Netflix's latest docudrama, Alexander: The Making of a God, has made a strong impression on viewers, debuting at the number two spot on the streamer's Global Top 10 chart for English-language television. Despite being surpassed by Griselda for the top spot for the second consecutive week, Alexander has still managed to capture the attention of audiences, accumulating an impressive 27.7 million hours of watch time since its release on January 31.
The six-part series delves into the life of the legendary conqueror, Alexander the Great, exploring his transformation from a young man in exile to his relentless pursuit of defeating the Persian Emperor, Darius. In just six years, Alexander would achieve the unimaginable by triumphing over the known world. The series also tackles the intriguing topic of Alexander's sexuality, a subject of much debate among historians.
Featuring a talented cast, including Buck Braithwaite (known for Fair Play and Masters of the Air) as Alexander and Mido Hamada (familiar from American Sniper) as King Darius, Alexander: The Making of a God combines dramatic reenactments with expert academic insights. What sets this docudrama apart is its utilization of archaeological discoveries and ongoing excavations at the historic site in Alexandria, Egypt, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the series.
Tony Mitchell, renowned showrunner of popular British sci-fi series Primeval and the biblical miniseries The Bible, takes the reins as the creative force behind Alexander: The Making of a God. As the series gains traction on Netflix, it poses an interesting question: will the success of this docudrama lead the streaming giant to invest more in this genre in the future?
With its blend of fiction and reality, Alexander: The Making of a God has captivated audiences with its exploration of one of history's most fascinating figures. As viewers continue to flock to this docudrama, Netflix may discover a new avenue for engaging and educating audiences through the power of storytelling.
