Netflix’s ‘East of Eden’ Fixes James Dean Classic’s Big Mistake

Netflix has a new No. 1 worldwide series, and it’s a period drama that finally gives a classic story the room it needs. Per Collider, citing FlixPatrol, *East of Eden* premiered on Oct. 1, 2026, and currently beats out *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story* for the top spot.

Created by Zoe Kazan—granddaughter of Elia Kazan, who directed the 1955 film—the series adapts John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel. That book is a retelling of Cain and Abel, centered on the Trask and Hamilton families in the late 19th century.

What the 1955 movie missed

The 1955 James Dean film covered only the last third of Steinbeck’s novel. Collider writes that the seven-episode series covers more than half of the book, spanning multiple generations and decades. The extra runtime lets characters breathe, especially one: Florence Pugh’s Cathy.

In the 1955 movie, Cathy was a supporting antagonist. The Netflix version makes her a central antihero, complete with a backstory. Collider’s review by Therese Lacson puts it this way:

“This new version of the character isn't defanged; she's still manipulative, mercurial, and a ruthless killer.”

Lacson adds that the show makes it impossible not to see Cathy as a tragic figure. Pugh plays her cold, calculating, and able to switch from capable to helpless when it helps her.

Story in more detail

The series follows brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles (Mike Faist). When Adam returns from service, Cathy shows up at their porch, beaten and bloody. Charles warns Adam she’s dangerous, but Adam marries her anyway. They move to California, she gives birth to twin sons Aron and Cal, then abandons them. Adam raises the boys with help from servant Lee (Hoon Lee). Like his father, Adam picks a favorite son, Aron, and struggles with whether to tell them their mother is alive.

With seven episodes instead of 115 minutes, *East of Eden* gives each character more context, motivation, and tension. Collider calls it “a modern, gripping take” that makes a case for its own existence.

**Watch it.** If you liked the 1955 film or Steinbeck’s novel, the series is on Netflix now.

• East of Eden
• Florence Pugh
• James Dean
• John Steinbeck
• Netflix
• Zoë Kazan