Image Source: Netflix [1]

13 Reasons Why [2] is indisputably one of Netflix's biggest shows of the year [3], but you would never know that by looking at the recent Emmy nominations [4]. The list, which was unveiled on Thursday, includes other Netflix shows like Orange Is the New Black [5] and the recently canceled Sense8 [6], but any nods for the 13-episode drama following the life and death of Hannah Baker [7] are curiously absent. Although the show features standout performances from Kate Walsh and Katherine Langford (as Olivia and Hannah Baker, respectively), the intense backlash 13 Reasons Why received [8] for its graphic, controversial scenes might be to blame.

The show follows quiet high school student Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) after he receives a box of 13 cassette tapes from Hannah (Langford), his classmate and crush who killed herself a few weeks earlier. The writers and production team specifically didn't want to shy away from showing how Hannah kills herself [9], and a later scene in the series depicts the moment she graphically slits her wrists in a bathtub. Although some praised the brutally honest approach [10] to teen suicide, people also vocally criticized the unflinching scenes as "dangerous" [11], claiming it "glorifies" suicide [12] and might put already depressed viewers even more at risk.

Another reason for the Emmy Awards snub might be the fact that 13 Reasons Why is primarily seen as a show for teens, even if it's not. Yes, it boasts a huge, young cast, and yes, it takes place in a high school, but anyone can relate to the way it explores the dark realities of being a teenager. TV viewers are not limited to consuming pop culture geared only toward their age groups. Could that be the reason why the Television Academy chose to leave the Selena Gomez-produced project [13] off their 67-page press release?

The only thing that throws a wrench in that theory is the fact 13 Reasons Why has also been shut out of the Teen Choice Awards nominations [14]. Well-received shows like Riverdale and Stranger Things scored noms, but Famous in Love? And Star? Both also picked up nominations, while not a single category gives love to 13 Reasons Why.

Naturally the snub sparked a debate on Twitter, with people on both sides of the controversy weighing in.

13 reasons why didn't get an emmy it's what she deserves. never been happier pic.twitter.com/1Pxr4cUJPt [15]

— a (@papirafaeI) July 14, 2017 [16]

Count me as one of the people pissed that Emmy voters ignored "13 Reasons Why" actors.

— Matthew Gilbert (@MatthewGilbert) July 13, 2017 [17]

13 reasons why was ROBBED https://t.co/9kLkq06Vpo [18]

— ㅤ (@cumwithsel) July 13, 2017 [19]

13 Reasons Why didn't get any Emmy nominations pic.twitter.com/zDRvg3snBz [20]

— la bella vita (@drugproblem) July 13, 2017 [21]

"13 Reasons Why got seriously snubbed at the Emmy nominations" pic.twitter.com/T7TDMN3ukn [22]

— ⚡️ nathan ⚡️ (@__Nathan) July 13, 2017 [23]

Whether you agree with the series or not, most of the cast of @13ReasonsWhy [24] deserved an Emmy nod, esp @ChristianLN0821 [25]. :( #JusticeForTony [26] pic.twitter.com/6jsZamV0Du [27]

— Chucho E. Quintero (@Chucho_Q) July 14, 2017 [28]

So Selena Gomez stans where is 13 Reasons Why's Emmy nominations since it's such an iconic groundbreaking show pic.twitter.com/tARv1dEXsb [29]

— Sean (@huganomics) July 13, 2017 [30]

Saw the Emmy list. Predictable, but where is @13ReasonsWhy [31]. That show & actors/writers were ROBBED! #EmmyNominations [32] #13ReasonsWhy [33] #Netflix [34]

— shellyXthomas (@shellythomas) July 13, 2017 [35]

Katherine, Dylan, Kate, and Alisha got completely robbed #Emmy [36] nomination wise. #13ReasonsWhy [37] pic.twitter.com/TvklBdITck [38]

— Becca Brown (@BeccaBTalksTV) July 13, 2017 [39]

The fact that Sense8, the show Netflix canceled, got an Emmy nomination, but 13 Reasons Why ain't get nothing but Backlash. pic.twitter.com/XqTookbhxU [40]

— SJ (@Stephen_NYMonsr) July 13, 2017 [41]

Very sad to see @InsideBates [42] and @13ReasonsWhy [43] snubbed at the #Emmys2017 [44]. They were phenomenal shows that deserved more accolades.

— Anna Grajales (@annacgrajales) July 13, 2017 [45]