Stream ‘Wayward Pines,’ the 2-Season Sci-Fi Series That Made ‘Stranger Things’ Possible

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Netflix’s Stranger Things is easily one of the most popular TV shows of the last two decades. Since its debut in 2016, the series has gained a dedicated and passionate fanbase – something rarely seen on television today. The show’s incredible success brought its creators, Ross and Matt Duffer, widespread recognition as talented TV innovators who could turn a simple concept into a huge hit. While they’ll continue to guide the story in the world of Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers have also signed a long-term deal with Paramount Pictures to produce both TV series and movies, solidifying their reputation for creating successful entertainment.

Before creating the hit show Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers gained valuable experience with the sci-fi series Wayward Pines. This opportunity came around the same time as their first (and so far only) movie, Hidden. Working on Wayward Pines—where they co-directed episodes—gave them the industry experience they needed, and it likely paved the way for the success of Stranger Things.

You can now watch all two seasons of Wayward Pines on Hulu. The series stars Matt Dillon, Toby Jones, Terrence Howard, Carla Gugino, and Juliette Lewis. While the second season isn’t quite as good as the first, Wayward Pines remains one of the most captivating mystery thrillers of recent years. Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Wayward Pines, Idaho, the show quickly reveals that something strange and unsettling is happening beneath the surface.

Wayward Pines Is Not Your Average Idyllic Small Town

Agent Ethan Burke regains consciousness after a car accident, confused and in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines. He quickly notices that something isn’t right with the town’s residents. Burke learns he was investigating the disappearance of two fellow agents, and tragically discovers the body of one. The other, Kate Hewson, is also in Wayward Pines, but appears to have aged significantly. When Burke realizes the locals are hiding something and the sheriff won’t help, he tries to escape, only to discover the town is completely surrounded by a huge electric fence – nobody can leave.

This recap focuses on the first episode of the series, directed by the renowned M. Night Shyamalan. As the story unfolds and Ethan Burke investigates further, the secrets of Wayward Pines begin to be revealed. The show explores not just the intense power struggles within the town, but also the mystery of what lies beyond its borders. Around episode five, a major plot twist – considered one of the best in recent TV history – completely shifts how you view everything.

The Strangely Redundant Season 2 Was the Nail in the Coffin for the TV Thriller

Wayward Pines is unusual because its two seasons are very different in terms of quality and how well they were received. The first season was adapted from a book trilogy, and the final episode was originally intended as the series’ end, based on the last book. Many consider it to be one of the strongest series finales in recent television.

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Despite the first season’s conclusion and the end of the book series it was based on, Fox decided to try a second season. However, they faced challenges. The original creator, Chad Hodge, left, and Mark Friedman took over, drastically changing the show’s feel and bringing in a mostly new cast. The new season followed another character (Jason Patric) who found himself mysteriously waking up in Wayward Pines, but it lacked the surprising twist of the first season and didn’t achieve the same level of success.

While Season 2 of Wayward Pines featured talented directors like Jennifer Lynch, Ti West, and Vincenzo Natali, it lacked the spark of the first season. However, it does wrap up the story and adds some intriguing details to the show’s overall mythology. The first season was a classic thriller, heavily influenced by M. Night Shyamalan, while Season 2 leaned more into the dystopian feel of shows like The 100, Jericho, and The Last Ship.

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2026-02-21 00:43