what is wayward about

"Wayward" is a thrilling and genre-bending limited series set in the idyllic but sinister town of Tall Pines in 2003. The story follows Alex Dempsey, a police officer who moves to Tall Pines with their wife Laura. Alex soon investigates the local boarding school for "troubled teens," Tall Pines Academy, run by the enigmatic and charismatic Evelyn Wade. The school holds dark secrets, and Alex teams up with two students trying to escape, uncovering the town's corruption and the troubling nature of the school. The show explores themes of generational conflict, friendship, loyalty, and the hidden truths behind systems designed to control or "rehabilitate" troubled youth. It draws inspiration from real-life experiences with the troubled teen industry and cult-like self-help groups, blending mystery, psychological thriller, and dark satire elements.