“East of Eden” is a show made for those who enjoy watching a villainous Florence Pugh surrounded by sad men.

Netflix’s new seven-episode miniseries — based on the classic 1952 John Steinbeck novel — isn’t flawless, but it’s an emotional, sweeping story that does justice to the widely beloved book. 

Set in the early 1900s, “East of Eden” follows brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles Trask (Mike Faist) as their lives are turned upside down by Cathy Ames (Pugh). 

Florence Pugh (above in “East of Eden”) is a dazzling villain in Netflix’s new miniseries. NetflixPugh, pictured in a scene from “East of Eden,” carries the entire show. ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

The decades-spanning story also dips into Cathy’s youth, her life in a brothel and her sons Aron (Joe Anders) and Cal (Joseph Zada), as they grapple with their parents’ legacy.

The story focuses on the relationships between both sets of brothers, as jealousy, secrets and lies get in the way — mixed with the damage that Cathy inflicts on multiple generations.

For anyone unfamiliar with the source material, don’t let the word “classic” intimidate you, as there’s plenty of betrayal, sex and murder.

The show (starring Pugh, pictured above) is based on John Steinbeck’s epic 1952 novel. NetflixThe show follows brothers Adam and Charles Trask as their lives turned upside down by Cathy Ames (pictured above). Netflix

In between the drama, “East of Eden” also has quiet stretches where men are depressed, and discuss morals and the Bible. It’s not boring content, but it does require the viewers’ patience and full attention.

Brimming with rolling hills and ornate parlors, the show looks great, even though it’s been criticized for filming in New Zealand (as a stand-in for California). You can practically feel the “California” dust in the scenes at Adam’s ranch.

It’s also a family saga in front of the camera and behind the scenes: co-showrunner Zoe Kazan’s grandfather, Elia Kazan, directed the 1955 movie starring James Dean as Cal. 

James Dean, seen in a scene from the 1955 film “East of Eden,” originally played Cal. Courtesy Everett CollectionFaist and Abbott play brothers alongside Pugh, seen above, in “East of Eden.” ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

Pugh shines in the complex role, and carries the show on her shoulders. Like many antiheroes from TV’s golden era  — Walter White and Tony Soprano — Cathy is an awful person, and yet so captivating to watch. 

Similar to “Game of Thrones” character Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), Cathy is a woman in a man’s world who navigates it through cynicism and cruelty. She’s not exactly sympathetic, but she’s the most compelling character. 

If she’s the devil on everyone’s shoulders, Adam’s servant, Lee (Hoon Lee), is the angel. He carries much of the emotional weight.

Pugh, seen at a special screening of “East of Eden” in London, shines in the complex role. INSTARimagesHoon Lee, who plays Lee, is also a standout in the series (cast pictured above). Getty Images for Netflix

When Cathy and Lee aren’t onscreen, the show sometimes falters in other areas. 

Unwisely, the show — which begins with Adam and Charles’ childhoods — cycles through not two but three sets of actors, to depict the boys as they grow up. This makes it unnecessarily convoluted to keep track of who’s who. 

In the second half of the story, once Cal and Aron take center stage, they pale in comparison to Cathy and Lee. They’re fine enough, but they’re less interesting, and feel more like “angsty boy” stock characters. 

The show begins with Adam and Charles’ childhoods and spans decades. (Pugh is pictured above with Abbott.) ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett CollectionThe show cycles through not two but three sets of actors, to depict the boys as they grow up. (Abbott is seen above on the show.) ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Collection

However, it’s a daunting challenge to adapt an iconic story that spans generations.

Especially when you compare “East of Eden” to other sprawling classic novels like “Wuthering Heights” and “Dracula” — which both keep getting butchered onscreen — this is a triumph.

This miniseries proves that when people proclaim it’s “impossible” to faithfully adapt such books, they’re simply not trying hard enough. 

This show — Faist seen above — proves it’s not impossible to adapt books like “East of Eden.” ©Netflix/Courtesy Everett CollectionCo-showrunner Zoe Kazan (pictured above, middle right, with Abbott, Pugh and Faist) is set to take on “Lonesome Dove” next Getty Images for Netflix

Netflix recently announced that co-creators Kazan and Jeb Stuart will next tackle another American epic, “Lonesome Dove.”

It looks like Taylor Sheridan can move over as the reigning king of Americana on TV. The Kazan and Stuart duo have the chops.

“East of Eden” is now streaming on Netflix.