Netflix adaptation of East of Eden to debut on 1 October
Wednesday 30 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Netflix, John Steinbeck, Florence Pugh
A seven-episode Netflix series based on John Steinbeck's novel East of Eden will be released on 1 October. The period drama was filmed in New Zealand, with actor Florence Pugh expressing a desire to return to the country.
Key facts
5 facts
- Netflix adaptation of East of Eden debuts 1 October
- The series consists of seven episodes
- The story is based on John Steinbeck's 1952 novel
- Filming took place in 15 locations across six New Zealand cities and towns
- The production used over 200 locals and 1,100 daily hires and extras
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A seven-episode Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck's 1952 novel East of Eden will debut on 1 October. The period drama is set during the final years of the 19th Century and the early 20th Century.
The production utilised 15 locations across six New Zealand cities and towns. Actor Florence Pugh, who plays Cathy Ames, described Oamaru as her favourite location.
Cast members Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist also praised the filming locations. Abbott described the South Island as "pretty magical".
The production employed over 200 locals and more than 1,100 daily hires and extras. Showrunner Zoe Kazan, the granddaughter of Elia Kazan, led the series.
Compiled from reports by The Press and The Post.
