13 Reasons Why season 3 is due in 2019, with the controversial Netflix series from Brian Yorkey returning following a cliffhanger ending to season 2.

Based on the novel of the same name by Jay Asher, 13 Reasons Why caused a big storm on social media when it first released in March 2017. Katherine Langford starred as the troubled Hannah Baker, with the show taking a retrospective look at the events that led up to her taking her own life. The show was aimed at young adults and tackled issues such as rape, bullying, substance abuse and suicide head-on. This prompted outrage from a number of parenting groups and intense, heated discussion across social media. Despite (or maybe because of) the outcry, 13 Reasons Why was a massive success for Netflix, and was quickly renewed for season 2, which dealt with the aftermath of Hannah's death and the viscous bullying of another socially outcast teen, Tyler.

Related: What We Need To See In 13 Reasons Why Season 3

The second season culminated in a horrific sexual attack on Tyler, which in turn prompted him to attempt a school shooting. Again, 13 Reasons Why managed to court a lot of controversies, and it's unlikely the renewed 13 Reasons Why season 3 will be any different. Here's everything we know so far.

13 Reasons Why Season 3 Release Date

13 Reasons Why season 3 doesn't have a firm release date yet, but it is sure to come in 2019. 13 Reasons Why season 1 arrived in March 2017, while season 2 aired on Netflix in May 2018. Based on that timescale, 13 Reasons Why season 3 could be expected around Summer 2019. Netflix are likely to keep fans guessing a while longer before cryptically revealing the release date like they did with season 2.

13 Reasons Why Season 3 Story

Yorkey and Netflix are very good at keeping the plot for 13 Reasons Why season 3 under wraps, but some details are known. Langford will most likely not be back for 13 Reasons Why season 3, and if she is, it will only be in a very minor role; Langford herself has said that she's let the character go, implying she will not return to the show, although neither Minnette or Yorkey have firmly ruled out Hannah's return. Minnette, whose character, Clay, was in love with Hannah, thinks there's still things to be learned from Hannah, while Yorkey said he doesn't see a tremendous presence for Hannah in 13 Reasons Why season 3, but added that her story will always be an integral part of the show.

As well as resolving the cliffhanger surrounding Tyler and the attempted shooting, 13 Reasons Why season 3 also needs to pick up with Bryce, who got given just three months probation for the rape of Jessica. With his girlfriend, Chloe, now pregnant, will he force Chloe to have an abortion? While 13 Reasons Why Season 3 will undoubtedly deal with some tough issues, it would be good to finally see some characters get a happy ending. Jessica was beginning to rebuild her life at the end of season 2, while Justin looked set to have a chance to get his life back on track after Clay's parents decided to adopt him. He needs to now get past his heroin addiction to fully heal his relationship with Jessica and move on. Yorkey has already said that 13 Reasons Why season 3 will look at how Tyler became so troubled, and what made him consider a mass shooting.

For Clay, as the central character of 13 Reasons Why, season 3 needs to examine how he rebuilds his own life and relationships after the death of Hannah and the subsequent court case, which took a toll on his own mental health in season 2. He is someone who always tries to do right by others. Consequently, that left him holding a firearm at the end of season 2, having helped Tyler escape the scene with Tony. He will most certainly have a lot of explaining to do when 13 Reasons Why season 3 arrives.

 

Related: 13 Reasons Why Season 2's Biggest Problem Was Keeping Hannah Baker

13 Reasons Why Season 3 Cast

13 Reasons Why season 3 may not have a release date yet, but there is some casting details. Dylan Minnette is confirmed to be back as Clay Jensen, and you can expect most of the other series regulars to return, including Christian Navarro as Tony, Alisha Boe as Jessica, Devin Druid as Tyler and Brandon Flynn as Justin. Justin Prentice will also be back as Bryce Walker and this time, his mother, played by Brenda Strong, is promoted to series regular. Another character becoming a regular is Montgomery de la Cruz, played by Timothy Granaderos, meaning Monty must surely answer to the horrific abuse he inflicted upon Tyler. While Hannah Baker most likely won't be back, 13 Reasons Why still has plenty of other character arcs to explore.

Next: Was Hannah Baker Pregnant In 13 Reasons Why?

13 Reasons Why season 3 will arrive on Netflix in 2019.