Spartacus: House of Ashur — Everything You Need to Know

Get ready, gladiators! The legendary (and bloody) world of Spartacus is back with a new spin-off, Spartacus: House of Ashur, hitting STARZ very soon. Prepare for an alternate history where Ashur is in charge, and the arena is more brutal than ever!

TL;DR

Spartacus: House of Ashur premieres with two episodes on Friday, December 5 on STARZ.
It's an alternate history sequel where Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) survived Mount Vesuvius and now owns his own gladiator school.
Expect all the signature gore, sex, and political intrigue the original series was known for, plus a new fierce gladiatrix, Achillia.

Ashur Rises: An Unexpected Twist in Roman History

Fans of the original Spartacus series, which wrapped up way back in 2013, probably remember Ashur as a conniving, ruthless survivor. Well, guess what? He's back! Spartacus: House of Ashur throws us into a wild alternate reality where Nick E. Tarabay's character didn't meet his end on Mount Vesuvius.

Instead, in this twisted timeline, Ashur's treachery paid off big time. After helping Rome quash the slave rebellion (meaning, in this version, he was the one who took down Spartacus), he's rewarded handsomely. He's now the "Dominus," the master of his very own ludus, the gladiator training ground that once held him captive. Talk about a glow-up!

But don't think it's all sunshine and roses for Ashur. While he's living a life of relative luxury, he's still navigating the cutthroat world of Roman politics and trying to earn respect from his peers. His house of gladiators is apparently struggling, and he's got to prove himself. That's where the new, exciting elements of the series come into play.

Trailer Breakdown: Gore, Spectacle, and Political Games

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STARZ has dropped both a Green Band and a Red Band trailer for Spartacus: House of Ashur, and let's just say the Red Band version doesn't pull any punches. If you loved the original series for its over-the-top violence and steamy scenes, you're in for a treat.

The trailers promise a return to the blood-soaked gladiator rings, with limbs flying and deadly blows aplenty. We're talking splashy, uncensored fights that emphasize the brutal reality of the arena. Beyond the physical combat, there's also a heavy dose of political intrigue, desire, and twisted loyalty as Ashur tries to solidify his power.

It's clear that creator Steven S. DeKnight (who's back as showrunner and executive producer) is dedicated to maintaining the "thrilling, erotic, and history-bending roller-coaster experience" that made the original so popular. This new chapter is designed to shock, disrupt, and even offend the Roman elite with its spectacles.

Meet the New Faces and Familiar Foes

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While Nick E. Tarabay is front and center as Ashur, the series introduces a host of new and compelling characters who will challenge or support his rule:

Tenika Davis as Achillia: A fierce and relentless gladiatrix, Achillia is a game-changer. Ashur "flips tradition on its head" by unleashing her, and the trailers show her impressive skills against multiple opponents. She's eager to prove herself in a man's world, and she might just be Ashur's secret weapon.
Graham McTavish as Korris: The battle-hardened gladiator trainer for Ashur's house. He's determined to turn its fortunes around in the arena.
Jordi Webber as Tarchon: An ambitious hunk who will surely stir up some drama in Ashur's world.
Jackson Gallagher as Julius Caesar: Yes, that Julius Caesar! He's a powerful Roman figure who, along with his wife, visits Capua, bringing "heightened elegance, as well as lust" to the story.
Jaime Slater as Cornelia: Caesar's wife, adding another layer to the Roman political and social landscape.
Jamaica Vaughan as Hilara
Ivana Baquero as Messia
Claudia Black as Cossutia
India Shaw-Smith as Viridia
Leigh Gill as Satyrus

And for those wondering about other familiar faces, it's been teased that Lucy Lawless could return as Lucretia, and John Hannah almost made an appearance in Season 1! The trailers even show a very brief, but impactful, appearance of Liam McIntyre's Spartacus, being impaled by Ashur in this alternate timeline.

"Tarabay and DeKnight teased what’s to come in an exclusive interview, including the return of Lucy Lawless as Lucretia and how John Hannah almost appeared in Season 1 on House of Ashur."

When and Where to Catch the Action

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Mark your calendars, because Spartacus: House of Ashur premieres with its first two episodes on Friday, December 5, 2025. After the two-episode debut, new episodes will drop weekly on Fridays.

You can catch all the blood, guts, and glory exclusively on STARZ. This includes the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. If you're looking to refresh your memory or experience the original saga, all four chapters of the Spartacus franchise (Blood and Sand, Gods of the Arena, Vengeance, and War of the Damned) are available to stream on STARZ.

For those living in the Los Angeles area, IGN even hosted a special screening of the first two episodes on November 19 at the Landmark Theatre in Westwood, giving some lucky fans an early peek at the series!

Why This Return Matters to Fans

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The original Spartacus was a massive hit for STARZ, earning a reputation for its captivating story, intense action, and unique visual style. A sequel series, especially one exploring an alternate history with a fan-favorite villain, has naturally generated a lot of buzz.

House of Ashur isn't just a rehash; it's a "new story that’s somewhat removed from the events of the main show," allowing for fresh narratives while staying true to the established world. With Steven S. DeKnight back at the helm and Nick E. Tarabay reprising his role, expectations are high that this new chapter will deliver the same level of excitement, brutality, and drama that fans have been craving for over a decade.

So, get ready to be thrust back into Ancient Rome, where power, passion, and destiny collide in a way only Spartacus can deliver!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spartacus: House of Ashur

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When does Spartacus: House of Ashur premiere? The series premieres with its first two episodes on Friday, December 5, 2025. Where can I watch Spartacus: House of Ashur? It will be available exclusively on STARZ, including the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. Is the new series connected to the original Spartacus? Yes, it's a sequel series set in an alternate history where Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) survived and became a powerful figure, but it tells a mostly self-contained new story within that world. Will the new series be as violent and explicit as the original? Yes, the trailers (especially the Red Band version) strongly indicate that Spartacus: House of Ashur will feature the same level of blood, gore, and eroticism that the original series was known for. Sources