13 Reasons Why: Beyond the Reasons

13 Reasons Why: Beyond the Reasons is an impactful docuseries, released in 2017, that sets out to explore the additional context, details, and behind-the-scenes insight into the acclaimed teen drama series "13 Reasons Why". It's essentially a companion piece that serves as an important reflective platform on the parent show's hard-hitting, complex, and often contentious themes, providing a more thorough understanding and empathy to the core narrative of the series. The show effectively functions as a round-table discussion that features a diverse roster of its main cast led by its stars, seasoned production team, notable psychologists, and relevant experts.

The purpose of Beyond the Reasons is not to rehash or provide summary of the drama's plot points or the seventeen tapes that the protagonist, Hannah Baker, leaves behind after committing suicide. Instead, it reveals the intricate thought-processes, emotional roller coaster, and research expedition, the creators and actors had undergone to authentically represent the psychological, emotional, and social struggles faced by teenagers in contemporary society.

The show's format consists of elaborate discussions interspersed with clips from the drama, behind-the-scenes footage, and individual interviews from the ensemble cast. Each episode aligns with each season of the parent series, amplifying the discussions and dissections of the storylines, character developments and pivotal scenes, providing the audience an opportunity to delve deeper into the minds of the characters and understand their actions and reactions more thoroughly.

The creators Bryan Yorkey and Diana Son, along with the principal cast including Katherine Langford (Hannah Baker), Dylan Minnette (Clay Jensen), Alisha Boe (Jessica Davis), among others, share their unique experiences, difficulties, and rewards of working in the series. They recall their reactions when reading the script for the first time, the meticulous preparation it took to ensure the graphic and sensitive themes were portrayed carefully, and how playing these complex characters impacted them on a personal level.

Enriching these conversations are inputs from mental health experts, guidance counselors, and psychologists who have been part of the consulting team during the making of the show. They further enhance the understanding of the series' representation of weighty issues like bullying, suicide, sexual assault, and mental health problems among teenagers. They elucidate on the intricate psychology of the characters, the domino effect of their actions, and how these issues can be identified and addressed in real life.

Further, Selena Gomez, one of the executive producers of the show and a pivotal force behind bringing Jay Asher's original novel to the screen, shares her motivation and journey in creating a raw, unfiltered depiction of the pain and struggles faced by today's teens. She opens about her own mental health struggles, and reflects on how she hopes the series and this companion piece can serve to open dialogue, destigmatize mental health, and prevent suicide in the real world.

13 Reasons Why: Beyond the Reasons is not a casual viewing, but rather a necessary one, for those who want to get a fuller perspective of the drama series. It decodes the density, depth, details, and sensitivity of the issues addressed, that potentially could get overlooked while watching the main series. The conversation it sparks is aimed at providing a supportive environment that encourages teens to talk freely about their concerns, anxieties, experiences, both at school and home, ultimately conveying the message that no one is alone in their struggle.

This show serves as a bridge between the audiences and the makers, fostering mutual understanding and empathy. It's not just about unraveling why Hannah Baker took her own life, it explores the reality of what led her there, justifying the unfiltered portrayal of her pain and the subsequent reactions her suicide evokes in the people around her. 13 Reasons Why: Beyond the Reasons is a gripping and sensitive analysis that paves the way for heartfelt discussion and reflection on the realities that surround the parent series - enlightening and educating the audience in a far deeper and significant way than ever before.