Amazon Prime Video’s “The Greatest” revisits Muhammad Ali’s early rise in an eight-episode drama made in collaboration with the Ali estate. Created by Ben Watkins, the series begins with Ali’s Gold medal win at the 1960 Olympics and ends shortly after he defeats Sonny Liston to claim the heavyweight championship. All eight episodes premiere on November 4.
Newcomer Jaalen Best plays Ali, with Giovanni Ribisi as trainer Angelo Dundee, Dana Gourrier as Ali’s mother, Odessa, and Michael Ealy as Malcolm X. Lonnie Ali, Ali’s wife at the time of his death, is an executive producer alongside Michael B. Jordan and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. Watkins has said he has three seasons in mind, with the final one set in the mid-1970s, around Ali’s victory over George Foreman.
The show frames Ali’s boxing ability through his family and upbringing. His older brother’s confidence, his mother’s love and faith, and his father’s artistic vision are presented as influences on the fighter he becomes. Omari Hardwick gives Ali’s father, Cassius Sr., a mix of charm and bitterness, portraying a man proud of his son but troubled by his own frustrated ambitions and destructive habits.
That family focus gives the series some of its strongest material. Ali’s relationship with Odessa develops over the season, while his friendship with Malcolm X builds through smaller moments of mutual recognition. The show also gives weight to Ali’s rivalry with Liston. Amin Joseph brings tenderness to a character shaped by a harsh childhood and public vilification, making the contrast between the two fighters especially effective.
Best is commanding in the lead role, capturing Ali’s growing showmanship while conveying the resolve behind it. Gourrier and Joseph also make memorable contributions. Their performances help the series connect emotionally, even as its story follows the familiar path of a biopic and sometimes relies on broad, direct storytelling.
The portrayal is notably polished. The series emphasizes Ali’s noble qualities and does not fully explore the more complicated aspects of his personal life. His brother Rudy, played by Kai Parham, is also underdeveloped despite his closeness to Ali and his role in their shared spiritual journey. These choices leave questions about how much complexity the planned continuation will address.
For now, “The Greatest” is most successful as a portrait of Ali’s early years: a grounded account of the family, community and determination behind his rise from Olympic champion to heavyweight titleholder.
Sources: IndieWire.