Florence Pugh has proven time and again that she can command the screen, whether in a brief but memorable turn in Oppenheimer or as the lead of a sweeping prestige drama. Her latest project, the Netflix miniseries East of Eden, has now achieved a remarkable streaming milestone that underscores her star power.
According to Nielsen data, the seven-part adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel racked up a staggering 1.162 billion minutes watched in the United States during the week of October 5–11. That impressive figure placed it at No. 3 on the overall streaming chart, trailing only Prime Video's Carrie and Netflix's Below. The series has officially joined the billion-minute club, a feat that only a handful of shows accomplish.
The miniseries, which premiered to critical acclaim, spans decades in the lives of Cathy (Pugh) and the Trask family, set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and World War I. It weaves together the intersecting paths of the Trasks with memorable characters like Samuel Hamilton, an Irish immigrant who builds a life in California, and Lee, a Chinese American whose wisdom and compassion shine through. The story also introduces Faye, a brothel owner whose complexities add another layer to the narrative.
Pugh leads a stellar ensemble cast that includes Christopher Abbott as Adam Trask, Mike Faist as Charles Trask, Hoon Lee as Lee, Tracy Letts as Cyrus Trask, Martha Plimpton as Faye, Ciarán Hinds as Samuel Hamilton, Joseph Zada as Cal Trask, and Joe Anders as Aron Trask. Each actor brings depth to their roles, but it's Pugh's portrayal of Cathy that has drawn particular praise from critics.
Zoe Kazan's adaptation has been lauded for its ambition and faithfulness to the source material, while also taking creative risks. Unlike the 1955 film, which focused on the later chapters of the novel, the Netflix series gives Cathy a much more prominent role, allowing viewers to explore her complicated story in greater depth. Critics have hailed it as "a lush, thoughtful new Netflix mini-series" (The Independent) and "brilliant, compelling entertainment" (The Guardian), with Collider's Therese Lacson noting that Kazan crafted "a faithful adaptation that still takes risks."
The success of East of Eden adds to Pugh's already impressive resume and highlights the growing trend of literary adaptations finding new life on streaming platforms. For those who haven't yet tuned in, the series is a must-watch, especially if you're looking for a binge-worthy drama. If you're in the mood for more miniseries, check out our list of eight Netflix miniseries to binge in one weekend. And if you're a fan of Pugh's work, you might also enjoy David Tennant's twisted Netflix series for another gripping watch.
With its billion-minute milestone, East of Eden has solidified its place as one of the biggest streaming hits of the year. It's a testament to the power of great storytelling and the magnetic appeal of Florence Pugh, who continues to captivate audiences with every role she takes on.
