6.8
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Wayward (2025)
Wayward (2025)
Overview
A small-town cop suspects that the local school for troubled teens — and its dangerously charismatic founder — may not be all it seems.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
NetflixRating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Trans: Positive
Viewer Rating
6.8
Overview
A small-town cop suspects that the local school for troubled teens — and its dangerously charismatic founder — may not be all it seems.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
NetflixDetailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Progressive
Primary
The show's dominant themes align with progressive values, primarily through its strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ identity and representation, and its critique of unchecked institutional authority and systemic harm.
The series *Wayward* demonstrates a strong focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through its critical portrayal of systemic abuse within the 'troubled teen' industry, highlighting the marginalization of vulnerable youth and the impact of power dynamics. It also features explicit queer representation and explores queer identities within its narrative.
Secondary
Wayward offers a positive and affirming portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, normalizing queer and trans identities. Central characters are depicted with complexity and dignity, and their relationships are accepted. The show integrates LGBTQ+ themes into its broader critique of institutions, highlighting that acceptance should be a baseline, not a solution to inherent harm.
Wayward (2025) features Alex Dempsey, a trans man and police officer, portrayed with dignity, complexity, and agency. His trans identity is integrated matter-of-factly into the narrative, which explores themes of trauma and control, without being sensationalized or reduced to a stereotype. The portrayal is affirming, presenting Alex as a fully realized individual whose identity is respected within the broader storyline.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The series is an original creation, and all characters, including Alex Dempsey, are portrayed consistently with their intended genders as established within the show's own canon. There are no prior canonical or historical genders to differ from.
The provided information states that the ethnicity or race of all major characters was not specified in the source material. Therefore, no character was canonically, historically, or widely established as one race and then portrayed as a different race.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
5.9
6.3
Critic Ratings
7.8
7.1
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