It’s been a while since we had a brilliantly chilling series to spend our evenings bingeing -but finally, Netflix is here to fill the thriller-shaped hole in our lives. Wayward is the streamer’s exposing new series about a scenic town with a rather sinister side – and its deliciously dark storyline will have you transfixed.
The original series stars Toni Collette, a headmistress at a school in Oregon called Tall Pines. Only Tall Pines isn’t your typical school. It’s a "therapeutic" school for "troubled teens" that, as Toni Collette’s character, Leanne, says in the creepy trailer (you can watch it below) will "solve the problem of adolescence."
Ahead of Wayward's arrival on our screens, here's everything you need to know about it, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is Wayward about?
Set in a scenic town with a sinister side, the eight-part series explores the insidious underbelly of the "troubled teen industry" and the eternal struggle between one generation and the next. The teens at the centre of the series are Abby and Leila, 16-year-old “pot heads”, according to the official synopsis. When their parents run out of patience with them, they’re sent to Tall Pines, a correctional school in rural Oregon run by an unregulated cult – with Toni Collette (pictured) playing lead youth counsellor Leanne.
The synopsis continues: "Once there, they face an existential battle to retain their friendship, their sanity – and their lives. At the same time, Detective Dempsey (Mae Martin), struggling with a troubled past of their own, moves to Tall Pines at the bequest of their wife, who grew up there and wishes to return home to raise their soon-to-be-born child.
"But when Dempsey discovers the truth about Tall Pines and their wife’s deeper connections to the evils the town protects, they must work with our two potheads turned heroes to take it down from the inside."
Creator Mae Martin, best known for their comedy work, says: "I hope this show ignites the rebellious teenagers that exist in all of us. And, most importantly, let’s acknowledge that my hair is now several shades darker than previously, indicating that I am now in fact a serious actor."
You can watch the trailer for the series below...
Who's starring in Wayward?
The cast of Wayward includes:
- Mae Martin (Feel Good)
- Toni Collette (Hereditary)
- Sarah Gadon (Are You Afraid of the Dark?)
- Sydney Topliffe (Murdoch Mysteries)
- Alyvia Alyn Lind (Daybreak)
- Brandon Jay McLaren (Ransom)
- Patrick J. Adams (Suits)
- Joshua Close (In Their Skin)
- Patrick Gallagher (Night at the Museum)
Is Wayward based on a true story?
While the series isn't officially based on a true story, we do know that it draws inspiration from the "troubled teen industry", exploring the dark side of residential programs for wayward youth, which do indeed exist. Creator Mae Martin’s personal experiences have also reportedly influenced the portrayal of youth counselling dynamics.
How can I watch Wayward?
Netflix hasn't yet shared a release date for Wayward, but we do know that it will arrive on our screens at some point in 2025. As soon as we have a confirmed date, we'll share it here.
