Netflix Adapted East of Eden (2026): What Have They Done to It?
The new series takes one of literature’s great villains and turns her into a misunderstood girlboss.
By Rebecca Onion
Netflix has taken John Steinbeck’s book East of Eden and given Cathy, the girlboss, treatment.
What Have They Done to It?
The 2026 Netflix adaptation, created by Zoe Kazan, condenses Steinbeck's 1952 novel—a sprawling epic clocking in at around 600 pages—into a seven-episode, hourlong series. It’s a bold move that requires some significant choices in what to include and how to interpret the source material.
From Novel to Screen:
East of Eden is bursting with character and incident, spanning decades and touching on themes like the impact of anti-Chinese immigration laws, advancements in refrigeration technology, and mnemonic devices used to start a Model T. It's a deeply enjoyable book that, for many, is overshadowed by its association with high school English classes and Biblical allusions.
A Different Cathy:
The adaptation takes one of literature’s great villains, Cathy, and transforms her into a misunderstood girlboss. This shift raises questions about how we interpret and remember characters, and whether a modern lens can do justice to a classic text.
Dive into the Discussion:
Is East of Eden (2026) a worthy adaptation? What changes have they made, and what have they kept? Share your thoughts in the comments below.