13 Reasons Why star reflects on shocking season four death: ‘It really feels like a loss’

Show’s fourth and last season has left many fans emotional

Warning: the story below contains spoilers for 13 Reasons Why season four.

Brandon Flynn says a major death in 13 Reasons Why‘s fourth season ‘really feels like a loss’ and mirrors ‘the actual process of grief’.

The actor, who portrayed Justin Foley on the controversial Netflix show, spoke to Entertainment Weekly in the aftermath of the series finale.

13 Reasons Why‘s fourth and final season was released on 5 June by Netflix.

In the last episode, Foley is revealed to have contracted HIV, which has progressed to AIDS.

He is also diagnosed with pneumonia and meningitis. Both conditions ultimately lead to his death.

While that story arc has left many fans emotional, Flynn told Entertainment Weekly he finds it to be a faithful account of the experience of grief.

“I get that Justin’s beloved but also, his storyline is so full of ups and downs that you’re really rooting for him,” the actor said.

“So when you get to the finale and you find out that he’s the one who’s passed away, it really feels like a loss.

“I applaud the writers in the way they handled the storyline because I think even seeing some of the responses being outrage, it’s the actual process of grief.”

The series has regularly faced criticism over the past few years. Recently, Kirstie Alley said parents shouldn't let children watch the show.

The HIV/AIDS storyline has also been criticised by some who felt that it was a missed opportunity to educate viewers about an important topic.