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Netflix's 'East of Eden' praised for honoring Steinbeck's novel

The Washington Examiner reviewer, who has reread the Trask family saga for years, says the streamer's new adaptation keeps the heart of the novel; Dale remains unconvinced.

On air: Vera Bullock, Dale Bearman and Kenji Moonfield on The Midday Show
Published 12:16 PM ET, Monday, October 12, 2026

Photo: Achim Raschka ( talk ) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · Pop Culture

Watch it as it aired: Vera Bullock, Dale Bearman and Kenji Moonfield on this story, from The Midday Show at 12:16 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Washington Examiner's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance

First reported by Washington Examiner: “Netflix’s ‘East of Eden’ understands what made John Steinbeck’s masterpiece great”.
Covered on BBN on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 12:16 PM ET on The Midday Show, by Vera Bullock, Dale Bearman and Kenji Moonfield.
Topics: Middle East.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Washington ExaminerNetflix’s ‘East of Eden’ understands what made John Steinbeck’s masterpiece great

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA review in the Washington Examiner says Netflix's new East of Eden adaptation understands what made Steinbeck's novel great, and the writer admits he came in with intrigue and apprehension.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorApprehension is the correct way to enter any Netflix announcement. They turned a multigenerational epic into something you'll watch at half speed while answering email.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBut he says it captures the essence of the book, which is a rave from a man who has carried this novel around for years.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentA guy who loves the book approved the show.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentThat's the rarest review on the internet, because normally the book people just write angry essays.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorGive it a week. Someone will find the one scene they changed.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorDale, he liked it. Let him have it.

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