Netflix’s Wayward set out to be a gripping mix of mystery and psychological drama, drawing viewers into a strange town full of secrets. With its dark atmosphere, complex characters, and a story that kept peeling back new layers, it seemed poised to be another hit for the platform. Episode by episode, the suspense intensified, and as the finale approached, expectations soared for a payoff that would tie everything together. Yet when the final episode dropped, audiences were left scratching their heads.

So, what exactly threw off Wayward watchers after the series initially climbed into Netflix’s global Top 5? 

Netflix’s Wayward, which premiered on September 25 , is a limited series spanning eight episodes. Created by and starring Mae Martin, the psychological thriller also features Toni Collette as Evelyn Wade, Sydney Topliffe as Abbie, Alyvia Alyn as Leila, John Daniel as Rory, and Sarah Gadon as Laura. The story follows a troubled teen institute called Tall Pines, where Evelyn’s cult-like control and abuse push its young members to the breaking point. Everything builds toward a tense climax until the finale takes an unsettling turn.

The ending sees Abbie, Leila, and Rory attempt an escape from Tall Pines. Leila turns back, Rory sacrifices himself, and only Abbie makes it out. Meanwhile, Alex (Mae Martin) exposes Evelyn’s brutal methods but is kidnapped and nearly forced into her twisted procedure. Evelyn is drugged by her assistant Rabbit, freeing Alex, yet the victory proves hollow. In the final twist, Alex’s wife Laura becomes the new cult leader, and his decision to stay with her, regardless, jeopardizes the future of their newborn child, shocking viewers and sparking disappointment online.

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On September 27, Wayward ranked number 3 on FlixPatrol’s global Netflix chart, but its ending quickly drew widespread backlash.

Fans took to X to admit they were "hooked immediately" on Wayward, but the finale left them frustrated. The ending, which should have been thrilling, felt flat and left too many questions unanswered, they expressed. Twists that could have landed instead fell short, and the climax did not live up to the build-up. Many viewers felt the series leaned on clichés and proved to be a "waste of time," leaving them disappointed and wishing the ending had given the story the punch it deserved.

Demands for additional episodes were also made on X, with some saying it would allow loose threads to be resolved, while others pointed out that they disliked limited series, suggesting such offerings often leave watchers anxious with a rushed conclusion.

At the end, Wayward had all the ingredients to be a standout addition to Netflix’s treasure trove of thrillers, but its finale left that potential largely wasted. Fans are still debating the shocking twists and unresolved threads, wishing the story had been given the time and care it deserved. While the series gripped viewers with suspense and dark intrigue, the ending’s flat payoff and unanswered questions overshadowed its strengths, leaving many to imagine what could have been a truly unforgettable thriller experience.

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Have you watched Wayward yet? If yes, do you feel the same about its ending? Let us know in the comments.