Netflix Orders ‘Alexander’ Series from ‘Heated Rivalry’ Creator Jacob Tierney and Producer Jason Bateman
Netflix has officially announced a new period drama, ‘Alexander,’ set to bring the epic tale of Alexander the Great and his legendary tutor, Aristotle, to the screen. The series order, confirmed by Netflix on March 5th/6th, 2026, marks a significant collaboration between acclaimed Canadian writer-director Jacob Tierney, known for his wildly successful gay hockey romance ‘Heated Rivalry,’ and Emmy-winning actor and producer Jason Bateman. The project is generating considerable buzz, particularly for its promise of a “decidedly gay” take on the ancient world, as highlighted by Them.us.
The Creative Team: ‘Heated Rivalry’ Creator Jacob Tierney and Producer Jason Bateman
Jacob Tierney, the visionary behind Crave’s hit series ‘Heated Rivalry,’ will helm ‘Alexander’ as its writer, director, and executive producer. Tierney’s previous series, a gay hockey romance, became Crave’s biggest-ever debut for an original series and was a top five scripted debut on HBO Max, cementing his status as one of today’s most sought-after creative voices. This proven track record, particularly in crafting compelling queer narratives, sets high expectations for his approach to the historical figure of Alexander. Brendan Brady of Accent Aigu Entertainment, who also executive produced ‘Heated Rivalry,’ joins Tierney on the executive producing team.
Joining the project as an executive producer is Jason Bateman, through his production company Aggregate Films, alongside Michael Costigan. Bateman’s involvement lends significant industry weight and a reputation for quality productions to the historical drama. Jinny Howe, Netflix’s Head of US and Canada Scripted Series, praised Tierney, stating, “Jacob Tierney is one of the most exciting, in-demand creative voices working today, and we are thrilled to work with him on Alexander”. Howe further emphasized that the series “reimagines the classic power struggle between mentor and protégé with a raw, modern energy that feels both epic and incredibly intimate,” a sentiment that resonates with the depth Tierney is expected to bring.
The Source Material: Based on Annabel Lyon’s Novel ‘The Golden Mean’
The ‘Alexander’ series is a direct adaptation of Canadian author Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed 2009 novel, ‘The Golden Mean’. Lyon’s debut novel received significant critical praise, earning a nomination for the Giller Prize and winning the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. Tierney himself expressed his long-standing passion for the source material, stating, “I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book The Golden Mean years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since”. Lyon, who will serve as a consulting producer, has expressed confidence in Tierney’s ability to adapt her work, noting his capacity to capture the “combination of innocence and arrogance and pride and shame and competitiveness and obligation in the young male leads” that reminded her of Alexander when watching ‘Heated Rivalry’. The novel vividly dramatizes the three-year period beginning in 343 BC when Aristotle tutored the teenage Alexander, exploring the complex dynamics of their relationship within the tumultuous ancient world.
Plot and Themes: Exploring the Relationship Between Alexander and Aristotle
The drama, titled ‘Alexander,’ will chronicle the formative years of Alexander the Great, a king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon who famously conquered a vast empire by the age of 30. The series’ logline outlines its compelling narrative: “The drama begins as the Athenian empire is crumbling and Aristotle arrives in Macedonia to tutor a volatile young prince, Alexander. Their unlikely friendship, amid palace intrigue, forbidden love, and war, shapes an empire”. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher and polymath, served as Alexander’s teacher, and their intellectual and personal bond is central to the story.
The inclusion of “forbidden love” in the logline, combined with Tierney’s previous work on a gay romance, strongly suggests that the series will explore queer themes within Alexander’s life and the ancient Macedonian court. This interpretation aligns with historical scholarship that often examines the complex personal relationships of figures like Alexander the Great through a modern lens. The series promises a rich tapestry of historical drama, blending political machinations, intense personal relationships, and the brutal realities of ancient warfare. Netflix’s Jinny Howe reiterated the series’ potential impact, noting its “raw, modern energy that feels both epic and incredibly intimate,” suggesting a fresh and engaging perspective on these iconic historical figures.
FAQ
Q: When was the Netflix series ‘Alexander’ officially announced?
A: The series order for ‘Alexander’ was officially announced by Netflix on March 5th/6th, 2026.
Q: Who are the key creative forces behind the ‘Alexander’ series?
A: Jacob Tierney is serving as writer, director, and executive producer, while Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan of Aggregate Films, along with Brendan Brady of Accent Aigu Entertainment, are executive producers.
Q: What is ‘Alexander’ based on, and who wrote the original material?
A: The series is an adaptation of the 2009 novel ‘The Golden Mean’ by Canadian author Annabel Lyon.
What aspects of Alexander the Great’s early life do you hope to see explored in this new Netflix series, especially given its focus on “forbidden love” and Jacob Tierney’s past work?
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