Jacob Tierney Heads to Netflix With Alexander, a New Historical Drama About Alexander the Great and Aristotle
Earlier today, Deadline dropped an exciting exclusive: Jacob Tierney, the creative force behind Crave’s Heated Rivalry, is heading to Netflix with a brand-new series. The project, titled Alexander, has officially received a straight-to-series order and will explore the complex relationship between a young Alexander the Great and his famed mentor, the philosopher Aristotle.
For those of us who have been following Tierney’s work closely, this news feels both surprising and completely natural at the same time. While Heated Rivalry captivated audiences with an intense queer romance, Alexander shifts the focus to something different: an ancient story of mentorship, influence, and power. But even without the central romance element, the themes at play—friendship, loyalty, ambition, and the complicated bonds that shape our lives—sound very much in line with the emotionally rich storytelling Tierney has become known for.
And if Netflix is betting big on Jacob Tierney, we can’t really blame them. The creator has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful, character-driven stories that resonate with audiences. On Alexander, Tierney will once again take on multiple roles behind the scenes, writing, directing, and executive producing the series.
The upcoming drama will be based on The Golden Mean, the acclaimed 2009 novel by Canadian author Annabel Lyon. The book centers on Aristotle’s time in Macedonia as he mentors the young prince who will eventually become one of the most famous military leaders in history. It’s a premise that blends philosophy, politics, and deeply personal relationships, aka exactly the kind of material that thrives when adapted by a storyteller who understands character dynamics.
If anything, Tierney has already proven he has a knack for adapting existing material in ways that feel fresh and compelling. His work translating Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry to the screen demonstrated how carefully he approaches beloved source materials, preserving their emotional core while expanding their scope for television. That same sensibility could make Alexander a particularly fascinating historical drama.
According to Netflix, the series is set against the backdrop of a shifting ancient world. As the Athenian empire begins to collapse, Aristotle arrives in Macedonia to educate and guide a young Alexander. What follows is far from a quiet academic journey. According to the project description, the story unfolds amid palace intrigue, forbidden love, brutal wars, and ruthless ambition. At the center of it all is the unlikely bond between teacher and student, a relationship that ultimately helps shape an empire and change the course of history.
Behind the camera, the series also brings together a strong producing team. Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan will executive produce through Aggregate Films, alongside Brendan Brady of Accent Aigu Entertainment, who previously worked with Tierney on Heated Rivalry.
Tierney himself has been passionate about the story for years. Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, he revealed that he first fell in love with Lyon’s novel long ago and had been hoping to adapt it ever since. Now, with the support of Netflix and the Aggregate Films team, that vision is finally becoming a reality.
Meanwhile, Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of scripted series for the U.S. and Canada, praised Tierney as one of the most exciting creative voices working today, adding that the streamer was immediately drawn to his take on the story. According to Howe, the series aims to reframe the timeless mentor-and-protégé dynamic with a modern energy that feels both intimate and epic.
For us, that combination alone makes Alexander a project worth watching closely. Historical dramas about legendary figures can sometimes feel distant, but with Jacob Tierney steering the ship, we’re hopeful this series will dig deeper into the emotional and personal forces that helped shape one of history’s most famous leaders. Needless to say, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Alexander and will be sure to circle back with more updates as additional details about the project emerge.
Alexander will premiere exclusively on Netflix. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Image via Netflix’s Tudum. Picture by Bruce Glikas for Getty Images.
