When 13 Reasons Why premiered on Netflix in 2017, it quickly became one of the most talked-about teen dramas of the decade. The show, based on Jay Asher’s bestselling novel, sparked global discussions about mental health, suicide prevention, bullying, and teenage struggles.
With Selena Gomez attached as an executive producer and a cast of mostly new actors, the series gained a cult following. But beyond the storylines of Hannah Baker and Clay Jensen, there are plenty of surprising behind-the-scenes facts that even the most dedicated fans don’t know.
Here are 25 lesser-known facts about 13 Reasons Why that reveal just how unique and impactful the series truly was.
1. The series is based on Jay Asher’s book
Netflix’s hit drama is adapted from Jay Asher’s 2007 novel Thirteen Reasons Why. The book topped bestseller lists and had already built a passionate fanbase long before the series was greenlit.
2. Katherine Langford auditioned via Skype
Australian actress Katherine Langford had never acted professionally before being cast as Hannah Baker. She auditioned for the role over Skype, and just 10 days later, she had to secure an O-1 visa to move to the U.S.
3. She nearly played Jessica Davis
Interestingly, Langford also auditioned for the role of Jessica Davis, which ultimately went to Alisha Boe.
4. Puppies were used for therapy on set
To help actors deal with heavy emotional scenes, therapy dogs were brought on set. According to Dylan Minnette, “There was a puppy per hour.”
5. Dylan Minnette helped choose the soundtrack
Clay Jensen’s posters and much of the show’s soundtrack reflect Minnette’s real-life music taste. Bands like The Cure, Bon Iver, and Arcade Fire were hand-picked by him.
6. Hannah’s death was changed for the show
In the book, Hannah overdoses on pills. In the series, she slits her wrists. Showrunner Brian Yorkey explained the change was made to emphasize the painful reality of suicide.
7. Hannah nearly survived in the book
Jay Asher considered writing an alternate ending where Hannah’s parents saved her life. He later decided the story’s message would be stronger if she didn’t survive.
8. Clay and Hannah shared the same poster
Both characters had an Arcade Fire tour poster on their walls—a subtle detail many viewers missed.
9. Selena Gomez almost played Hannah
Selena Gomez was initially set to star as Hannah but stepped back, realizing fans needed a fresh face to identify with. Instead, she became executive producer.
10. “The Night We Met” became iconic
The emotional school dance between Clay and Hannah featured Lord Huron’s haunting track The Night We Met, which became forever tied to the series.
11. Christian Navarro had to learn to drive
Navarro, who played Tony Padilla, didn’t know how to drive before filming. The producers paid for his driving lessons and license so he could handle Tony’s Mustang.
12. Different color palettes signaled flashbacks
Scenes before Hannah’s death used warmer, brighter tones. After her death, cooler and darker colors were used, helping viewers distinguish timelines.
13. Ross Butler was much older than his role
Butler, who played high school student Zach Dempsey, was actually 26 when filming the first season.
14. The book almost had a different title
Jay Asher originally wanted to call the book Baker’s Dozen: The Autobiography of Hannah Baker.
15. Katherine Langford experienced her first U.S. traditions on set
Coming from Australia, she got to experience prom, Halloween, and even the Fourth of July while filming in America.
16. Dylan Minnette appeared on Google Maps
Fans spotted what appeared to be Minnette standing outside Clay’s on-screen house when Google Maps updated its images.
17. Selena Gomez and cast got matching tattoos
Selena, Alisha Boe, and Tommy Dorfman got semicolon tattoos to symbolize mental health awareness and survival.
18. Dylan Minnette never read the book
Minnette purposely avoided reading Asher’s novel to keep his version of Clay Jensen authentic to the script.
19. Skye is played by Kevin Bacon’s daughter
Sosie Bacon, daughter of actor Kevin Bacon, played Skye, the troubled barista and Clay’s friend.
20. Hannah used real nail polish on her tapes
The blue polish used was “Endless Blue” by Sinful Colors.
21. The café artwork referenced Dylan’s band
One painting resembled a “bleeding man”—a nod to Minnette’s band, Wallows, and one of their songs.
22. Katherine Langford filmed for Marvel
She played Tony Stark’s daughter in Avengers: Endgame, but her scenes were cut.
23. Seven cast members lived in the same apartment building
During filming in California, much of the cast ended up in the same complex, making them even closer friends off-screen.
24. Dylan Minnette’s career was already huge
Before 13RW, he had appeared in over 25 TV shows and films, including playing young Michael Scofield in Prison Break.
25. Dylan Minnette formed a band
His band Wallows, founded in 2017, went on to sign with Atlantic Records and release multiple albums.
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Why 13 Reasons Why Still Matters Today
Why 13 Reasons Why Still Matters TodayEven years after its debut, the series continues to spark conversations about bullying, mental health, and how media portrays difficult topics. While controversial, it undeniably made an impact, inspiring fans and even influencing mental health awareness movements worldwide.
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