Prime Video has released 'The Greatest', an eight-episode series that provides a grounded and nuanced portrait of Muhammad Ali. Created by Ben Watkins, the show was developed in collaboration with Ali's estate and executive producers Michael B. Jordan and Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter. The series moves away from the mythical status that often surrounds historical figures, offering instead a detailed look at the man who transcended boxing to become a global icon. This approach distinguishes the new production from earlier cinematic depictions, such as the 2001 film 'Ali' and Regina King's 2020 movie 'One Night in Miami'.
The narrative begins in 1960 in Rome, where 18-year-old Cassius Clay, played by newcomer Jaalen Best, competes in the Olympic Games. The series follows Clay as he defeats Poland's Zbigniew Pietrzykowski to win gold for the United States. In a poignant scene following the victory, Clay calls home from a phone booth to his mother, Odessa Clay, portrayed by Dana Gourrier. The amateur boxer weeps in relief as his family listens in via radio, establishing the deep emotional ties that define the character.
A central theme of the series is the life of the Clay family, who affectionately call Cassius 'G'. While the family celebrates his return to Louisville, Kentucky, with a lavish dinner, the household is not without its tensions. The series depicts the oppressive and segregated nature of the city during that era. Cassius Clay Sr., played by Omari Hardwick, is portrayed as a stern and stoic father with a simmering rage born from a lifetime of racial abuse and unfulfilled dreams. His volatile mood, alcoholism, and complex love for his family add depth to the story, allowing viewers to see Cassius as a three-dimensional person rather than just an athlete.
The show chronicles the four years following the Olympics, covering Cassius' transition to professional boxing and his partnership with trainer Angelo Dundee, played by Giovanni Ribisi. It also details his conversion to Islam and his friendship with Malcolm X, portrayed by Michael Ealy. A significant milestone in the series is Cassius' 1964 victory over Sonny Liston, played by Amin Joseph, which saw him become the Heavyweight Champion of the World. However, the series places equal weight on moments outside the ring, depicting Ali as a young Black man coming of age in Jim Crow America and defying societal expectations.
Critics have praised the entire cast, with particular acclaim for Gourrier and Hardwick as the Clay parents. Their portrayal of loving yet flawed figures who raised upstanding young men resonates strongly with audiences. Jaalen Best's performance as Ali is described as magnetic, noting his physical resemblance to the boxer and his spot-on voice cadence. Best effectively captures Ali's quick-witted rhymes and riddles used to taunt opponents, a testament to Watkins' willingness to give a relatively unknown actor a major platform.
The production features stunning boxing matches, including Floyd Patterson's 1962 fight against Sonny Liston and Ali's 1963 bout with Henry Cooper in London. Cinematographers Stuart Campbell and Jeremy Benning use dynamic camera work to immerse viewers in the action, capturing the blood and guts of the sport. While the series occasionally uses black-and-white vignettes to illustrate inner monologues or the passage of time, it quickly returns to its realistic tone. The soundtrack blends contemporary artists like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar with era-defining songs such as Nina Simone's 'To Be Young, Gifted and Black'.
Beyond the focus on athletic brawn, the series weaves together the narratives of several Black men, including Cassius, Malcolm X, Sonny Liston, and Cassius Sr. It explores how these men tried to stand tall in a society that often did not view them as human. The show highlights the influence of the Nation of Islam, then led by Elijah Muhammad, played by Hill Harper, on Cassius and his brother Rudy. This religious shift offered a different perspective on Black identity in America, contrasting with the Christian faith that had long been central to their family life.
'The Greatest' serves as a reminder that history is ever-present, profiling a young man defined by youthful arrogance and bold determination. By laying the foundation for who Cassius Clay was, the series provides a clearer understanding of how he became the enduring figure known as Muhammad Ali. All eight episodes are now available on Prime Video.
