13 Reasons Why stars Katherine Langford (Hannah Baker) and Dylan Minnette (Clay Jensen) are aware the Netflix show has not sat well with many viewers given its confronting portrayal of teen suicide.
However, the two spoke to Entertainment Tonight at the Netflix FYSee Kick Off Event at Netflix FYSee Space on May 7 and opened up candid about some of the criticism the show has faced. And, despite the controversy, the leading actor’s have stated that they’ve received plenty of positive feedback.
“People that have talked to me have said that it’s really helped them out with their friends,” Minnette said. “It’s really amazing the responses from people… you know, nobody’s thoughts or opinions are invalid because there’s no invalid thoughts about it. But I’m just glad that it’s bringing these discussions to the mainstream — they really haven’t been before enough. I’m just glad we reached our goal in that sense.
Langford also agreed with his costar, by suggesting the point of the show is to create a discussion amongst viewers.
“I’ve only heard good responses, not just necessarily positive, but it seems to hit a lot of people in a way that a lot of shows haven’t,” she said. “And it is very cool, and it’s something I feel lucky to be a part of, and it’s interesting as well because I think we set out not to make the best show — or the best award-winning show — just to make a show to promote discussion, or kind of instigate conversation. I feel like that’s kind of what we’ve done. So, it’s cool — it’s really cool.”
