HBO's Heated Rivalry creator brings Alexander the Great & Aristotle to Netflix. Discover the new historical drama from the hit hockey romance's mind.
- April 21, 2026
AceShowbiz - One of the most talked-about TV hits of late 2025 was undoubtedly HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry, a hockey romance series that captivated audiences over the holiday season. Based on Rachel Reid’s novel, the show quickly earned a renewal for a second season slated for 2027. Meanwhile, Netflix is stepping up with its own exciting project from the same creative mind behind Heated Rivalry, promising to deliver a fresh, compelling drama.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jacob Tierney, the creator of Heated Rivalry, has partnered with Netflix to develop a new series titled Alexander. This forthcoming series will explore the complex relationship between the legendary conqueror Alexander the Great and his renowned tutor Aristotle. The show is adapted from Annabel Lyon’s 2009 novel The Golden Mean, which delves into their dynamic in ancient Macedonia. Netflix has already committed to a straight-to-series order, signaling strong confidence in the project.
Jacob Tierney will take on multiple roles for Alexander, including writer, executive producer, and director. He is joined by executive producer Brendan Brady, who also contributed to Heated Rivalry. Additionally, Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan of Aggregate Films are executive producers, bringing further industry weight to the production.
This venture is especially meaningful for Tierney, who has long admired Lyon’s novel. In a statement, he shared, "I fell in love with Annabel Lyon's book The Golden Mean years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since." He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Netflix and Aggregate Films to bring this rich historical narrative to life.
Alexander promises to be a high-stakes drama centered on the evolving mentor-protégé relationship between Alexander and Aristotle. The story begins when Aristotle arrives in Macedonia to tutor the young prince. Their initial encounter marks the start of a profound journey that shapes not only Alexander’s character but also the future of an empire. Neither man fully understands the historical significance their partnership will hold.
Jinny Howe, head of U.S. and Canada scripted series at Netflix, praised Tierney’s involvement, 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. We were immediately captivated by his vision for adapting Annabel Lyon's acclaimed novel." Howe emphasized the series’ modern and intimate take on a classic power dynamic, which she believes will resonate deeply with viewers worldwide.
The narrative potential of Alexander is significant. Beyond the historical and political intrigue, the series aims to explore the personal and emotional complexities of Alexander’s relationships, particularly with Aristotle. These elements combined suggest a major new Netflix hit with broad appeal.
While no official release date for Alexander has been announced, anticipation is building. Fans of Heated Rivalry can look forward to its second season arriving sometime in 2027. The first season remains available for streaming on HBO Max for those who want to catch up.
As Netflix prepares to bring this ambitious historical drama to screens, viewers eager for fresh narratives rooted in compelling storytelling have much to anticipate. The collaboration between Tierney and Netflix represents a promising new chapter in streaming content inspired by acclaimed literature.
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