Spartacus
Spartacus
Now Showing

Spartacus

8.0
Yr 2010
Rt 53m
Status Ended
Drama
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 65 /100

Critical reception for Spartacus is polarized, often centering on its unapologetic use of extreme gore, sexual content, and hyper-stylized violence. While many critics acknowledge these elements as overwhelming or lacking depth, others embrace the series as a compelling and smart production that manages to balance its ludricous aspects with genuine character-driven drama.

Performances frequently receive praise, particularly that of the late Andy Whitfield, whose portrayal of the title character is cited for its emotional depth. While later seasons saw fluctuations in quality and reception, the series as a whole is often viewed as a singular, high-intensity entry in the sword-and-sandalo genre that keeps viewers engaged despite its niche appeal.

“The gore is ludicrously OTT and the characters unlikable, but this is a terrific show – compelling, smart and funny.”

“A dark, violent and fascinating look at the life of a gladiator through the eyes of a Thracian slave seeking vengeance.”

“John Hannah keeps the show grounded with a persuasive portrait of a man engaged in a stressful daily business.”

“For those with sensitive dispositions, Spartacus: The Complete Series is one of the best releases of the year.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

5
UK
Netflix
US • UK
Starz Apple TV Channel
US
Show 6 more
Starz
US
Philo
US
Spectrum On Demand
US
Netflix Standard with Ads
US • UK
Crave
CA
Starz Amazon Channel
CA
Why fans love it

The 2010 drama Spartacus distinguishes itself through a heightened, graphic aesthetic that leans into the visceral brutality of ancient Rome. Rather than focusing on political maneuvering in the senate, the series centers on the claustrophobic and often lethal environment of the gladiator training pits. This perspective frames the arena as a stage where endurance and violence are the only currencies that matter for survival.

The cycle of betrayal and shifting loyalties within the Ludus keeps the power dynamics volatile. Andy Whitfield anchors the series as a man stripped of his identity and compelled into a life of public bloodshed. The narrative tension relies heavily on his journey from a forced performer to a leader among captive warriors, turning the spectacle of Roman sport into a catalyst for rebellion. This approach highlights the stark contrast between the luxury of elite Roman villas and the stark, blood-stained reality of those fighting for their lives on the arena floor.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 19
Longest run 33 eps
Andy Whitfield
Andy Whitfield
as Spartacus
13 episodes
Liam McIntyre
Liam McIntyre
as Spartacus
20 episodes
John Hannah
John Hannah
as Batiatus
13 episodes
Manu Bennett
Manu Bennett
as Crixus
33 episodes
Dustin Clare
Dustin Clare
as Gannicus
20 episodes
Lucy Lawless
Lucy Lawless
as Lucretia
23 episodes
Erin Cummings
Erin Cummings
as Sura
13 episodes
Cynthia Addai-Robinson
Cynthia Addai-Robinson
as Naevia
20 episodes
Show 67 more
Jaime Murray as Gaia 20 episodes Ellen Hollman as Saxa 20 episodes Luna Rioumina as Belesa 10 episodes Marisa Ramirez as Melitta 20 episodes Ditch Davey as Nemetes 10 episodes Barry Duffield as Lugo 20 episodes Pana Hema-Taylor as Nasir 20 episodes Stephen Lovatt as Tullius 20 episodes Blessing Mokgohloa as Castus 10 episodes Jenna Lind as Kore 10 episodes Hanna Mangan Lawrence as Seppia 20 episodes Gwendoline Taylor as Sibyl 10 episodes Brett Tucker as Varinius 20 episodes Simon Merrells as Marcus Licinius Crassus 10 episodes Katrina Law as Mira 23 episodes Todd Lasance as Julius Caesar 10 episodes Christian Antidormi as Tiberius Licinius Crassus 10 episodes Anna Hutchison as Laeta 10 episodes Roy Snow as Quintus Marcius Rufus 10 episodes Jared Turner as Lucius Furius 10 episodes John Wraight as Lucius Cossinius 10 episodes Antonio Te Maioha as Barca 6 episodes Craig Walsh-Wrightson as Solonius 8 episodes Daniel Feuerriegel as Agron 26 episodes Viva Bianca as Ilithyia 21 episodes Nick E. Tarabay as Ashur 21 episodes Ande Cunningham as Duro 6 episodes Peter Mensah as Doctore 21 episodes Siaosi Fonua as Hamilcar 9 episodes Heath Jones as Donar 20 episodes Luke Pegler as (archive footage) 10 episodes Craig Parker as Gaius Claudius Glaber 16 episodes Aaron Jakubenko as Sabinus 4 episodes Delaney Tabron as Marcia 3 episodes Bonnie Sveen as CHADARA 4 episodes Laura Surrich as Slave/Bath Tub Girl 1 episode Ayse Tezel as canthara 2 episodes Graham Vincent as Pollux 3 episodes David Stott as Herius 1 episode Joshua Randall as Iovis 3 episodes Harry Stanbridge as Publius 2 episodes Francis Mossman as Vitus (uncredited) 3 episodes Sam Bunkall as City Guard 2 episodes Brooke Williams as Aurelia 6 episodes John Way as Capuan Man 2 episodes Karlos Drinkwater as Kerza 3 episodes Jon Brazier as Ramel 2 episodes Greg Ward as Erebus 2 episodes Eka Darville as Pietros 6 episodes Matthew Chamberlain as Ovidius 3 episodes Matt Gillanders as Marcellus 2 episodes Raicho Vasilev as Gnaeus 6 episodes Brooke Harman as Licinia 3 episodes Jai Courtney as Varro 10 episodes John Bach as Magistrate Calavius 5 episodes Mark Mitchinson as Aulus 4 episodes Marlow Robinson as Janus 2 episodes Lesley-Ann Brandt as Naevia 11 episodes Tim Foley as Hector 4 episodes David Austin as Medicus 9 episodes Janine Burchett as Domitia 6 episodes Lliam Powell as Numerius 6 episodes Tania Nolan as Caecilia 3 episodes Mia Pistorius as Aemilia 3 episodes Ioane King as Rhaskos 6 episodes Matthew J. Saville as Guard 2 episodes Vanessa Cater as Verenda (uncredited) 2 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Spartacus overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

gladiator arena ancient rome slave
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
January 22, 2010
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
53 minutes
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
3,022