Zoe Kazan’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden is building momentum on Netflix. The limited series accumulated 28.9 million views by its fourth week, up from 6.5 million during its debut week, representing a 4.4-fold increase.

According to Netflix data, only Adolescence recorded a higher four-week growth multiple among the 11 limited series released since 2025 that appeared in the English-language Top 10 during all four weeks. The comparison includes titles such as His & Hers, Lord of the Flies, I Will Find You, Vladimir and Death by Lightning.

East of Eden premiered on October 1 and reached No. 1 on Netflix’s English-language chart despite having only four days of availability that week. Its opening was relatively modest, but the series continued to attract viewers, reaching the Top 10 in 86 countries. In Week 4, it ranked No. 6 with 3.6 million views.

Kazan told Deadline that one of her goals was to make the classic novel feel more accessible to viewers who might assume that canonical literature is difficult or outdated. She said the story’s enduring appeal comes from its emotional intensity and its exploration of human drama, while acknowledging that even a carefully made series has no guarantee of finding an audience.

The adaptation has also prompted renewed interest in Steinbeck’s original book. Penguin Classics reported that sales across all formats rose by nearly 200%, while the publisher went back to press 25 times during the year to meet demand for physical copies. The novel reached No. 1 on Amazon’s Best Sellers list and No. 21 on USA Today’s list, and first-time Spotify audiobook listens increased by 156%.

Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of UCAN scripted series, said Kazan’s personal connection to the novel and her clear vision for updating the story were central to the project. Howe highlighted the series’ focus on Cathy and the response to Hoon Lee’s performance as the family’s moral compass.

Before East of Eden, Kazan wrote the independently produced films Wildlife and Ruby Sparks, as well as four plays. Netflix is continuing its collaboration with her: she is adapting Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove as a series with Jeb Stuart, her East of Eden co-showrunner.

Kazan said her approach to adaptation was shaped by advice from Richard Ford, author of Wildlife, who told her that his book would remain his book while the film could become its own work. She argued that an adaptation does not need to duplicate its source material and can instead use a different medium to offer a new perspective.

East of Eden has received positive reactions from critics and audiences, while social media activity has included TikTok users recreating Cathy Ames-inspired Halloween looks and the series’ audio gaining traction on Instagram Reels. Netflix’s Howe said the company would continue supporting distinctive creators and new interpretations of familiar stories, citing Pride and Prejudice, planned for December, and The Age of Innocence, scheduled for next year.

Sources: Deadline.