Kirstie Alley has blasted Netflix's "13 Reasons Why" and warned parents against allowing their children to watch the series. The actress spoke out against the show on Monday in a rant to Twitter.
"Don’t let your kids watch 13 Reasons Why...DARK so DARK and such an onslaught of the most non stop f--ked upness to come down the highschool pike since Caligula was 16," she wrote in her tweet.
There has been controversy surrounding "13 Reasons Why" since it debuted on the streaming service in March 2017. Based on a book by Jay Asher, the show looks at the suicide of Hannah Baker, played by Katherine Langford, who left behind 13 audiotapes for her classmates, who are struggling to understand why she took her life.
The series became an instant phenomenon, drawing praise for tackling difficult topics and criticism from some who say it glorifies suicide. Alley's followers were among those divided on how to view the series.
"I’m convinced Hollywood is working OT to plant dark seeds in our children," one fan replied to Alley's tweet. "They want depressed, suicidal, over sexualized, gender confused kids! I can’t stand it anymore. Where are the uplifting shows that stirs kids soul?"
"13 Reasons makes suicide seem like a good option. It is horrendous. It makes suicide seem like it isn't final. This show is psychologically damaging," another follower replied while others recounted stories of how their family members had taken their own lives.
"My uncle committed suicide when I was in high school. My parents and I had some serious discussions about suicide and depression. Parents shouldn’t rely on Hollywood or school to teach their children on any matter, especially serious one," a fan shared.
"My brother died by suicide 8/4/05. I’ve talked to our son about his uncle’s death numerous times (son is 16) and why it’s painful, and what Kirk’s issues with mental health were. No reason at all for him to watch that trash. Thanks for saying this," another replied.
Other followers disagreed with Alley's statement.
"Actually, it was a pretty true look into what money, athletisism & popularity, peer pressure can lead to for teens. Rape, drugs, alcohol, broken hearts, bullying, athletes treated like gods, suicide, clueless parents-it happens every day. 13 Reasons Why just made it visible," one replied.
"I completely disagree. It’s a great show. These are things that are happening to kids all over this country, so why turn a blind eye to it? Why not watch it with your kids so that you can start a very important conversation where they can ask questions or voice any concerns," another wrote.
In 2017, two California men asked Netflix to discontinue "13 Reasons Why" after two young girls in their families committed suicide. The men claimed the controversial show about teen suicide influenced the girls' actions.
Some have questioned whether the warning notices that show up in the opening credits do enough to protect vulnerable viewers after John Herndon's 15-year-old daughter, Bella, and Peter Chiu's 15-year-old niece, Priscilla, committed suicide in April that year, according to CBS News.
"Every day I look at Belle's picture, and I give her a kiss, and I say 'I miss you, baby,'" Herndon told CBS News.
"My Bella did suffer from depression," Herndon said, but he had no idea that it would lead to this.
Both girls had just finished watching the entire first season of "13 Reasons Why" at the time of their deaths.