Netflix’s Wayward Isn’t Twin Peaks — It’s a Dark, Shocking Teen Drama Anchored by Toni Collette

Netflix’s new eight-episode series Wayward arrives this week. Created by Mae Martin, it follows a trans police officer and his pregnant wife as they return to a Vermont town with a controversial teen rehabilitation facility, and it has prompted comparisons to David Lynch’s Twin Peaks.

1. Overview of Wayward
2. Comparison to Twin Peaks
3. Performances and structure
4. Themes and the “troubled teen” industry
5. Availability and links

Overview of Wayward

Wayward is an eight-episode limited series created by Mae Martin. Set in 2003, the story follows Alex Dempsey (Mae Martin), a trans cop, and his pregnant wife Laura (Gabrielle Creevy) after they move to Laura’s hometown of Tall Pines, Vermont. The town is home to Tall Pines Academy, a rehabilitation facility for so-called “difficult” teens. The show intercuts Alex and Laura’s investigation with the experiences of two teens, Leila (Amelia Sargisson) and Abbie (Carlyn Burchell), who are sent to the academy.

Comparison to Twin Peaks

Since trailers and the series debut, some critics have labeled Wayward as Netflix’s own version of Twin Peaks. However, Twin Peaks is widely recognized as a distinct, surreal vision from David Lynch that blends genres in a specific way. Additionally, other outlets have discussed how many shows have tried—and failed—to capture that balance; for one perspective see a piece from Vulture.

Wayward shares some surface similarities with Twin Peaks—small town setting, a mix of police investigation and teen storylines—but it differs in tone and approach. The show shifts across genres, and while it includes moments of surrealism, those moments do not form the same consistent, dreamlike atmosphere that characterizes Lynch’s work.

Performances and structure

Toni Collette plays Evelyn Wade, the leader of Tall Pines Academy, and has been widely noted for a standout, chilling performance. Meanwhile, Martin and Carlyn Burchell also receive attention for central roles. Structurally, the series alternates between the adult-focused investigation plot and the teen-focused academy plot. Consequently, the two strands can feel like different genres: one leans toward science fiction horror, and the other toward teen drama thriller.

Themes and the “troubled teen” industry

Wayward addresses the practices of the so-called “troubled teen” industry. The series portrays Tall Pines Academy’s methods as abusive and cult-like, and it examines how society labels certain young people as “troubled.” Moreover, Mae Martin has said the show was shaped by personal experience and connections; for more on that background see this Netflix Tudum feature.

Overall, the series also explores identity, self-acceptance, and the effects of family abuse on young people. The narrative ties the different storylines together through character identity and the social response to that identity.

Availability and links

Wayward is available to stream on Netflix. Also, for context on how music and score can affect atmosphere in shows like Twin Peaks, a widely cited example is its haunting theme:

For critical reactions comparing Wayward to other series, see the earlier mentioned pieces from CBR and Vulture.