Fans of Heated Rivalry may have to wait a little longer to return to the cottage, but there’s a new drama on the horizon that promises intrigue, power and forbidden romance.
Jacob Tierney, the creator behind the hit hockey series, has signed on to write, direct and executive-produce Alexander, an upcoming Netflix period drama centred on Alexander the Great and his famed tutor, Aristotle.
The series will be based on The Golden Mean, the acclaimed historical novel by Annabel Lyon. Set during a time of political instability, the story begins as the Athenian empire is weakening and the philosopher Aristotle travels to Macedonia to educate a young and volatile prince — Alexander.
According to the official description, the show will explore a world of palace intrigue, war and ambition, as well as the complicated bond between teacher and student.
“As the Athenian empire is crumbling and the world’s greatest mind, Aristotle, arrives in Macedonia to tutor a volatile young prince, Alexander. Amid palace intrigue, forbidden love, brutal war and ruthless ambitions, their unlikely friendship shapes an empire and alters the course of history.”
Fans of Lyon’s novel may feel confident the adaptation is in capable hands. Tierney’s work on Heated Rivalry — based on Rachel Reid’s popular Game Changer book series — has been widely praised for staying faithful to its source material. Tierney wrote and directed all six episodes of the show’s first season.
Several familiar names from Heated Rivalry are also involved in the new project. Executive producer Brendan Brady will return, alongside Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan from Aggregate Films.
Tierney said adapting Lyon’s novel has been a long-time goal.
“I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book The Golden Mean years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since,” he said.
“Brendan and I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Aggregate and Netflix to bring this insanely compelling world to life.”
Netflix has not yet announced a release date for Alexander.
