Jaalen Best Steals the Show in Amazon's Muhammad Ali Series
The eight-episode biopic pairs a breakout performance with ambitious historical drama, though critics note some uneven character development.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Amazon released The Greatest, an eight-episode biographical series about Muhammad Ali, on November 2, 2026. The central tension of the production lies in its casting choice: Jaalen Best, a relatively unknown actor, plays the lead role. Critics compare the decision to casting a modern star in a period piece about a historical figure, yet Best’s performance is widely regarded as the series' strongest asset.
The series, created by Ben Watkins, spans eight episodes. It covers the period from Cassius Clay’s gold medal win at the 1960 Olympics in Rome to his early professional career. The narrative focuses on Clay’s transformation into a boxing icon and his growing involvement with the Nation of Islam. Watkins directed the first two episodes. The show features a supporting cast that includes Omari Hardwick, Dana Gourrier, Kai Parham, Amin Joseph, Michael Ealy, Giovanni Ribisi, and Chris Jericho.
Watkins structured the story to blend well-known historical events with lesser-known personal details. The series depicts Clay’s return to Louisville, where he faces decisions about turning professional. His father, played by Hardwick, and his mother, played by Gourrier, hold differing views on his readiness for the heavyweight division. The narrative also introduces Sonny Liston, played by Joseph, who emerges from prison to challenge the status quo in boxing. The show positions Clay and Liston against the established order, with Floyd Patterson, played by Brandon McKnight, serving as the reigning champion.
The production leans into the legend of Ali, sometimes embellishing historical accounts. One example involves the casting of Clay’s Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River. While historians generally accept this story was fabricated by a ghostwriter to illustrate racial prejudice, the series presents it as factual. This approach aligns with the show’s broader aim to portray Ali as a figure who challenged the establishment through his race, religion, and outspokenness.
Best’s portrayal of Clay is described as a remarkable achievement for a young actor. He captures the boxer’s public persona while also showing his private self. His physical performance in the ring is noted for its accuracy, closely matching historical footage of fights against Henry Cooper and Liston. The series depicts the development of Clay’s voice and style, moving from a soft-spoken young man to a braggadocious champion.
The supporting cast brings depth to the narrative, though some characterizations are viewed as archetypal. Joseph portrays Liston as a tragic figure struggling for acceptance, while Ealy plays a mature Malcolm X who serves as a mentor to Clay. The series juxtaposes the lives of these men against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. It highlights how different characters perceive progress, from Clay’s ambition to Liston’s fight for humanity.
Critics note that the eight-episode format allows for detailed character development, though some women’s roles remain underdeveloped. The series ends with Clay on the brink of his first title shot and his full transformation into Muhammad Ali. Watkins has expressed interest in continuing the story, potentially covering Ali’s protest of the Vietnam War and his later career battles. The success of this first season has generated hope for further seasons that would follow Ali through his exile and return to the ring.
The series is available on Amazon. It offers a mix of familiar historical moments and intimate character studies. While the production has its uneven moments, it is considered a compelling entry in the genre of biographical sports dramas. The focus on Best’s performance has drawn attention to his potential as a leading actor in future projects.
