15 Epic Historical Sagas and Literary Dramas Like Netflix’s ‘East of Eden’

Netflix’s adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel ‘East of Eden‘ explores profound themes of generational trauma, familial rivalry, and moral reckoning against the backdrop of historical America. Viewers drawn to multi-generational sagas, complex character dynamics, and rich literary adaptations often seek out narratives with similar emotional depth and historical scale.

From sprawling family dynasties to intense psychological period dramas, television offers a variety of compelling works that capture the essence of classic storytelling. The following series share the thematic ambition, intricate interpersonal conflicts, and cinematic scope that define Steinbeck’s classic tale.

‘Pachinko’ (2022– )

Based on the bestselling novel by Min Jin Lee, ‘Pachinko’ chronicles the hopes and dreams of a Korean immigrant family across four generations. The narrative spans from early twentieth-century Japanese-occupied Korea to late 1980s Tokyo, focusing on the resilient matriarch Sunja. Much like ‘East of Eden’, the series delves deeply into inherited trauma, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of kinship. The production features a rich, cinematic visual style combined with multi-layered non-linear storytelling.

‘The Son’ (2017–2019)

Adapted from Philipp Meyer’s acclaimed novel, ‘The Son’ charts the multi-generational rise and fall of a powerful Texas oil and cattle dynasty. The plot follows patriarch Eli McCullough from his youth in the nineteenth century to his ruthless reign as an empire builder in the early twentieth century. The show examines how violence, ambition, and fractured father-son relationships shape the destiny of an American family over several decades. Its sweeping historical scope and focus on generational legacy align closely with the thematic foundations of ‘East of Eden’.

‘1883’ (2021–2022)

Created by Taylor Sheridan, ‘1883’ serves as a prequel to ‘Yellowstone’ and follows the Dutton family as they embark on a perilous journey across the American frontier. The narrative explores the harsh realities of Western expansion and the profound physical and psychological toll it takes on the travelers. Through the perspective of young Elsa Dutton, the series highlights the moral complexities and sacrifices required to survive in an untamed landscape. The focus on familial perseverance, fate, and the rugged American terrain mirrors the epic setting of ‘East of Eden’.

‘Godless’ (2017)

Set in the 1880s American Southwest, ‘Godless’ is a limited series centered on a town largely populated by women following a catastrophic mining disaster. The central conflict intensifies when an outlaw seeking redemption arrives in town, pursued by his vengeful former gang leader and surrogate father. The miniseries addresses themes of betrayal, brotherly contention, and moral ambiguity against a rugged frontier backdrop. Its character-driven narrative and stark examination of human nature echo the central conflicts found in ‘East of Eden’.

‘Mildred Pierce’ (2011)

Directed by Todd Haynes and adapted from James M. Cain’s 1941 novel, ‘Mildred Pierce’ depicts the struggles of a dedicated mother during the Great Depression. The story follows Mildred as she builds a successful restaurant business while attempting to earn the respect of her ungrateful and manipulative daughter, Veda. The miniseries meticulously reconstructs the social and economic tensions of mid-twentieth-century California. Its dramatic core revolves around maternal devotion, dark family secrets, and the devastating consequences of ambition, similar to the emotional stakes in ‘East of Eden’.

‘Olive Kitteridge’ (2014)

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Elizabeth Strout, ‘Olive Kitteridge’ is a four-part miniseries spanning twenty-five years in a small Maine coastal town. The narrative centers on a complex, stern retired schoolteacher and her tumultuous relationships with her husband, son, and community. The series dissects themes of depression, familial resentment, forgiveness, and the silent passage of time across generations. Like ‘East of Eden’, the drama focuses heavily on internal moral struggles and the difficulty of breaking destructive emotional patterns.

‘Hatfields & McCoys’ (2012)

‘Hatfields & McCoys’ dramatizes the infamous post-Civil War blood feud between two neighboring families along the West Virginia-Kentucky border. The narrative examines how escalating grievances, deep-seated pride, and personal betrayals lead to decades of violence and tragic loss. The rivalry mirrors the archetypal conflict of brotherhood and familial division that features prominently in ‘East of Eden’. The production captures the gritty historical environment and the heavy cost of inherited hatred across multiple generations.

‘The Underground Railroad’ (2021)

Directed by Barry Jenkins and adapted from Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, ‘The Underground Railroad’ chronicles an alternate historical reality of antebellum America. The story follows Cora, an enslaved woman who escapes a Georgia plantation and discovers a literal subterranean locomotive network. Throughout her journey across various states, the narrative confronts heavy themes of trauma, survival, and the search for identity and redemption. The series provides an epic, visually arresting examination of American history and human resilience reminiscent of sweeping literary sagas.

‘My Brilliant Friend’ (2018–2024)

Adapted from Elena Ferrante’s acclaimed Neapolitan Novels, ‘My Brilliant Friend’ traces the lifelong bond between Elena Greco and Raffaella Cerullo. Spanning over six decades, the narrative begins in impoverished post-war Naples and tracks the distinct paths the two women take through adulthood. The series examines how social environment, family expectations, and personal rivalry shape individual destiny. Its extensive multi-generational scope and intense focus on human psychology make it deeply resonant for fans of epic character-driven dramas.

‘The English’ (2022)

‘The English’ is a six-part Western drama set in 1890 America, following an aristocratic Englishwoman seeking revenge for the death of her son. She joins forces with an ex-cavalry scout from the Pawnee Nation, traversing a landscape defined by violence and moral ambiguity. The miniseries explores powerful themes of justice, identity, maternal grief, and the destructive consequences of greed. Its cinematic presentation and focus on the untamed American landscape echo the sweeping atmosphere of ‘East of Eden’.

‘Empire Falls’ (2005)

Based on Richard Russo’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, ‘Empire Falls’ depicts the interconnected lives of residents in a declining New England mill town. The plot centers on Miles Roby, a kind-hearted diner manager trapped by family obligations, an overbearing employer, and small-town secrets. The two-part miniseries illustrates how historical grievances and family legacies hinder personal autonomy and happiness. This focus on small-town dynamics, intergenerational tension, and moral choices mirrors core elements of John Steinbeck’s literary style.

‘Parade’s End’ (2012)

Adapted from the tetralogy of novels by Ford Madox Ford, ‘Parade’s End’ is set during the twilight of the Edwardian era and the devastation of World War I. The narrative centers on Christopher Tietjens, an honorable English aristocrat torn between his spiteful wife and a progressive young suffragette. The series explores duty, social hypocrisy, personal morality, and the collapse of traditional societal values. Its complex psychological depth and literary prestige provide a compelling experience for viewers who appreciate classic literature on screen.

‘War and Peace’ (2016)

This BBC adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel ‘War & Peace’ follows three aristocratic Russian families during the Napoleonic Wars. The narrative focuses on Pierre Bezukhov, Prince Andrei Bolkonsky, and Natasha Rostova as they navigate love, tragedy, and social upheaval. The miniseries presents an epic tapestry of human ambition, spiritual searching, and family inheritance against a massive historical backdrop. The production captures the grand scale and philosophical inquiries that characterize timeless literary sagas like ‘East of Eden’.

‘Brideshead Revisited’ (1981)

Adapted from Evelyn Waugh’s 1945 novel, ‘Brideshead Revisited’ follows the life of Charles Ryder and his relationship with the wealthy Flyte family. The narrative explores decades of social change, religious guilt, family dysfunction, and the decay of English aristocracy. Charles’s entanglement with siblings Sebastian and Julia leads to profound reflections on memory, faith, and lost innocence. The miniseries is widely recognized for its faithful literary treatment, rich period atmosphere, and multi-layered character relationships.

‘The Thorn Birds’ (1983)

Based on Colleen McCullough’s bestselling novel, ‘The Thorn Birds’ depicts several decades in the lives of the Cleary family on an Australian sheep station. The central storyline focuses on the forbidden, lifelong romantic connection between Meggie Cleary and Father Ralph de Bricassart. The multi-generational saga explores themes of obsessive love, familial sacrifice, pride, and the inescapable consequences of personal choices. Its sweeping pastoral setting and dramatic generational scope closely parallel the narrative structure of ‘East of Eden’.

Share your favorite multi-generational dramas and thoughts on these epic series in the comments.