Laura Huynh
Despite it being over two weeks since its debut on Netflix, “13 Reasons Why” is still all the buzz in the media right now. In fact, the series generated the most social media discussions in Netflix history.
The Netflix series was adapted from Jay Asher’s best selling novel, but there were new elements added to the story line that captured life beyond the tapes.
The story follows the 13 tapes of Hannah Baker and why her life ended. We are taken on journey of love, loss, and recovery. We see character development in every episode, but we also see the cruelty and misfortune that exists in people. The main themes from the show all tie back to the real world.
The perfect choices in casting in another reason why people are buzzing over it. Selena Gomez, executive producer of the show, took to Instagram after they found the two main characters:
However, the praise in casting goes beyond there. Each and every character, no matter how minor, either found a way to steal the hearts of the audience or make them scream in rage. Fans were especially excited to see the amount of diversity on screen.
13 reasons why has diversity, lgbtq+ representation and shows us mental illness without romanticizing it
— ? (@ravenclvws) April 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/idksalone/status/852334869531303936
i have to say, i love 13rw's diverse casting. they pretty much represent everyone & more tv shows need to do that.
— alyssa ? (@gtfoalyssa) April 14, 2017
The representation of the Asian community is severely lacking in Hollywood, so to have two of the main characters in the show be Asian American made a mark in the movement – although we still have a long way to go. Courtney Crimson, played by Michele Selene Ang, and Zach Dempsey, played by Ross Butler, are both of Asian descent.
When asked on his take on Asian representation in Hollywood, Butler responds:
There are no Asian leading men in Hollywood. There’s not an Asian Ryan Gosling or an Asian Brad Pitt.
“It’s important because it’s telling the story that Asian Americans are in American culture. They’re a big part of our population. It’s a stepping stone to helping find our Asian-American leading movie stars. That’s the next step.”
The cast also spend time together beyond the set. There is a sense of real friendship from the cast members, and that is beyond admirable.
In fact, Selena Gomez, Tommy Dorfman, and Alisha Boe all went to get matching tattoos last week.
As of right now, Tommy Dorfman and Dylan Minnette are enjoying their time at Coachella.
? #13ReasonsWhy Tommy avec Dylan via Instagram Stories a Coachella pic.twitter.com/SuKDXH9x2U
— 13 reasons why fr (@13reasonswhyFRA) April 16, 2017
Honestly though, we’ve never seen better #FriendshipGoals.
The connection between the cast members in real life definitely translated well on the camera, making the series much more “realistic” and enjoyable to watch.
If you have not gotten around to watching 13 Reasons Why on Netflix yet, we highly suggest you check it out right now. It’s never too late to join the party!
Tweet us @CelebMix what you love most about the show and the cast.
