Is Wayward based on a true story? Update on Mae Martin Netflix series

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I just finished watching “Wayward” on Netflix and it’s seriously good – I couldn’t stop watching! It got me wondering if the story about these troubled teens was based on something real. Turns out, Mae Martin, who created and stars in the show, has talked about what inspired it. It’s fascinating to learn where the story came from!

Netflix has a lot planned for 2025, including new seasons of popular shows like Wednesday, Squid Game, and Black Mirror. However, many fans are especially excited for the premiere of Stranger Things Season 5 in November.

Interestingly, the streaming service’s quieter, less flashy shows often become huge successes. Recent examples like *Baby Reindeer* and *Adolescence* prove this, as both series were major Emmy winners.

The new thriller series, Wayward, follows Alex (Martin) and his pregnant wife, Laura (Sarah Gadon), as they move to the peaceful town of Tall Pines, unaware of the hidden darkness within. The story revolves around Evelyn Wade (Toni Collette), who runs the Tall Pines Academy.

Is Wayward based on a true story?

The show Wayward is a work of fiction, but it draws heavily from the life of its creator, Mae Martin. Martin herself was a rebellious teenager, and her close friend was sent to a program for troubled teens at just 16 years old.

The practices of programs for troubled teenagers have faced increasing scrutiny since Paris Hilton’s 2020 documentary, *This is Paris*, revealed her experiences with mistreatment at Provo Canyon School in Utah.

As a longtime admirer of Paris Hilton, I was really moved when she opened up about the awful things she and other kids went through in those ‘troubled teen’ programs. It’s something she’s still passionately working to bring attention to, and I think it’s amazing she’s using her platform to help others.

Since then, other documentaries like ‘The Program’ have exposed the vast network of wilderness programs, boarding schools, and treatment centers that claim to help troubled teens, but are frequently accused of mistreatment and failing to provide proper care.

Martin shared with Netflix’s Tudum that he frequently explores the teenage years in his work, drawing from his own experiences. He described adolescence as a powerful and emotional period – something everyone goes through – and explained his desire to directly portray those intense feelings in his characters and stories.

I was a rebellious teenager in the early 2000s, and when my best friend was sixteen, her parents sent her to a program for troubled teens. When she returned, she told me some unbelievable stories about her experience there.

That really sparked my interest in the whole troubled teen industry, and it’s amazing to me how much research Martin did to build the world of Wayward! Even though Evelyn and Tall Pines Academy are made up, it’s clear they drew a lot from real places and practices.

Plus, we layered in a genre aspect. ‘Wayward’ is full of metaphors for the systems adults navigate every day, and how often we have to put aside our compassion and ability to think critically just to get by. I think every character in the show is dealing with that internal struggle.”

In an interview with Radio Times, the creator explained they were likely struggling and could have benefited from help. However, they noted that in the early 2000s, people didn’t really understand mental health issues or the reasons behind certain behaviors very well.

Previously, people often viewed issues like addiction as stemming from self-indulgence and a lack of consideration for others, focusing on the substances involved. Now, there’s a growing understanding that many addictive behaviors are actually a way people try to cope with underlying emotional or psychological pain.

“But back then, it really was a time of Dr Phil sending kids to brat camp.”

Who is Mae Martin?

Martin not only created this new show, but also plays the main character, Alex. You might recognize them from the popular Netflix series *Feel Good*, which they co-created, starred in, and for which they received a BAFTA nomination.

This duo is also famous for their stand-up comedy routines and their 2019 book, *Can Everyone Please Calm Down?*, which explores issues of sexuality and self-discovery.

Toni Collette is unforgettable in the film *Hereditary*. She also delivers a strong performance in *Wayward*, which has earned positive reviews and a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

People watching the Netflix series at home are loving it too. One Reddit user shared, “I was hooked and binge-watched the entire show in a single night-it was amazing!”

Viewers are raving about the show, with one saying they watched it all in one day and giving it an 8 out of 10. Another viewer described it as amazing and incredibly suspenseful, adding that they are currently watching it all at once.

Opinions are mixed, with one viewer criticizing some of the performances, particularly the lead actor and his wife, finding their acting very weak. They did praise the teenage actors and Toni Collette, but felt the show ultimately fell short due to those weaker performances.

Someone else agreed, saying the story could have used a couple more episodes. They felt the ending was hurried and didn’t fully resolve all the plot points, leaving too many questions unanswered.

You can now stream Wayward on Netflix and decide for yourself if you’ll enjoy it. For more recommendations, take a look at our list of the best shows of 2025, the most addictive series, and our complete 2025 TV release calendar.

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2025-09-26 18:49