Netflix has ordered a historical drama series titled Alexander, centered on Alexander the Great and his tutor Aristotle, from Jacob Tierney, creator of Heated Rivalry. Tierney will write, direct, and executive produce the adaptation of Annabel Lyon's award-winning 2010 novel The Golden Mean. Executive producers include Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan of Aggregate Films.
On March 6, 2026, Netflix announced a series order for Alexander, a historical drama exploring the relationship between Alexander the Great—son of King Philip II of Macedon and Queen Olympias—and his tutor Aristotle. The series is based on Annabel Lyon's debut novel The Golden Mean (2010), which won the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. Set in Macedon in 367 BC as the Athenian empire crumbles, the story follows Aristotle's arrival to tutor the young prince amid palace intrigue, forbidden love, brutal war, and ruthless ambitions. Their unlikely friendship shapes an empire and alters history.
Jacob Tierney, acclaimed for creating, writing, and directing the romance drama Heated Rivalry (premiered on Crave, released on HBO Max in the US), will write, direct, and executive produce. Executive producers include Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan of Aggregate Films, along with Brendan Brady from Heated Rivalry.
Tierney stated: “I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book The Golden Mean years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since. Brendan and I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Aggregate and Netflix to bring this insanely compelling world to life.”
Jinny Howe, Netflix’s Head of US and Canada Scripted Series, said: “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. This series reimagines the classic power struggle between mentor and protégé with a raw, modern energy that feels both epic and incredibly intimate. This high-stakes drama is poised to deeply resonate with our global audience, and we look forward to bringing it to life with the deftly talented Jason Bateman and the Aggregate Films team.”
No casting or release date has been announced.