Netflix's '13 Reasons' Why Season 2 Will Be Darker, 'More Emotional'

by Diane Samson / Aug 18, 2017 01:46 PM EDT

Netflix's "13 Reasons Why" Season 2 is on its way. Months after the series premiered online, the streaming service has renewed the controversial teen drama for a new installment and, in a new interview, stars Dylan Minnette (Clay) and Katherine Langford (Hannah) reveal what it will be about.

If the first season of "13 Reasons Why" was an exploration of the often cruel lives of teenagers, Season 2 will be all about one thing: recovery. The next installment of the popular television series will see the repercussions of Hannah's suicide and her subsequent revelations through her tapes. Needless to say, it is going to be an emotional ride.

At Variety's Power of Young Hollywood event in Lost Angeles this week, Minnette and Langford divulge that Season 2 of "13 Reasons Why" will take place a few months after the events of Season 1. Moreover, the lives of the students of Liberty High will be heading to dark directions ahead.

"It's naturally going to get to a more emotional place, due to the nature of the story we're telling," Minnette explains to ET. "I'm sure we're all heading in some dark directions again."

"13 Reasons Why" dealt with serious and sensitive topics like bullying, teen suicide, and rape. The series has been criticized for romanticizing suicide and has been blamed for the rise of Internet searches on the topic.

Langford adds that "13 Reasons Why" Season 2 almost feels like it is a completely different show. Aside from its new theme, the actor reveals that there is a tighter security around major plot points this time around. "Everyone wants to very much protect the story and the content of the story 'cause that makes the TV show engaging," Langford states.

"13 Reasons Why" Season 2 will introduce a slew of new characters. Earlier this year, the teen drama has cast Kelli O' Hara ("Masters of Sex") as Jackie, an advocate against bullying. Digital Spy reports that Bryan Cass, Chelsea Alden, Samantha Logan and Anne Winters also joined the cast.

"13 Reasons Why" Season 2 is expected to premiere some time in 2018. In the mean time, Season 1 is still streaming exclusively on Netflix.