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A show like 13 Reasons Why isn't solely for one audience or age group. It's complex, intense, and at times troubling, subject matter is important enough to strike a chord with pre-teens, teens, and adults a like. By telling the story of a young high schooler, Hannah Baker, and the events leading up to her death by suicide, audiences are given an in-depth and intimate look at circumstances surrounding Hannah's death and her life as a modern-day teen. It's quickly become the most talked about show on Twitter this year.
The series, which is based on the 2007 YA novel by Jay Asher of the same name, has sparked a much-needed flame for parents to ignite conversation with their children. As a former teen myself, I know firsthand just how great the divide feels between parent and child, especially during high school. They don't *get* it, just like Clay Jensen's parents didn't *get* it, just like the teachers didn't *get* it. But now, with this series, adults are drawn closer to the flame and learning new ways to approach heavy topics like depression, mental health, bullying, and suicide.
So if you want to feel closer to a teen (as a parent, a mentor, or a curious spectator interested in bridging about generational gaps), then you maybe you block off some TV time. A Netflix study reports that 83% of parents have watched a show with their son or daughter, and, surprisingly enough, their kids are into it, too. A majority of the teens (74%) agreed that they would enjoy watching shows with their parents and then using them as a platform as a way to bond.
So, what shows are becoming the gateway into a more open relationship between parents and teens? Read on to see.
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