Netflix’s Latest Mystery Thriller Series Smashes Records a Week After Dropping on the Platform
Netflix’s new mystery thriller series Wayward is taking the platform by storm, quickly becoming a global hit just days after its release on September 25. Created by Mae Martin, the Canadian limited series stars Martin herself alongside Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sydney Topliffe, Toni Collette, Sarah Gadon, and John Daniel.
The show is set in the fictional town of Tall Pines, Vermont, where nothing is as it seems. The story follows two teenage girls, Leila and Abbie, who have recently escaped from Tall Pines Academy, a school for troubled teens.
They join forces with local police officer Alex Dempsey, played by Sydney Topliffe, to uncover the town’s dark secrets. Alex and his pregnant wife quickly discover that the townspeople are hiding more than they realize. Toni Collette plays Evelyn Ward, the unsettling headmistress of Tall Pines Academy, whose influence seems to reach far beyond the school.
Toni Collette stars in the official trailer for #Wayward.
— Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 (@RottenTomatoes) September 2, 2025
New series premieres September 25 on Netflix. pic.twitter.com/nY8AtB3oTq
According to Netflix, Wayward currently holds the top spot on the platform’s Global Top 10 Shows chart. The show’s mix of suspense, mystery, and small-town intrigue has drawn viewers in, even as some critics note it can be confusing at times.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 78% approval rating based on 50 critic reviews. The site’s consensus reads, “An eerie mystery that eschews easy answers, Wayward can occasionally feel as listless as its title, but surprising twists and Toni Collette’s committed performance keep this thriller intriguing.”
Meanwhile, Metacritic gave the show a score of 71 out of 100, indicating “generally favorable” reviews based on 18 critics.
Despite mixed opinions, audiences seem captivated by the show’s twists and character dynamics. Wayward has already sparked discussions online, with fans sharing theories about the town’s hidden secrets and the connections between the academy and its students.
With its suspenseful plot and strong performances, Wayward is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most talked-about releases of 2025.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
