Trailblazing Comedian Mae Martin Tackles Tough Themes in New Netflix Series

In October 2025, acclaimed comedian and writer Mae Martin is making waves with their latest project, the Netflix series "Wayward." The limited series, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last month, marks a significant shift in Martin's creative trajectory, moving from their previous comedic work to a gripping dramatic exploration of the troubled teens industry.

Martin, known for their soul-baring stand-up and the semi-autobiographical series "Feel Good," has once again drawn from personal experiences to craft a compelling narrative. "Wayward" centers around the Wayward Pines Academy, an institution that promises to "solve the problem of adolescence," and the stories of the students and staff who become entangled in its cultish origins.

The series' emotional core is the relationship between Abbie, a student sent to the school by her parents, and her best friend Leila, who attempts a daring rescue. This storyline is inspired by Martin's own childhood, when their best friend was sent to a similar institution. "Wayward" is, in Martin's words, "a love letter to teen friendship."

Alongside the young protagonists, the series features a powerhouse performance from Toni Collette as Evelyn, the school's manipulative and chilling leader. Martin, who also stars as a newly arrived cop, Alex Dempsey, hopes the show will encourage audiences to reflect on their own adolescent experiences and the complex challenges faced by young people.

"We so desperately need that next generation to save the planet," says Martin, "it'd be good to empower them a little bit." With its gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes, "Wayward" is poised to captivate audiences and cement Mae Martin's status as a multifaceted storyteller.