‘Wayward’: Netflix’s Latest Canadian Limited Series Showcases Canadian Talent and Drives Economic Growth

Filmed in Ontario, Wayward, the new limited series from Netflix, invites viewers into the picture-perfect town of Tall Pines, where everything is not what it seems. 

Created by Toronto-born comedian Mae Martin — who also serves as co-showrunner, executive producer, and star — the series explores the insidious underbelly of the “troubled teen industry” and the eternal struggle between one generation and the next. The cast features an impressive lineup of Canadian talent, including Sarah Gadon, Sydney Topliffe, Alyvia Alyn Lind and Brandon Jay McLaren, alongside Academy Award® nominee Toni Collette. 

With more than 80 days of production, Wayward fully embraced Ontario’s scenic landscapes, filming in conservation areas like Kelso, Rockwood, Claireville, Greenwood and Christie Lake, as well as iconic Toronto neighbourhoods such as Parkdale and Scarborough. The production brought together more than 2400 Canadian crew and 650 Canadian vendors, including small and medium-sized businesses, ranging from construction companies to VFX artists.

Overall, the series contributed more than CAD $50 million in Gross Value Added to the Canadian economy, generating a ripple effect across numerous economic sectors through direct spending and downstream impacts throughout the supply chain. Wayward exemplifies Netflix’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with Canadian businesses and supporting local industries. Read more about Wayward’s economic impact here.

Production was led by Canadian producers Jennifer Kawaja and Bruno Dubé of Montreal-based Sphere Media, in partnership with producers Hannah Mackay and Ben Farrell of UK-based Objective Fiction. Canadians Renuka Jeyapalan and John Fawcett directed two episodes each. 

Watch all eight episodes of Wayward now – streaming only on Netflix.