Netflix's 'Wayward' Is The Perfect Psychological Thriller For 'Nine Perfect Strangers' Lovers

What is 'Wayward' about?

Wayward follows a school for "troubled" teenagers that's set in a very nice, very small town. When 16-year-old Abby and Leila arrive, they start to realize that this school isn't everything that it seems. From the strange leader Leanne (Toni Collette) to the cult-like vibes, these two know there's something off here. Meanwhile, Detective Alex Dempsey moves into town and immediately starts to discover secret after secret about the school, the town, and his own life.

According to the series showrunner, Mae Martin, it’s basically “if you took the kids from Booksmart and put them in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

Now this I gotta see!

What genre is 'Wayward' On Netflix?

I must admit, the only way I’m able to properly digest the horror genre is if it’s infused with genuinely comedic moments. That’s why I’m such a big fan of movies like Jennifer’s Body, Stephen King’s IT, and The Visit. Basically, I love the roller coaster of emotions: one moment you’re screaming with laughter and the next you’re screaming with fear. It’s like a palate cleanser! Yet if I’m only being served horror, I just feel downright terrified and uncomfortable- aka not my cup of tea. (I will never understand why some people want to sit down and squirm in terror. Like, yeah, no thank you! I think I’ll pass.)

With this in mind, I’m super grateful that Martin describes her upcoming Netflix show as “genre-bending” with a perfect blend of horror, comedy, and thrills. Now we’re talking!

Who's in the 'Wayward' cast?

The Wayward cast includes:

• Mae Martin (The Flight Attendant)
• Toni Collette (Hereditary, The Way Way Back)
• Patrick J. Adams (Suits, A League of Their Own)
• Sara Gadon (Ferrari)
• Brandon Jay McLaren (The Rookie, Graceland)
• Alyvia Alyn Lind (The Spiderwick Chronicles)
• Patrick Gallagher (Big Sky, Glee)
• Joshua Close (Fargo, Killers of the Flower Moon)
• John Daniel (Overcompensating)
• Tricia Black (The Z-Suite)
• Tattiawna Jones (Murderbot, Station Eleven)
• Feaven Abera (How to Die Alone)
• Erik Junnola (It: Chapter Two)
• Sydney Topliffe
• Milton Torres Lara
• Isolde Ardies
• Elizabeth Adams
• Michela Cannon

Is there a trailer for 'Wayward' yet?

Yes, and it's good! “Welcome to Tall Pines,” Collette’s character Evelyn Wade says in the Wayward trailer. “We think you’ll be very happy here.” Yet unsurprisingly, the students at the program for troubled teens are anything but jolly. In fact, quite the contrary, considering they will do anything in their power to escape the horrific institution that they’re seemingly trapped in.

When does 'Wayward' come out?

Grab your popcorn, because this thrilling new limited series will grace the number 1 streaming platform on September 25th, 2025.

What are people saying about 'Wayward' so far?

Although it’s currently well over a month until the show is available for streaming, fans are already expressing their enthusiasm on Reddit.

“Colette in anything is a great watch, but when in horror/thriller it’s a must,” said one commenter.

Another agreed, adding, “I’d watch Toni Collette wash her car, she’s that good.”

Are you guys as excited to see Mae Martin and Toni Collette’s new project as we are? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.