“Heated Rivalry” Creator Jacob Tierney Takes On Alexander the Great & Aristotle in New Netflix Series
Jacob Tierney built a reputation with sharp character work and emotional storytelling in the hit series “Heated Rivalry.” Now, he is shifting gears in a big way. The 46-year-old Canadian director’s next project travels far from hockey arenas and modern romance into the ancient world of kings, philosophers, and rising empires.
Netflix has officially greenlit Tierney’s “Alexander” with a straight-to-series order. The historical drama focuses on a young Alexander the Great and his mentor, Aristotle. It combines political maneuvering with emotional depth, highlighting how a single relationship helped shape an empire and redirect history itself.
A Bold Jump From Romance to Ancient History
On the surface, Tierney’s shift from “Heated Rivalry” to “Alexander” feels dramatic. One story lives in the charged emotional space between two hockey players, while the other unfolds in a world of ambition, philosophy, and power in ancient Macedonia. Still, both projects revolve around deeply personal relationships.
Tierney has consistently favored character-focused storytelling over spectacle. That sensibility carries into this series. “Alexander” zeroes in on the evolving connection between teacher and student, tracing how Aristotle influenced a gifted but unpredictable young prince who would go on to conquer much of the known world.
The show draws inspiration from the 2009 novel “The Golden Mean” by Canadian author Annabel Lyon. Tierney has admired the book for years and long wanted to bring it to the screen. The novel earned praise for its intimate portrait of Aristotle and his uneasy role as tutor to the future conqueror.
The Relationship That Shaped an Empire
Heated Rivalry / IG / Netflix describes “Alexander” as an “incredibly intimate historical drama.” The story begins as the Athenian empire weakens and political tension spreads across the Greek world.
In the middle of that turmoil, Aristotle travels to Macedonia to educate the unpredictable young prince Alexander.
Their partnership quickly grows more complex than a simple teacher and student arrangement. Aristotle carries the weight of his intellectual reputation and a deep sense of responsibility. Alexander burns with ambition, curiosity, and a restless hunger for power.
The series plans to explore that tension from several angles. Palace intrigue, political maneuvering, and personal secrets create pressure inside the royal court. Forbidden love and dangerous ambition swirl around the young prince as he learns lessons that will shape his future campaigns.
This focus on a close emotional dynamic connects directly to Tierney’s earlier work. “Heated Rivalry” earned a loyal audience because it treated its central relationship with honesty and intensity. “Alexander” uses that same approach, only the stakes now involve empires and history.
The Strong Creative Team Behind the Series
Heated Rivalry / IG / Tierney plans to write, direct, and executive produce the series through his Toronto production company, Accent Aigu Entertainment.
His longtime collaborator, Brendan Brady, will also join as an executive producer.
The series also brings major support from Aggregate Films. The company is led by Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan, who helped produce the critically acclaimed Netflix drama “Ozark.” Their partnership adds industry weight and experience to the project.
Netflix executives have already voiced strong support for Tierney’s vision. Jinny Howe, head of scripted series for the United States and Canada, praised his unique creative voice and character-driven storytelling. She also noted that Tierney brings a raw, modern energy to historical drama.
That approach could set “Alexander” apart from many traditional period shows. Instead of focusing mainly on battles and large-scale spectacle, the series aims to spotlight the emotional forces shaping powerful historical figures.
Right now, the project remains in early development. Netflix has not yet announced casting choices or a firm production schedule. Details about filming locations and release timing are also still under wraps.