Jacob Tierney, the acclaimed creator behind the hit contemporary gay romance series Heated Rivalry, is set to embark on an exciting new project with a historical twist. Netflix has greenlit a straight-to-series adaptation of the novel The Golden Mean by Canadian author Annabel Lyon, titled Alexander, which will explore the formative years of the legendary conqueror Alexander the Great. Alongside fellow executive producer Brendan Brady, Tierney will not only direct but also write the series, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the mentor-protégé relationship between Aristotle and Alexander during a tumultuous period in Athenian history.
As the Athenian empire faces decline, young Alexander, portrayed as a passionate and impulsive prince, is under the tutelage of the renowned philosopher Aristotle. Their unique bond is set against the backdrop of political intrigue, forbidden romance, and warfare, paving the way for a story filled with rich emotional depth and historical significance.
Jinny Howe, Netflix’s Head of U.S. and Canada Scripted Series, expressed excitement about partnering with Tierney, praising his creative vision for reimagining the classic dynamic of mentor and protégé. “This high-stakes drama is poised to deeply resonate with our global audience,” she stated, indicating confidence in its potential success.
Following the remarkable success of Heated Rivalry, which captivated audiences with its portrayal of a passionate yet secretive love between rival hockey players, Tierney’s rise in the television landscape has been swift. The show has amassed impressive viewership numbers, averaging 10.6 million per episode on HBO Max in the United States alone, leading to a second season renewal anticipated for late April 2027.
The project showcases Tierney’s versatile storytelling abilities, transitioning from the contemporary themes of Heated Rivalry to the complexities of ancient history. He has spent years dreaming of adapting Lyon’s novel, underscoring his commitment to bringing compelling narratives to life.
Heated Rivalry, which has become a cultural phenomenon and secured a successful partnership with Crave for its next season, highlights Tierney’s remarkable talent in developing engaging content. Alongside his previous successes, including the acclaimed comedy series Letterkenny, Tierney’s new venture with Alexander promises to further cement his status as a distinguished voice in the television industry.
As excitement builds for both the continuation of Heated Rivalry and the new historical drama Alexander, viewers can look forward to Tierney’s innovative storytelling and evocative character development that challenge and reshape conventional narratives.