Netflix shows like ’13 Reasons Why,’ ‘The Closer,’ and ‘Dahmer – Monster’ have faced criticism and legal challenges for their portrayal of sensitive topics, sparking debates on the ethical responsibilities of media platforms.
Netflix has been known for releasing a series of controversial shows that have sparked debates, criticisms, and even legal actions. Among these, “13 Reasons Why,” released in March 2017, faced backlash from mental health groups for its portrayal of suicide, which some schools feared could trigger vulnerable students. The teen drama was linked to a 13% increase in suicide deaths among young people aged 10 to 19 in the following three months, according to researchers from the Medical University of Vienna.
In 2021, comedian Dave Chappelle’s special “The Closer” received criticism for anti-transgender comments, leading to a walkout by Netflix employees and calls from advocacy groups for its removal, although it remained on the platform. The following year, Ricky Gervais’s “SuperNature” also attracted controversy for similar reasons, drawing rebuke from LGBTQ+ organizations for anti-trans rants.
The true-crime dramatization “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” caused distress among the victims’ families, with accusations that Netflix was retraumatizing them for entertainment purposes. Conversely, Korean drama “Squid Game: The Challenge,” a reality version of the scripted series, was criticized after participants reported injuries and unsafe conditions during filming, though no lawsuit was filed against the show as confirmed by Netflix.
The miniseries “Griselda,” about drug trafficker Griselda Blanco, also stirred controversy, leading to a lawsuit from Blanco’s son for misuse of likeness and personal material, which was ultimately dismissed. Lastly, “Baby Reindeer” drew significant attention after the public identified a real-life individual similar to a character in the show, leading to severe harassment and legal threats against Netflix.
These series have highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the portrayal of sensitive subjects in media and the real-world impact of fictional narratives.
