East of Eden review roundup: Florence Pugh leads Netflix's acclaimed Steinbeck epic
Zoe Kazan's seven-part Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck's East of Eden has become one of the best-reviewed series of the autumn. Critics praise its scale, its landscapes and above all Florence Pugh as Cathy Ames.
The story (no spoilers)
Based on John Steinbeck's 1952 novel, the series follows the Trask family across decades and two generations in California's Salinas Valley, where brothers Adam and Charles Trask carry the weight of their father's legacy and their own rivalry.
This version moves Cathy Ames, one of American literature's most unsettling characters, to the centre of the story. Her arrival in Adam's life sets off a chain of choices that shapes the family for years to come.
Where to watch or download
Links go to official services only. Streaming services let subscribers download titles in their app to watch offline, on supported plans; stores let you buy a copy to download and keep. Availability differs by country and changes over time (checked 18 October 2026). ElysiumHub does not host files or link to unofficial downloads.
The verdict
An easy recommendation for fans of prestige drama, period sagas or Florence Pugh. All seven episodes are on Netflix, and critics say it rewards being watched over a few evenings rather than in one sitting.
- 86%Rotten TomatoesTomatometer, season 1, 64 reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 80MetacriticMetascore, 27 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 86%RT audiencePopcornmeter, 250+ ratings, 18 Oct 2026
What critics say
“Its large cast never feels cumbersome or extraneous, each character crafted with care and dignity”
“This is Pugh’s show, her spotlight, and she makes the absolute most of it.”
“As a high-quality family saga, then, it’s brilliant, compelling entertainment.”
“Cathy becomes the black sun around which the series rotates, in command of an irrepressible will to power”
What works
- Florence Pugh's commanding performance as Cathy Ames.
- A large ensemble in which every character feels carefully drawn.
- Handsome, sweeping landscapes and real emotional weight.
What doesn't
- Some critics feel Cathy's dominance pulls focus from the rest of the family story.
Netflix released all seven episodes of East of Eden on 1 October 2026, and the limited series has spent the past fortnight near the top of the service's charts. Reviews are strong: an 86% Tomatometer score from 64 reviews and a Metascore of 80 from 27 critics.
What critics liked
The praise starts with Florence Pugh. The Arizona Republic called it her show and said she makes the most of the spotlight, and The Australian ranked her among the best actresses working today. Critics also admire how Zoe Kazan, whose grandfather Elia Kazan directed the famous 1955 film, finds a fresh way into Steinbeck's novel while keeping its moral complexity.
USA Today praised an ensemble in which no character feels wasted, and The Guardian called it brilliant, compelling entertainment as a family saga. Several reviews mention the scenery and the scale of the production, with the first four episodes directed by Garth Davis and the final three by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre.
Points of debate
The more reserved reviews focus on the decision to put Cathy at the centre. The New Yorker described her as the black sun the series revolves around, a choice that energises the drama but can leave the Trask brothers and the later generation with less room. The Globe and Mail found the adaptation judgmental about the American past and pessimistic about its future, which some viewers may find heavy going.
Should you watch?
For anyone who enjoys literary adaptations or big family dramas, critics make a strong case. Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist play the Trask brothers, with Ciarán Hinds and Martha Plimpton in support, and the consensus is that the series is best taken an episode or two at a time.
Sources
This roundup summarises the reviews and reporting below. Follow the links for the full pieces.
- East of Eden critic reviews · Metacritic
- East of Eden: Season 1 · Rotten Tomatoes
- 'East of Eden' by Zoe Kazan Stars Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist · Netflix Tudum
- East of Eden release date and first look · What's on Netflix
ElysiumHub Screen Desk roundups summarise published reviews and reporting, and are written with AI assistance. Scores belong to the sites that publish them. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.