what is wayward based on

The Netflix series "Wayward" is not based on a true story, but it is inspired by real-life experiences. The show creator, Mae Martin, was inspired by their own childhood and the experience of a close friend, Nicole, who was sent to a school for troubled teens. Nicole's escape and the stories she shared about that time strongly influenced the series. Additionally, the show draws inspiration from the history of the troubled teen industry, including the self-help cult Synanon from the 1970s, which influenced the fictional school and cult-like elements in the series. Fictional elements and other thriller inspirations like "Girl, Interrupted," "Get Out," and "Fargo" were also used to shape the series.