Written by Muhammad Ali‘s story is finally getting the series treatment it deserves. The Greatest, an upcoming Prime Video drama executive produced by Michael B. Jordan, is the first-ever authorized scripted series about the boxing legend’s life. Also backed by Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, who serves as executive producer, the show promises unprecedented access to the man behind the myth.
The Greatest (2026)DetailsCreator and ShowrunnerBen WatkinsExecutive ProducersBen Watkins, Lonnie Ali, Elizabeth Raposo, Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, Matthew Gross, Aiyana White, Jeff Augustin, Owen Shiflett, Michele Anthony, Boyd Muir, and Josh WakelyCastJaalen Best, Michael Ealy, Giovanni Ribisi, Omari Hardwick, Dana Gourrier, Amin Joseph, and Kai ParhamRelease DateNovember 4, 2026PlatformPrime Video
The show goes beyond the famous victories and defeats to explore Ali as “the boxing champion, humanitarian, and global icon” (via Amazon MGM Studios). Prime Video unveiled the first teaser at the Essence Festival of Culture on July 4, and here’s everything we know so far.
The Greatest Release Date: When Is the Show Premiering?
Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali in The Greatest | Credits: Prime Video
The wait won’t be too long. The Greatest premieres on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Prime Video announced the date during a special first-look presentation on the main stage at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, moderated by ESPN and ABC News journalist Kelley Carter (via Amazon MGM Studios press release).
The series will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. While Prime Video has not officially confirmed the release schedule (binge vs. weekly) or the exact release time, we expect the platform to follow its usual pattern of weekly release at 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). Viewers can find the release time in their region in the following table.
Time ZoneRelease TimeTime-Adjusted Release DateUS Pacific (PDT)12:00 AMNovember 4, 2026US Mountain (MDT)1:00 AMNovember 4, 2026US Central (CDT)2:00 AMNovember 4, 2026US Eastern (EDT)3:00 AMNovember 4, 2026US Alaska (AKDT)11:00 PMNovember 3, 2026US Hawaii (HST)9:00 PMNovember 3, 2026United Kingdom (BST)8:00 AMNovember 4, 2026Europe (CEST)9:00 AMNovember 4, 2026Saudi Arabia (AST)10:00 AMNovember 4, 2026UAE (GST)11:00 AMNovember 4, 2026India (IST)12:30 PMNovember 4, 2026Philippines (PHT)3:00 PMNovember 4, 2026Singapore (SGT)3:00 PMNovember 4, 2026Japan (JST)4:00 PMNovember 4, 2026Australia (AEST)5:00 PMNovember 4, 2026
Creator and showrunner Ben Watkins joined the panel at Essence along with several cast members to preview the eight-episode drama.
The Greatest Cast: Who Plays Muhammad Ali?
Newcomer Jaalen Best steps into the ring as Cassius Clay, the young man who would become Muhammad Ali. It’s a massive role for a fresh face, and early reactions to the teaser suggest fans are curious to see how he handles it.
Best is joined by a stacked supporting cast that includes Michael Ealy, Giovanni Ribisi, Omari Hardwick, Dana Gourrier, Amin Joseph, and Kai Parham. Here are the cast members and their roles in the show.
Cast MembersRolesJaalen BestMuhammad AliGiovanni RibisiAngelo DundeeOmari HardwickCassius “Cash” Clay Sr.Dana GourrierOdessa “Bird” ClayKai ParhamRudy, aka Rahaman AliAmin JosephSonny ListonErica TazelGeraldine ListonMichael EalyMalcolm XReno WilsonDrew Bundini BrownAleks PaunovicWilliam Faversham Jr.Dave DavisMarvin GellerAdrian AlvaradoDr. Ferdie Pacheco
Behind the scenes, Cross creator Ben Watkins serves as creator, showrunner, and executive producer, with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society producing alongside Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, and Polygram Entertainment.
The Greatest Plot: What Does This Michael B. Jordan-Backed Biopic Entail?
Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali in The Greatest | Credits: Prime Video
Rather than cramming Ali’s entire life into one season, The Greatest smartly narrows its focus. Season 1 begins with young Cassius Clay’s life in the years from 1960 to 1964, including winning Olympic gold in Rome and claiming the world heavyweight title for the first time.
Creator Ben Watkins earlier shared that his intention was to show things about Ali’s life that weren’t covered in the movies or documentaries about him. He shared, “It’s a show that’s designed to show you all the stuff that wasn’t in documentaries and isn’t available in terms of watching old fights and old interviews” (via Deadline). He further shared what the first season of the show entails:
We filmed Season 1, which starts in 1960 when he wins the gold medal and ends in 1964 when he wins the heavyweight title for the first time. In between, there is a coming-of-age story, and a very intimate coming of age story, that really shows a different side of Ali, who was then Cassius Clay.
Earlier, Amazon MGM head of television, Vernon Sanders, shared in a press release, “Muhammad Ali defined commitment and passion for multiple generations of Americans.” He further added, “His journey is best told in full by a team whose dedication reflects that example. Ali’s is an awe-inspiring story of one of the most significant global figures of the 20th century.”
With Lonnie Ali executive producing and the Ali estate’s full authorization, the series has access to personal details previous projects simply couldn’t touch. Expect the boxing, but expect the man behind it even more.
The Greatest Trailer: Is a Trailer or First Look Available?
Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali in The Greatest | Credits: Prime Video
Yes, the first-look teaser is officially out. Prime Video debuted it live at the Essence Festival. It is now available on the streamer’s YouTube channel. The minute-long teaser offers the first glimpse of Jaalen Best as Cassius Clay and sets the tone for an emotion-filled sports drama. Here is the first-look teaser of the show.
Where to Stream The Greatest?
Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali in The Greatest | Credits: Prime Video
The Greatest will stream exclusively on Prime Video starting November 4, 2026. The series will be accessible to Prime members, whose standard membership costs $14.99/month (or $139/year), or to those with a $8.99/month standalone Prime Video subscription
What are your expectations for this Muhammad Ali biopic? Let us know in the comments below!
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