East of Eden on Netflix: How Many Episodes Are You In For?
Netflix finally cracks open John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, unveiling episode titles for the long-gestating limited series first announced in 2022 with Florence Pugh set to star and co-produce, and Jeb Stuart and Zoe Kazan steering as co-showrunners and co-executive producers.
Netflix finally blinked on its East of Eden series: we got episode titles, still no dates. It has been a slow burn since the 2022 announcement, but at least now we know how the seven parts line up and who is steering the ship.
What this version of East of Eden is
This is a limited series based on John Steinbeck's 1952 novel, adapted for TV by Zoe Kazan (Clickbait, The Plot Against America). The story trains its focus on Cathy Ames, played by Oscar nominee Florence Pugh, while still threading through the multi-generational Trask family saga. Pugh is also on board as a producer.
Kazan is running the series with Jeb Stuart; they are serving as co-showrunners and co-executive producers. It will stream on Netflix and span seven episodes.
Cast and behind the camera
In addition to Pugh, the ensemble includes Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Tracy Letts, Martha Plimpton, Ciaran Hinds, and Joseph Zada. The first four episodes are directed by Garth Davis (Lion, Mary Magdalene). The final three are from Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre (The Mustang, The Act).
The release situation (and yes, it is still TBD)
Netflix has not announced a premiere date or episode rollout plan yet. Industry site What's on Netflix says to expect it in early 2026, potentially somewhere between February and April. Not exactly around the corner, but the machine is clearly moving.
Episode titles
The seven-parter sticks with a chaptered structure, and the naming hints at the Cathy-to-Kate journey fans of the book will recognize.
- Part 1: Genesis
- Part 2: Cathy
- Part 3: In the Valley
- Part 4: Kate
- Part 5: Departure
- Part 6: The Great Try
- Part 7: East of Eden
Why this one is personal for Zoe Kazan
Kazan has been upfront about why this project hits close to home. Her grandfather, Elia Kazan, directed the classic 1955 film adaptation. That family connection is baked into the DNA of this version, but she says it is Steinbeck's voice that keeps pulling her back.
In the process of bringing this family saga to life, the resonance of my own familial connection to the material has not been lost on me. But it is Steinbeck's writing - personal, shocking, profound, and free - that has kept me enthralled by East of Eden since I first read the book as a young teen.
She has also called working on the series the greatest joy, and gave a shoutout to the cast and crew for getting it across the finish line.
Bottom line: East of Eden looks locked as a seven-episode Netflix limited series with Pugh front and center, Kazan and Jeb Stuart in the driver's seat, and Garth Davis and Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre splitting directing duties. Titles are in, dates are out. When Netflix finally plants a flag on the calendar, I will update you.