13 Reasons Why: video warnings added to controversial suicide drama

A new video has been added to the beginning of controversial TV drama 13 Reasons Why, warning viewers about its potentially troubling content.

The minute-long video replaces a static "viewer warning card" introduced last year, following widespread criticism over the Netflix show's portrayal of sexual violence and suicide.

"13 reasons why is a fictional series that tackles tough, real-world issues, tackling sexual assault, substance abuse, suicide and more," the show's cast explain in the new video. "If you are struggling with these issues yourself, this series may not be right for you, or you may want to watch it with a trusted adult."

Based on a 2007 novel of the same name, the series follows the events leading up to a teenage girl's suicide, and her friends' reactions in the aftermath of her death.

The drama has been called "misleading" by the Samaritans, and "dangerous" by Headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation. A study found that there was a 26 per cent spike in internet searches for "how to commit suicide" after the series premiered last year, while New Zealand introduced a new age rating to stop children under 18 from watching the show unaccompanied.

The drama is set to return later this year, though no release date has been confirmed. The new video will also appear before the first episode of the second series, while additional warnings appear before episodes with particularly explicit content.