Heated Rivalry Creator Jacob Tierney and Jason Bateman to Produce New Netflix Series

The upcoming drama will explore the bond between Alexander the Great and philosopher Aristotle.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Jacob Tierney, the creator of the hit series Heated Rivalry, is teaming up with Jason Bateman to produce a new Netflix series called Alexander. The show will explore the relationship between Alexander the Great and his tutor, the philosopher Aristotle, based on the 2009 book The Golden Mean by Annabel Lyon. Tierney will write the script, while his Heated Rivalry collaborator Brendan Brady will serve as an executive producer alongside Bateman and his Aggregate Films partner Michael Costigan.

Why it matters

This new project marks an exciting collaboration between the creative minds behind the popular LGBTQ+ sports drama Heated Rivalry and the acclaimed Netflix series Ozark. The series promises to offer a fresh and intimate take on a pivotal moment in history, exploring the dynamic between a legendary ruler and his influential mentor.

The details

According to Netflix, Alexander will delve into the "unlikely friendship amid palace intrigue, forbidden love, brutal war and ruthless ambitions" between Alexander the Great and Aristotle, and how their bond "alters the course of history." Tierney expressed his enthusiasm for bringing this story to the screen, having been captivated by Lyon's book for years.

  • The series is currently in development, with production expected to begin soon.
  • Tierney and Brady are also working on the second season of their hit series Heated Rivalry, which is set to premiere on HBO Max in spring 2027.

The players

Jacob Tierney

The creator of the acclaimed series Heated Rivalry, who will write the script for the new Netflix series Alexander.

Jason Bateman

The acclaimed actor and producer, who will serve as an executive producer on the new Netflix series Alexander through his production company Aggregate Films.

Brendan Brady

Tierney's collaborator on Heated Rivalry, who will also serve as an executive producer on the new Netflix series Alexander.

Annabel Lyon

The author of the 2009 book The Golden Mean, which the new Netflix series Alexander is based on.

Jinny Howe

The head of U.S. and Canada scripted series at Netflix, who expressed excitement about working with Tierney on the new series.

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What they’re saying

“I fell in love with Annabel Lyon's book 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.”

— Jacob Tierney, Creator (Netflix)

“Jacob Tierney is one of the most exciting, in-demand creative voices working today, and we are thrilled to work with him on Alexander. This series reimagines the classic power struggle between mentor and protégé with a raw, modern energy that feels both epic and incredibly intimate.”

— Jinny Howe, Head of U.S. and Canada Scripted Series (Netflix)

What’s next

Production on the new Netflix series Alexander is expected to begin soon, with Tierney and Brady also working on the second season of their hit series Heated Rivalry, which is set to premiere on HBO Max in spring 2027.

The takeaway

This new collaboration between the creative minds behind Heated Rivalry and Ozark promises to deliver a fresh and compelling take on a pivotal moment in history, exploring the complex relationship between a legendary ruler and his influential mentor. Fans of both Tierney's and Bateman's work can look forward to this highly anticipated new series.