Ep 1. Episode 1

Clay Jensen, a high school student, returns home after a typical day to discover a mysterious package on his doorstep. The package turns out to be a box of cassette tapes, each numbered, belonging to Hannah Baker, a former classmate who died by suicide a few weeks prior. Each tape is dedicated to a person who Hannah believes contributed to her decision to end her own life.

As Clay listens to the tapes, he learns about the pain and struggles that Hannah endured throughout her life, including the betrayal, rumors, and bullying from her fellow classmates. The first tape is dedicated to Justin Foley, the first person on the list and a basketball player who used to be a friend of Hannah's.

Clay is shocked to learn that Justin and Hannah had a past together, which involved a picture of Hannah in a compromising position. The photo was taken by Justin and sent around the school, causing rumors and harassment towards Hannah. Clay is in disbelief that a person he thought he knew could have contributed to the death of someone they knew.

Throughout his listening, Clay is shown experiencing flashbacks to moments he shared with Hannah, such as working together at the local cinema and them confessing their feelings for each other. As Clay listens to each tape, he begins to uncover secrets and resentments that his fellow classmates had been hiding, and discovers that the school he once thought he knew is filled with darkness and lies.

As he continues on through the tapes, he becomes increasingly angry and overwhelmed by the harsh realities of the events that led to Hannah's suicide. The first episode sets up an emotional and compelling storyline, as well as deeply exploring the themes of mental health and bullying in a realistic and sensitive way.

The show captures the isolation and despair felt by teenagers who suffer from depression and anxiety, and offers insight into the devastating effects of bullying and harassment. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to continue learning about the secrets and struggles that Hannah faced throughout her life and how they ultimately led to her tragic end.