . We won't show another suicide. There's new storytelling that is as provocative and unexpected."
