5 Shows to Watch After You Finish East of Eden

If you've already finished the seven episodes of Netflix's "East of Eden" (John Steinbeck's family saga stretching from the 1870s to WWI), you're probably looking for something similar. TVLine has five recommendations that share the same blend of epic historical setting, complicated characters, and psychological drama.

War & Peace (2016 BBC)

Another adaptation of a literary heavyweight. This six-part miniseries covers Napoleon-era Russia from 1805 to 1820, with a large cast dealing with war, romance, and existential angst. TVLine notes a parallel between Pierre (Paul Dano) and Adam (Christopher Abbott) from "East of Eden": both inherit money and rush into bad marriages that wreck their families. Expect battle scenes and plenty of ballroom drama.

Pachinko (Apple TV+)

A non-linear story that jumps from 1910s South Korea to 1980s Japan. Three generations of one family mirror the Trasks' cycle of trauma. Only two seasons exist so far (season three is on hold), but TVLine says the first two are worth watching anyway. The time jumps let you feel the societal change. Short seasons mean it's not a huge commitment.

The Deuce (HBO)

If Cathy's brothel storyline in "East of Eden" hooked you, this three-season, 25-episode drama from David Simon is a strong follow-up. Set in New York from 1971 to 1985, it follows the rise of the porn industry. Maggie Gyllenhaal's Candy is the standout — she climbs an unconventional ladder with little concern for what men think, much like Florence Pugh's Cathy. TVLine calls it the longest show on the list but says it's worth it. Adult content throughout.

Mildred Pierce (2011 miniseries)

Five episodes set in Glendale, California, from 1931 to 1940. Kate Winslet plays a single mother struggling to support her daughter Veda, who shares Cathy's ambition and disregard for morals. Stephen King praised Winslet's performance in a Newsweek review. TVLine notes this picks up right after where "East of Eden" leaves off and calls it a gripping psychological drama.

Bleak House (2005 BBC)

Dickens' longest novel gets 15 episodes in this Emmy-winning adaptation. Set in foggy London, it deals with inheritance and societal decay — themes familiar to Steinbeck fans. Gillian Anderson's Lady Dedlock is a standout performance, comparable to Florence Pugh's turn in "East of Eden." TVLine highlights that the showrunners understood Dickens as a populist writer, so it moves fast with twists and turns. No slow pace here.

Each of these shows offers a meaty historical drama with family dynamics, changing times, and top-tier acting. Start with whichever sounds like your speed — they're all streaming now (though availability may vary).

• Bleak House
• East of Eden
• Historical Drama
• Mildred Pierce
• Miniseries
• Netflix
• Pachinko
• The Deuce
• TVLine Recommendations
• War & Peace