Is 13 Reasons Why Based on a True Story? Ending Explained!
by Janani | Updated Apr 18, 2023
13 Reasons Why
Based on Jay Asher's 2007 novel "Thirteen Reasons Why," "13 Reasons Why" is an American teen drama TV series created by Brian Yorkey for Netflix. The show centers around Clay Jensen, a high school student who must grapple with the aftermath of fellow student Hannah Baker's suicide. Before her death, Hannah leaves behind a box of cassette tapes on which she recorded the reasons why she decided to take her life, as well as the people whom she blames for her death.
Is 13 Reasons Why Based on a True Story
No, 13 reasons why are not based on a true story. To clarify, "13 Reasons Why" is a fictional story, and Hannah Baker is not a real person. Although the original author of the book, Jay Asher, has shared what inspired him to write the story. In addition, Netflix has released a documentary called "13 Reasons Why: Beyond the Reasons," which explores the portrayal of mental health issues in the series. The documentary consists of three episodes that can be streamed on Netflix.
13 Reasons Why Ending Explained
The final episode of "13 Reasons Why" sees Clay and his friends putting an end to the show's central plot by burying Hannah's cassette tapes. During this, Jessica is confronted by the ghost of Bryce, who had raped both Hannah and Jessica and was later killed in season three. While Bryce arrogantly claims victory, Jessica credits him with bringing the group together in their trauma and emphasizes the importance of mutual love and support.
Later, Clay has a final conversation with the ghost of Justin, who reveals that his college essay was about how Clay positively impacted his life. The show concludes with Clay bidding farewell to his family and embarking on a road trip with his friend Tony. The final scene depicts Clay and Tony sitting together in the car, with the windows rolled down, in a moment of silent reflection.
13 Reasons Why Plot
The first season of the show is set in Evergreen, California's fictional county, and follows Clay Jensen, a student at Liberty High. He receives a collection of cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, a former Liberty High student who had died by suicide two weeks prior. Hannah's tapes detail thirteen reasons why she chose to take her own life, focusing on various people in her life, including Clay himself.
In the second season, the fallout from the events of the first season continues to affect the lives of Liberty High's students. Hannah's parents sue the school district, and her tapes are released online, causing further turmoil.
The third season takes place eight months after the events of the second, with a new student named Ani Achola narrating. Clay and his friends work to keep a secret about Tyler's attempted school shooting and to help him recover. Tensions rise among the people mentioned on Hannah's tapes after Bryce's murder, with Clay being a suspect. The season explores Bryce's past and his actions after the release of the tapes.In the fourth and final season, Clay's mental health declines due to the deaths of Bryce and Monty, while the other students of Liberty High prepare for graduation and their futures.
13 Reasons Why Review
On the other hand, 13 Reasons Why attempts to present itself as the representative of a generation but fails to delve into the complexities of its characters. It treats teen issues with a superficial concern or macabre fascination, which is not what young viewers need or deserve. Instead, they deserve a show that shows genuine compassion toward their struggles. If 13 Reasons Why genuinely wants to accomplish this, it should stop merely ticking off a list of teenage problems and start allowing its characters to develop and evolve in a meaningful way, giving viewers the chance to connect with them and their journeys.
13 Reasons Why Trailer
Is 13 Reasons Why Based on a True Story - FAQs
13 Reasons Why is an American teen drama television series.
Brian Yorkey developed 13 Reasons Why.
Dylan Minnette played the role of Clay Jensen.
Katherine Langford played the role of Hannah Baker.
Alisha Boe played the role of Jessica Davi.