Netflix Releases Teaser for Mae Martin-Toni Collette Thriller Wayward

Netflix is set to release 'Wayward,' an eight-episode limited series created by Mae Martin, who also stars as police officer Alex Dempsey. The thriller is set in the seemingly idyllic town of Tall Pines, where Alex and his pregnant wife encounter two students from a local school for troubled teens, uncovering dark secrets tied to the school's charismatic leader, Evelyn, played by Toni Collette. Drawing inspiration from films like Get Out and Fargo, the series blends comedic elements with horror-thriller tones and explores themes such as adolescence, generational conflict, and the controversial troubled teen industry. Martin, who identifies as non-binary, describes the show as a passion project rooted in personal experience and extensive research into the unregulated nature of troubled teen institutions. 'Wayward' aims to examine the compromises adults make to function in society and the eternal struggle between generations, all while challenging perceptions of family and community. The series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in September 2025, with a creative team including co-showrunner Ryan Scott and director Euros Lyn.