Mae Martin’s twisted take on the troubled teen industry arrives with Wayward, a psychological thriller that promises to expose the sinister underbelly of “therapeutic” institutions. Starring Martin alongside Oscar nominee Toni Collette, this eight-episode limited series premieres September 25 on Netflix, taking viewers deep into the picture-perfect facade of Tall Pines.
The Wayward – That Exposes Industry Horrors
Created by Mae Martin, who also serves as co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Ryan Scott, Wayward follows police officer Alex Dempsey (Martin) as he investigates unusual incidents at Tall Pines Academy. The school, led by the mysterious Evelyn Wade (Collette), claims to help “troubled teens” but harbors darker secrets that two desperate students – Abbie (Sydney Topliffe) and Leila (Alyvia Alyn Lind) are determined to expose.
Martin drew inspiration from personal experience, revealing: “I was a weird teen in the early 2000s, and my closest friend was sent to one of those troubled teen facilities when she was 16. When she returned, she had the wildest stories to tell”. This fascination with that vulnerable period eventually led Martin to investigate the troubled teen industry, which inspired the Wayward Netflix series narrative.
Behind-the-Scenes
Filmed primarily in Canada with a supporting cast including Sarah Gadon (Alex’s pregnant wife Laura), Brandon Jay McLaren, and Patrick J. Adams, the series required extensive research into the controversial “troubled teen” industry. The production team consulted with survivors and advocates to ensure authentic portrayal of institutional abuse without sensationalizing trauma.
Controversy surrounds the series’ subject matter, as real-life troubled teen facilities have faced numerous lawsuits and investigations for abuse. The Wayward Netflix series doesn’t shy away from these uncomfortable truths, with Martin noting the show explores “how hidden truths inevitably come to light.”
The series premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival before its Netflix debut, positioning it for awards consideration and critical acclaim. With Collette’s return to horror following Hereditary and Martin’s evolution from comedy to psychological thriller, Wayward represents a bold creative risk that could redefine both performers’ careers while shining necessary light on a troubled industry.
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