Netflix’s New Mystery Thriller Reaches Millions of Views Just One Week After Release
Netflix’s newest mystery thriller, Wayward, has quickly captured the attention of viewers worldwide. The Canadian limited series, created by Mae Martin, launched on Netflix on September 25, and already sits at the top of the platform’s Global Top 10 Shows.
Wayward takes place in the small, fictional town of Tall Pines, Vermont, where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface.
The story follows two runaway students, Leila and Abbie, who team up with a newly assigned local police officer, Alex Dempsey, to uncover the town’s hidden dangers.
As Alex and his pregnant wife settle into Tall Pines, they discover a series of strange events tied to the unsettling headmistress of Tall Pines Academy, Evelyn Ward, played by Toni Collette. Collette’s performance has drawn particular praise from critics for adding depth and tension to the thriller.
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
The series features a cast including Mae Martin, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sydney Topliffe, Sarah Gadon, and John Daniel. While some viewers have described the show as confusing or feel it loses momentum after the first few episodes, many others have found it compelling and suspenseful.
Critics have responded positively overall. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 78% approval rating from 50 critic reviews, with the site noting, “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.”
Metacritic gave the show a score of 71 out of 100 based on 18 reviews, indicating “generally favorable” feedback.
Wayward’s early success suggests that audiences are drawn to its mix of suspense, mystery, and strong performances. The combination of a gripping storyline and memorable characters has helped the show make a strong debut on Netflix.
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