By Webfit News | 10 October 2026 | Entertainment & Streaming Netflix’s latest television rankings have revealed what New Zealanders are watching, with the new historical drama East...
By Webfit News | 10 October 2026 | Entertainment & Streaming
Netflix’s latest television rankings have revealed what New Zealanders are watching, with the new historical drama East of Eden taking the top spot. But is the series genuinely worth your time, or is it simply enjoying the excitement of a major new release? Webfit News takes a closer look.
Top 10 Netflix Series in New Zealand
According to Netflix’s latest completed weekly rankings, covering 28 September to 4 October 2026, these are the ten most popular television series in New Zealand:
While the list includes crime dramas, comedy, animation and reality entertainment, one series stands out for its storytelling, performances and connection to New Zealand.
Webfit News’ pick of the week is East of Eden.
East of Eden: A Powerful Family Drama
Based on John Steinbeck’s celebrated novel, East of Eden is a seven-episode historical drama exploring love, betrayal, ambition, family rivalry and the complicated choices that shape people’s lives.
Set primarily in California’s Salinas Valley, the story follows the troubled relationships within the Trask family across generations.
At the centre is Cathy Ames, portrayed by acclaimed British actress Florence Pugh.
Cathy is a mysterious and morally complicated woman whose arrival dramatically changes the lives of two brothers, Adam and Charles Trask.
What initially appears to be a story about family relationships develops into something much deeper.
The series explores whether people are shaped by their upbringing, whether they can escape their past and whether individuals are destined to repeat the mistakes of previous generations.
These questions give East of Eden an emotional and philosophical dimension that separates it from conventional television dramas.
Florence Pugh Takes Centre Stage
One of the biggest attractions of East of Eden is Florence Pugh’s portrayal of Cathy Ames.
Pugh, known for her performances in Oppenheimer, Little Women and Midsommar, takes on one of the most challenging characters in Steinbeck’s literary universe.
Cathy is neither a traditional heroine nor a straightforward villain.
She is intelligent, unpredictable, manipulative and emotionally complex.
The adaptation gives her character greater psychological depth, allowing audiences to explore the motivations behind her decisions.
Pugh’s performance has received particular attention from critics, with many praising her ability to bring complexity to a deeply unsettling character.
Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist also deliver important performances as the brothers whose complicated relationship forms a central part of the story.
The supporting cast includes Hoon Lee, Ciarán Hinds and Martha Plimpton.
Together, they create a drama driven more by human behaviour and emotional conflict than by spectacle.
A Special Connection to New Zealand
For New Zealand viewers, East of Eden has an additional point of interest.
Much of the production was filmed in New Zealand, with the country’s landscapes and filmmaking infrastructure helping recreate the American setting of the early twentieth century.
The production highlights New Zealand’s continuing importance as a destination for major international film and television projects.
From large-scale fantasy productions to historical dramas, the country has developed a strong reputation for its experienced production teams, locations and technical expertise.
East of Eden adds another international production to that growing list.
For Kiwi audiences, knowing that part of the series was brought to life on home soil makes the viewing experience particularly interesting.
What Makes East of Eden Worth Watching?
There are several reasons why East of Eden deserves attention.
Strong performances
The cast brings emotional intensity to characters who are frequently difficult to understand or sympathise with.
Beautiful cinematography
The historical landscapes, period costumes and production design create a visually engaging atmosphere.
A story with substance
Rather than relying entirely on action or unexpected twists, the drama explores human relationships, personal responsibility and the consequences of individual choices.
A manageable seven-episode format
The limited-series structure allows the story to develop without requiring viewers to commit to several seasons.
A literary foundation
Steinbeck’s original novel remains one of the most significant works of American literature, providing the adaptation with substantial themes and complex characters.
Where the Series Falls Short
Despite its strengths, East of Eden will not appeal to everyone.
Its deliberate pacing may frustrate viewers who prefer fast-moving thrillers or constant action.
The story requires attention, particularly as relationships become more complicated and characters’ motivations unfold.
The adaptation also makes creative changes to Steinbeck’s original work.
Some critics have questioned whether the greater emphasis on Cathy Ames fully captures the philosophical depth and broader themes of the novel.
These are reasonable criticisms.
A television adaptation can offer impressive performances and beautiful visuals while still falling short of the literary work that inspired it.
Nevertheless, the series has received a generally positive critical response.
Rotten Tomatoes has reported an 88 per cent critics’ score and an 83 per cent audience score, indicating strong reception among both professional reviewers and viewers.
Webfit News Verdict: 8.5/10
Our Pick: East of Eden
East of Eden offers an ambitious combination of historical storytelling, complex characters and emotionally challenging themes.
Florence Pugh is the major attraction, but the broader ensemble, cinematography and literary foundation provide additional reasons to watch.
The series is particularly suitable for audiences who enjoy serious drama, psychological complexity and stories that encourage reflection.
However, those looking for light comedy, family entertainment or action-packed viewing may prefer another title from Netflix’s Top 10.
Webfit News Editorial Rating: 8.5 out of 10
This assessment is based on the series’ verified production details, storyline and published critical reception rather than a firsthand screening.
Should You Watch It This Weekend?
If you enjoy intelligent, character-driven television, East of Eden deserves a place on your watchlist.
Its exploration of morality, family loyalty, betrayal and personal choice makes it more than a conventional historical drama.
The strong cast, visually impressive production and New Zealand filming connection add to its appeal.
With seven episodes available to stream, it is also a practical choice for viewers looking for a complete story rather than another long-running series.
Webfit News Recommendation: Make East of Eden your next Netflix watch.
Streaming: Netflix New Zealand
Genre: Historical Drama
Episodes: 7
Lead Actress: Florence Pugh
Webfit News Rating: 8.5/10
Note: Netflix rankings are based on the latest completed official reporting week, 28 September to 4 October 2026. Rankings may change as newer viewing data becomes available.
Sources: Netflix Tudum, Netflix Top 10, New Zealand Film Commission, Rotten Tomatoes and published entertainment reviews.
© Webfit News | 10 October 2026
