Season 3 of '13 Reasons Why' Premieres in 3 Weeks

On Thursday, Netflix announced the third season of its popular but controversial show, “13 Reasons Why,” will drop on Aug. 23, 2019. The show has also been renewed for a fourth (and final) season.

In the official trailer, we find out the central question season three will address: Who killed the show’s villain, Bryce Walker (Justin Prentice)? Since multiple characters on the show have a motive to harm Bryce, the answer to this question is not so clear cut.

The first season of “13 Reasons Why,” based on the novel of the same name, focused on Hannah Baker’s (Katherine Langford) suicide and the 13 tapes she left behind for her classmates explaining “why.” The second season addressed sexual assault, specifically how Bryce sexually assaulted Hannah before her death, as well as other girls at Liberty High School.

The teen show has been criticized for its handling of sensitive topics. Both season one and two culminated in incredibly graphic scenes in the final episode — the first had a graphic suicide scene, and the second, a graphic rape scene.

Recently, producers of “13 Reasons Why” decided to edit out the graphic suicide scene in season one. Prior to this decision, multiple studies found the suicide rate among young people increased following the release of the show.

Season three will be the first season of the show that doesn’t center prominently on the impact of Hannah’s suicide on the teens at Liberty High. In an Instagram post last year, actress Katherine Langford said she would not be appearing in future “13 Reasons Why” seasons.

“‘Hannah…I love you…and I let you go’ Those are the words I was able to say six months ago, and now can finally share with you as my journey on @13reasonswhy has officially come to an END!” Langford wrote. “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to tell Hannah’s story.”

View this post on Instagram

"Hannah…I love you…and I let you go" Those are the words I was able to say six months ago, and now can finally share with you as my journey on @13reasonswhy has officially come to an END! As most of you know, this was my first ever job and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to tell Hannah's story so fully in season 1, and to be asked back for a season 2. Thankyou to @netflix @paramountpics @anoncontent , the incredible producers, creatives, cast and crew for making these last 2 years so special. And to all of you here – Thankyou for filling my life with love and light ???? This show will always be a special part of my life, and regardless of whether Hannah is there or not, I know that I will continue to strive to do work that is meaningful and has a positive impact – whether that be in film, music, or any other form of art. There is a lot coming up this next year, and I can't wait to share it with you ???? #hannahbaker

A post shared by KATHERINE LANGFORD (@katherinelangford) on May 25, 2018 at 9:59am PDT

You can watch the official trailer for season three below. Will you be watching?