There are still many questions left open after the climatic ending of Wayward, which begs the question: will the Netflix series be getting a Season 2? Here’s what we know as the show dominates the streaming charts.
Ever since Paris Hilton’s 2020 documentary This Is Paris, the troubled teen industry has faced renewed scrutiny, with Netflix titles such as Hell Camp and The Program seeing more survivors come forward to share the real-life horror stories they faced at residential programs.
Although fictional, Wayward is inspired by the experiences of creator Mae Martin’s best friend, who was sent to a troubled teen facility when she was younger. The Netflix show dramatizes these events, with Toni Collette portraying the enigmatic leader of the Tall Pine academy.
Since landing on the streaming service, the thriller series has raced to first place on the top 10 chart in the US. Strong ratings and an open-ended conclusion has led to speculation about whether there will be a follow-up. Warning: spoilers ahead!
Will there be a Wayward Season 2?
Netflix is yet to confirm Wayward Season 2. Although the first chapter is billed as a “limited series”, the cast and Mae Martin have expressed interest in continuing the story.
As you’ll know, a limited series is a self-contained show with a predetermined number of episodes, telling a complete story from start to finish without plans for future seasons. But with breakout success stories, things often change.
There have been plenty of limited shows that didn’t stay limited, including Big Little Lies, which has since had a second season with a third on the way. Similarly, 13 Reasons Why was billed as a one-and-done adaptation but returned for three more seasons, and the same goes for The White Lotus.
This could also happen for Wayward if its ratings continue to fly. For Martin, there’s more story to tell if Season 2 does go ahead.
Speaking to TV Insider, they said, “I was told it was a miniseries, but there’s definitely more story to tell, I think. We left all those characters in crisis, basically. Hopefully it’s tied up enough that it’s satisfying to watch as a series.”
Collette added that the cast “talks about” coming back, stating, “It’s endlessly intriguing. Endlessly. So many places it could go, for sure.”
Leila and Abbie actors Alyvia Alyn Lind and Sydney Topliffe are game too, with the latter telling the outlet, “I would love to come back.” Lind added, “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 ending of Wayward is bittersweet. Abbie manages to finally escape Tall Pines, but she’s alone. Leila, as well as Alex (Martin), Laura (Sarah Gadon), and their newborn, stay behind for various reasons.
Leila is this close to finally being free of the academy, but right at the last hurdle, she tearfully tells Abbie that she wants to stay, fearing that she has nothing to live for in the real world. In short, Evelyn (Collette) has successfully indoctrinated her.
Earlier on in Wayward, Alex tries to work with his wife Laura to break free from Tall Pines and Evelyn’s control before their baby is born. However, he soon finds out that Laura is one of them, and she’s planning on becoming the new Evelyn.
Alex has also been helping Abbie try to escape the academy, but right at the last moment, he’s kidnapped by Evelyn and taken to the basement of the facility, where the terrifying Leap ceremonies take place.
We now know what Evelyn has been up to here: she’s been giving them psychedelic drugs and using mind control techniques to break their bond with their parents, essentially turning teens into her own malleable disciples.
Initially, it seems like Alex will be forced to undergo the procedure, but Tall Pines enforcer Rabbit (Tattiawna Jones) turns against Evelyn at the last moment. Alex manages to break free and injects Evelyn with a huge dose of the drug, with Rabbit saying it’s too much.
With no time to spare, Alex runs back home to find his wife Laura giving birth three weeks early, surrounded by the townsfolk of Tall Pines.
Meanwhile, Abbie makes it to the car Alex set up for her to escape. She gets in and turns on the lights, ready to make her exit, when Alex comes running up to her with the baby. They make their way out of Tall Pines, planning to be each other’s family in their new life.
Except… it’s all a lie. Turns out, Alex is still at home, simply imagining his interaction with Abbie. The scene cuts to reality, with Alex closing the door of the house while Laura and their baby lay inside.
Abbie does escape in the car Alex provided – but she’s all alone.
Now, we’re left wondering: what does Abbie’s life look like after her escape? Is Laura the new Evelyn? Does Evelyn die? Who will take over the academy? What will happen to Leila? Is Alex now one of them?
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 told TV Insider that they’d like to “dig deeper” into supporting cast members, such as Stacey (Isolde Ardies), the Tall Pines student who was Leaped by Evelyn, and Evelyn’s French-learning enforcer, Mule (Tricia Black).
Martin would like to explore more of Duck’s (Joshua Close) story too, but we’d also be hearing more from Evelyn. “I think she’s still in there,” the creator continued, to which Collette said “great” as she’s ready to “go again.”
Martin elaborated on Evelyn’s condition in a conversation with Variety, which asked whether the Tall Pines leader is dead. “I don’t think so,” Martin replied. “I think she’s a vegetable and, yeah, I’d be curious to see if she could ever come out of it.”
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