Is Netflix’s Yellowjackets Inspired by Real Events? An In-Depth Explanation

Season 1 of Yellowjackets, a thrilling drama series that debuted on Showtime on November 14, 2021, is now streaming on Netflix. The recent arrival of the series on Netflix has significantly boosted its popularity among viewers.

The show tackles themes of survival, trauma, cannibalism, and the complexities of adolescence. Its authentic portrayal of these topics has led many viewers to question whether Yellowjackets is inspired by a real-life story. Although Yellowjackets is not based on a single true event, it draws inspiration from several historical incidents.

The Netflix synopsis of the series states:

“When their plane crashes in the wilderness, a girls soccer team must do whatever it takes to survive. As adults, they grapple with their brutal decisions.”

According to a report from Deadline on January 15, 2024, the series has been renewed for a third season, set to premiere in 2025. However, as of now, only Season 1 of Yellowjackets is accessible on Netflix.

Yellowjackets is Inspired by Real-Life Events

In this series, a group of teenage girls are compelled to engage in cannibalism for survival after their plane crashes. Creators Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson discussed their inspirations for the show during an NPR interview on December 31, 2021.

The pair noted that the novel Lord of the Flies and the film Alive were influential in shaping their vision. While the premise of Yellowjackets clearly parallels these works, it uniquely explores the story through the lens of an all-female group of survivors.

Alive, a 1993 film featuring Ethan Hawke, is an adaptation of the eponymous 1974 book that recounts the harrowing tale of the Andes Flight Disaster. In 1972, a young Uruguayan rugby team endured a 72-day ordeal of survival after their plane crashed in the Andes Mountains en route to a game in Chile.

Of the passengers, 16 eventually survived, but accounts revealed that they resorted to cannibalism, as reported by Dexerto on May 31, 2023.

Additionally, inspiration may have derived from the tragic tale of the Donner Party, as noted in a Forbes report on November 19, 2021. In 1846-1847, a group of American pioneers attempting to migrate to California became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains, ultimately leading them to resort to cannibalism for survival.

What to Expect in Yellowjackets

The narrative unfolds across two timelines. The first timeline is set in 1996, while the second showcases the characters’ lives in the present day. In 1996, a talented girls’ soccer team is en route to Seattle for a match when their plane crashes.

Stranded in the wilderness for nearly nineteen months, the girls initially strive to adapt, but harsh winter conditions make securing food increasingly difficult. Facing starvation, they resort to cannibalism.

In the present, the school that the survivors attended is orchestrating a reunion. The meeting brings past traumas and resentments to the forefront as the survivors confront one another. The haunting memories of their ordeal seem poised to surface, potentially placing them in jeopardy.

Cast and Crew of Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets was developed and executive produced by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, joined by other executive producers like Drew Comins, Karyn Kusama, and Jonathan Lisco. The series was produced by Showtime Networks.

Each principal character is portrayed by two actors, one representing the 1996 timeline and another for the present. The cast includes: