Will there be a Wayward Season 2? Netflix ending explained & what’s next

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The thrilling finale of Wayward has left viewers with a lot of unanswered questions, leading many to wonder: will Netflix renew the series for a Season 2? Here’s an update on what we currently know, as the show continues to be a hit on the streaming charts.

Following Paris Hilton’s 2020 documentary, This Is Paris, programs designed for troubled teens have come under increased examination. Netflix shows like Hell Camp and The Program have led to more people who attended these residential facilities sharing their difficult and frightening experiences.

While it’s a work of fiction, the show Wayward draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of creator Mae Martin’s close friend. She was sent to a facility for troubled teenagers as a young person. The Netflix series takes these events and presents them in a dramatized form, featuring Toni Collette as the mysterious head of the Tall Pine academy.

The thriller series quickly became the most popular show on the streaming service in the US. Its high viewership and cliffhanger ending have sparked discussions about a possible second season. Be warned: spoilers follow!

Will there be a Wayward Season 2?

Netflix hasn’t officially announced whether there will be a second season of Wayward. While the show was initially described as a “limited series,” the actors and Mae Martin have said they’d like to explore the story further.

As you probably know, a limited series is a show that’s designed to be complete in itself, with a set number of episodes that tell one full story-there aren’t any plans to continue it with more seasons. However, when a show becomes very popular, things can sometimes change.

Many shows initially presented as limited series have continued beyond their original plan. For example, Big Little Lies, while first intended as a single season, was renewed for a second and is now set to have a third. 13 Reasons Why was also promoted as a one-time adaptation, but it ultimately ran for three seasons. The White Lotus followed a similar path.

Similarly, Wayward might experience this if its viewership continues to increase. As for Martin, there are still more stories to explore if a second season is approved.

In an interview with TV Insider, the creators explained, “I was initially led to believe this would be a limited series, but there’s clearly potential for further storytelling, in my opinion. We ended the season with all of our characters facing significant challenges. Hopefully, the ending provides enough closure to be enjoyable even as a standalone story.”

Collette mentioned the cast often discusses the possibility of returning, explaining, “It’s endlessly fascinating. Truly endlessly. There are so many potential directions the story could take, definitely.”

Alyvia Alyn Lind and Sydney Topliffe, who play Leila and Abbie, are also interested in returning. Topliffe told the publication, “I would love to come back.” Lind chimed in, “Mae, if you’re listening, we’re here. We’re ready.”

As said, there are many lingering questions left unanswered after the Netflix show’s ending. 

Wayward ending explained

The conclusion of Wayward is a mix of happy and sad. Abbie successfully leaves Tall Pines, but she’s by herself. Leila, along with Alex (Martin), Laura (Sarah Gadon), and their baby, remain for different reasons.

Leila is just about to graduate and leave the academy, but at the very last moment, she breaks down and tells Abbie she wants to remain, worried she has no purpose outside its walls. Essentially, Evelyn (Collette) has completely brainwashed her.

In the beginning of Wayward, Alex attempts to collaborate with his wife, Laura, to escape the influence of Tall Pines and Evelyn before their child arrives. But he quickly discovers that Laura is actually one of them, and she intends to take Evelyn’s place as the leader.

Alex was also assisting Abbie in her attempt to leave the academy, but just as she was about to escape, Evelyn kidnapped him. He was taken to the facility’s basement, the site of the frightening Leap ceremonies.

Okay, so I finally figured out what Evelyn’s been doing. It’s pretty messed up – she’s been slipping these kids psychedelic drugs and then using some kind of mind control to mess with their heads. Basically, she’s trying to sever their connections with their families and turn them into totally malleable disciples who do whatever she says. It’s like she’s building her own little army of teens!

At first, it looks like Alex will have no choice but to have the procedure done. However, Rabbit, a tough enforcer from Tall Pines (Tattiawna Jones), unexpectedly switches sides and goes against Evelyn. This allows Alex to escape and inject Evelyn with a large amount of the drug, which Rabbit points out is an overdose.

Alex rushed home without a moment to lose, only to discover his wife, Laura, was already in labor-three weeks ahead of schedule. A crowd of people from Tall Pines had gathered to support them.

Just then, Abbie reaches the car Alex prepared for her getaway. She hops in, switches on the lights, and is about to leave when Alex rushes up, carrying the baby. Together, they drive away from Tall Pines, hoping to build a new life and be a family for each other.

But… everything we’ve seen isn’t real. It’s revealed that Alex is actually still at home, and he’s been fantasizing about his conversation with Abbie. The scene shifts to show what’s actually happening: Alex closes the door, leaving Laura and their baby inside.

Abbie does escape in the car Alex provided – but she’s all alone. 

So, we’re left with a lot of questions: what is Abbie’s life like now that she’s escaped? Is Laura stepping into Evelyn’s role? Will Evelyn meet her end? Who will be in charge of the academy going forward? What fate awaits Leila? And has Alex joined their ranks?

What could happen in Wayward Season 2?

These are all questions that could be answered if Netflix does renew Wayward for a second chapter. 

Martin also shared with TV Insider that they’re interested in exploring the backstories of supporting characters. This includes Stacey (Isolde Ardies), a student at Tall Pines who was Leaped by Evelyn, and Evelyn’s intimidating, French-speaking assistant, Mule (Tricia Black). They want to “dig deeper” into these characters’ lives.

Martin is interested in delving deeper into the character of Duck (Joshua Close), and the show will also feature more of Evelyn’s story. “I believe she’s still a presence,” the showrunner explained, prompting Collette to respond with “great,” as she is eager to reprise the role and “go again.”

I was reading an interview with Martin in Variety, and they straight-up asked if Evelyn, the leader of Tall Pines, was dead. He said, “I don’t think so.” But then he added that he thinks she’s in a vegetative state, and he’s really wondering if she’ll ever recover. It’s a pretty sad thought, honestly!

You can now watch Wayward on Netflix. If you’re looking for other great shows, take a look at our list of the best shows of 2025 so far, the most binge-worthy series, and our 2025 TV release calendar to see what’s coming soon.

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2025-09-29 15:20