What is 13 Reasons Why Rated on Netflix: TV-MA Explanation and Guide?

What Is 13 Reasons Rated? Why It Matters More Than You Think

First off – what’s the official rating for 13 Reasons Why?

Let’s get the basics out of the way. The Netflix series 13 Reasons Why is officially rated TV-MA, which stands for “Mature Audience Only.” In U.S. terms, that’s like an R rating for TV — basically, not suitable for viewers under 17, and that’s not just a formality.

I remember when it first dropped in 2017. My cousin Leah, who was 14 at the time, binged the whole thing in secret. Her parents had no idea — they thought, “Eh, it’s a teen drama, how bad can it be?” And then… all hell broke loose. She had nightmares. And questions no one was prepared to answer.

So yeah, the rating is there for a reason. And it’s not just about a couple of curse words.

Why is the show rated so high?

Intense themes that hit hard

The series dives into suicide, sexual assault, bullying, drug use, depression, and self-harm — and it doesn’t always hold back on the graphic content. One of the most controversial scenes (now edited out, by the way) was the explicit depiction of Hannah Baker’s suicide in season one.

Honestly, when I first watched that scene... I paused. Then I cried. And I’m not someone who gets emotional over fiction. It just hit this raw nerve. And I totally get why people were outraged.

That’s one big reason why the TV-MA rating sticks — it’s about emotional intensity, not just visuals.

Viewer discretion isn’t just a suggestion

Netflix added trigger warnings at the start of certain episodes and even a companion series (Beyond the Reasons) to give viewers — and parents — context. But here’s the thing: even with the warnings, some viewers felt blindsided.

And yes, there are resources shown after episodes, but if you’re not in the right headspace, it might already be too late.

What do different countries rate it?

Funny thing is, 13 Reasons Why didn’t get the same rating everywhere.

• UK: Rated 18

• Australia: MA15+ (not for under 15s)

• Canada: 18A in some provinces

• Germany: FSK 16

So depending on where you’re watching from, the rating might slightly differ. But the consensus? It’s not for kids. Not even for younger teens, honestly.

Should teens watch it at all?

Mixed opinions — even among mental health experts

This is where things get complicated. Some therapists say the show opens up much-needed conversations. Others say it romanticizes trauma. And as someone who’s struggled with anxiety myself, I can say this: watching something that heavy when you’re emotionally vulnerable? Risky move.

I asked my friend Jordan, who’s a school counselor, what she thought. She said, “If teens watch it with a trusted adult, and they talk through it — it can be powerful. But alone, late at night on a phone screen? That’s where it gets dangerous.”

And she’s right. Context matters. Timing matters. Who you talk to after matters.

Final thoughts: the rating exists for a reason — please respect it

13 Reasons Why isn’t your average high school show. It’s dark, heavy, sometimes beautiful, but often deeply disturbing. The TV-MA rating isn’t about censorship — it’s about protection.

So if you’re a teen thinking of watching it — or a parent wondering if your kid should — don’t take the rating lightly. Have the conversations. Watch together if you must. But don’t ignore the warning signs just because it’s trending.

Because honestly, some stories can change you — for better or worse — and sometimes, we’re not quite ready for that kind of impact.

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