Michael B. Jordan‘s new Prime Video show debuts with strength on Rotten Tomatoes.
The deal between Jordan, the Oscar-winning star of Sinners and Creed, goes back to February 2021. That was when Outlier Society, his production banner, signed a first-look film pact with Amazon Studios and an overall television deal. That partnership paved the way for Without Remorse, a Tom Clancy adaptation that saw the Black Panther actor collaborating with Taylor Sheridan.
Since then, Outlier Society has lined up several high-profile adaptations. The upcoming TV take on the Fourth Wing novels is likely the most high-profile production, with key castings recently announced. Outlier Society and Prime Video streaming platform are also debuting The Greatest, an eight-episode look at the life of Muhammad Ali, on November 4th.
The Greatest has debuted to a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The score is based on only six reviews so far, so it may change as more assessments are added in the coming days and weeks. The Average of Rated Reviews, viewable by clicking the Tomatometer, currently sits at 8.10 out of 10, indicating a strongly positive reception early on.
The Greatest is created and executive produced by Ben Watkins, most recently the showrunner of Prime Video’s Cross, and is a rare extended scripted look at Ali’s life. Lonnie Ali, the legendary boxer’s widow, is among a team of executive producers that includes Jordan via Outlier Society, Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, Shawn Carter, Polygram Entertainment, and Grace: A Storytelling Company.
The biopic drama features a cast of characters crucial to Ali’s journey and historically relevant. All American: Homecoming alum Jaalen Best leads as the titular boxer, while Power star Omari Hardwick and The Hateful Eight actor Dana Gourrier play his parents, Cassius “Cash” Clay Sr. and Odessa “Bird” Clay, respectively.
Colin in Black & White actor Kai Parham appears as Rudy Clay, Ali’s brother, with Snowfall‘s Amin Joseph appearing as rival Sonny Liston. Veteran actor Giovanni Ribisi rounds out the ensemble as Angelo Dundee, and Barbershop‘s Michael Ealy recurs as Malcolm X.
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AEW and WWE legend Chris Jericho also recurs as Gorgeous George in Prime Video Original, which TheWrap‘s Zaki Hasan argues is one of the year’s best new shows. That sentiment is echoed elsewhere, with Sydney Morning Herald‘s Craig Mathieson arguing that the show deserves to be renewed.
Still, there are some drawbacks. Some reviews note that The Greatest doesn’t deviate from the biopic formula or offer a new perspective on the sports icon. But overall, it sounds like if a viewer is open to the established biopic ebbs and flows, there is plenty to be found in this latest streaming offering.
It is a good inclusion for Jordan’s production banner in any case, especially since Will Smith’s Ali is such a well-remembered movie. Next, between Outlier Society and Amazon, is The Thomas Crown Affair, which Jordan directed and led. It will be released on March 5, 2027.
All eight episodes of The Greatest will be released on Prime Video on November 4.
The Greatest
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Jaalen Best
Muhammad Ali
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Lacey Creighton
Stenographer
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Amin Joseph
Sonny Liston
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Jim Chad
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