Netflix’sWaywardhas quickly become a cultural touchstone, captivating audiences with its intricate mysteries and unsettling atmosphere. The show isn’t just a thrilling ride; it taps into a growing unease about hidden darkness within seemingly idyllic communities and the troubling realities of institutions meant to help vulnerable youth.
At its core,Waywardis a masterclass in suspense. It doesn’t offer easy answers, instead presenting viewers with a web of interconnected puzzles that unravel slowly, demanding attention and rewarding careful observation. This deliberate pacing, combined with the show’s exploration of small-town secrets, echoes a familiar and compelling subgenre – the unsettling realization that darkness can lurk beneath the surface of even the quietest places.
The series shines a stark light on the controversial “troubled teen” industry, embodied in the ominous Tall Pines Academy. Run by the chillingly composed Toni Collette, the academy becomes a focal point for examining themes of control, manipulation, and the potential for abuse within these facilities. This element resonates deeply, mirroring real-life accounts of trauma and misconduct at similar institutions.
Beyond its gripping plot,Waywardis groundbreaking in its representation. Created by and starring non-binary comedian Mae Martin, the show centers a trans character, a significant step forward for mainstream television. This inclusion isn’t merely symbolic; it’s woven into the narrative, adding layers of complexity and authenticity.
IfWaywardhas sparked your interest in this genre of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries, there’s a wealth of other shows to explore. ConsiderWayward Pines(2015-2016), a series built on a similar foundation of unsettling secrets and a town where escape seems impossible.
Wayward Pinesbegins with a Secret Service agent investigating disappearances in a seemingly perfect Idaho town. The idyllic facade quickly crumbles as he discovers a terrifying truth: no one is allowed to leave, and the consequences for trying are brutal. The show expertly builds tension, layering mystery upon mystery with each shocking revelation.
For a supernatural twist on the small-town mystery,Hemlock Grove(2013-2015) offers a dark and atmospheric experience. Set in a Pennsylvania town grappling with economic hardship, the series follows the investigation of two teenage girls’ murders, with suspicion falling on a young man rumored to be a werewolf. But the truth is far more complex and unsettling than it appears.
No discussion of eerie small-town mysteries is complete without acknowledgingTwin Peaks(1990-1991, 2017). This iconic series, created by David Lynch, set the standard for the genre. The investigation into the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer unravels a web of dark secrets and supernatural forces that haunt the town and its residents.
Yellowjackets(2021-present) shares a similar tonal landscape withWayward, delving into the complexities of trauma and the secrets that bind a group of survivors. The show jumps between 1996, when a high school girls’ soccer team crashes in the wilderness, and the present day, revealing the lasting impact of their desperate struggle for survival.
The Wilds(2020-2022) presents a unique spin on the survival narrative. A plane crash leaves a group of teenage girls stranded on a deserted island, but it soon becomes clear that the “accident” was orchestrated as part of a social experiment. The show explores themes of manipulation, competition, and the pressures faced by young women in society.
Stephen King’sThe Institute(2025-present) offers a chilling exploration of a school for children with unique abilities. This isn’t a place of learning, but a facility where children are subjected to grueling experiments, raising disturbing questions about power, control, and the ethics of scientific research.
For a more recent, twisty mystery,The Frog(2024) delivers a compelling narrative of isolation and suspicion. A man seeking peace in a secluded town finds his quiet life disrupted by a mysterious woman and her son, leaving him to unravel a web of secrets and unsettling events.
Pieces of Her(2022) offers another compelling performance from Toni Collette, echoing the unsettling presence she brings toWayward. The series follows a woman whose seemingly ordinary life is shattered when a violent attack reveals a hidden past and a mother with a dangerous secret.
From(2022-present) takes the concept of a trapped town to a literal extreme. Residents of a mysterious town find themselves unable to leave, haunted by terrifying creatures that emerge after dark. The series blends suspense, horror, and a growing sense of dread as the characters struggle to survive.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the real-world issues at the heart ofWayward,The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping(2024) is a harrowing true crime docuseries. It investigates the abuses within the “troubled teen” industry, exposing the dark realities of facilities like the Academy at Ivy Ridge and the lasting trauma inflicted on its “students.”
