Following the breakout success of the queer hockey romance series Heated Rivalry, creator Jacob Tierney is already working on his next major project.
The Canadian filmmaker will write, direct, and executive produce Alexander, a new historical drama ordered by Netflix. The series will explore the early life of Alexander the Great, one of the most famous figures in ancient history.
The announcement comes as Tierney’s reputation continues to grow in the television industry after Heated Rivalry became an unexpected global hit.
From Heated Rivalry to Historical Epic
Heated Rivalry, based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels, debuted on Canadian streamer Crave and quickly gained international attention.
The series starred Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams as rival hockey players whose complicated relationship evolves into a romance.
Despite its modest budget and niche source material, the show became widely discussed online and earned praise for its portrayal of queer relationships.
With Season 2 expected in 2027, Tierney’s new project represents a major step into large-scale historical storytelling.
The Story Behind Netflix’s Alexander Series
Netflix’s upcoming series is based on Annabel Lyon’s 2010 novel The Golden Mean.
The story focuses on the relationship between the philosopher Aristotle and a young Alexander, who is still years away from becoming the legendary conqueror known throughout history.
According to Netflix’s synopsis, the drama begins during a turbulent political moment in ancient Greece as Aristotle arrives in Macedonia to tutor the volatile young prince.
The series promises a story filled with:
- political intrigue
- philosophical conflict
- military ambition
- personal relationships that shape Alexander’s future
Will the Series Explore Alexander’s Queer History?
One aspect of Alexander’s life that continues to intrigue historians is his close relationship with Hephaestion, a general and childhood companion.
Some historical sources describe Hephaestion as Alexander’s closest confidant and possibly his greatest love.
Ancient Greek culture often accepted certain same-sex relationships, particularly among elite men, although the social context differed significantly from modern understandings of sexuality.
Previous productions including the Netflix docudrama Alexander: The Making of a God—have explored this aspect of Alexander’s life.
It remains unclear how prominently Tierney’s new series will address those relationships, but the project’s themes of “forbidden love” mentioned in Netflix’s description have fueled speculation among fans.
Aristotle and Alexander: A Complex Dynamic
Unlike many stories about Alexander the Great, The Golden Mean focuses heavily on Aristotle’s perspective.
The philosopher is reluctantly brought to the Macedonian court to tutor the young prince, creating a fascinating dynamic between intellectual discipline and military ambition.
Their relationship represents a clash between philosophical ideals and the realities of political power.
Tierney’s adaptation could potentially shift the perspective to explore Alexander’s own experiences more deeply.
A Major Opportunity for Netflix
The project also represents an ambitious historical drama for Netflix, combining political intrigue, classical history, and character-driven storytelling.
The series will be produced with help from Aggregate Films, the production company founded by actor and filmmaker Jason Bateman, alongside producer Brendan Brady, who worked with Tierney on Heated Rivalry.
Netflix executives say they were drawn to Tierney’s vision for adapting the novel and bringing a fresh perspective to one of history’s most famous figures.
What Happens Next
At the moment, the series is still in early development.
Netflix has not yet announced:
- casting details
- filming start dates
- an official release window
But with Tierney’s growing reputation and the popularity of historical dramas, the project is already generating significant interest.
FAQs
What is Jacob Tierney’s new Netflix series about?
The upcoming series Alexander will explore the early life of Alexander the Great and his relationship with philosopher Aristotle.
Is the series based on a book?
Yes, it is based on Annabel Lyon’s novel The Golden Mean.
Will the show explore Alexander’s relationship with Hephaestion?
It has not been confirmed, but many historians discuss their close relationship, and the topic may appear in the series.
When will the Alexander series be released?
Netflix has not announced a release date yet.