Wayward
We think you'll be very happy here.
Created by Mae Martin
On Netflix
A tense psychological thriller about institutional manipulation and hidden danger, built on paranoia and the unreliability of perception within a closed, cult-like community.
A small-town cop suspects that the local school for troubled teens — and its dangerously charismatic founder — may not be all it seems.
Keywords
Where to watch
- StreamNetflix
Questions people ask
Is Wayward scary? Yes, very. More frightening than 97% of series.
Does Wayward leave you hopeful? Barely. Less hopeful than 81% of series.
Is Wayward easy watching? Barely. Less comforting than 75% of series.
Is Wayward sad? Somewhat. More sad than 72% of series.
Is Wayward violent? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.
These describe how the series comes across across its whole run, compared with other well-known series. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked episode by episode, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.
Written about
- The Opposite of HBOFinding
- The Shows That Know They EndFinding
Cinnamon Score
How much this series gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.
Familiar shape, done well.
How unlike any other series this one feels
How much more it delivers than it promises
How much audiences actually like it
Ensemble
Everything like Wayward, and what each one shares →
Like Wayward
Nearest across the full emotional profile.
Same Mood as Wayward
Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.
Like Wayward, But Darker
Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.
Like Wayward, But Lighter
Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.
Like Wayward, But Less Popular
Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.
