Spartacus: House of Ashur Debuts with Perfect Critical Score on Rotten Tomatoes
The new gladiator series Spartacus: House of Ashur has debuted with a perfect critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting a 100% Tomatometer score ahead of its two-episode premiere on December 5. This impressive score is based on six reviews, indicating that the show has generated significant buzz among critics. As more reviews are added before and after the premiere, the score may fluctuate, but for now, it’s a promising start for the series.
According to Collider’s review, Jeff Ewing praises the show, stating that Spartacus: House of Ashur “essentially pulls off the miraculous, leaning on the mythological extravagances of ancient Roman belief to rewrite history and give a character a new lease on life.” Similarly, RogerEbert.com’s Kaiya Shunyata commends the series, noting that it’s “a spin-off series that not only honors the legacy of its predecessor but one that, at times, rivals it.” These glowing reviews suggest that Spartacus: House of Ashur is a worthy successor to the original series.
A New Chapter in the Spartacus Saga
The story of Spartacus: House of Ashur is a sequel to Starz’s Spartacus, set in an alternate timeline where the titular Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) survives and seeks revenge. This fresh take on the Spartacus universe has allowed the show’s creators to explore new themes and ideas while still staying true to the spirit of the original series. With a five-season roadmap already in place, according to showrunner Steven S. DeKnight, there’s plenty of room for the story to unfold and evolve over time.
DeKnight, who returned to helm the series, has stated that he has ideas for other spinoffs set in the Spartacus universe, which could potentially lead to a rich and expansive franchise. In an interview with ScreenRant at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, DeKnight shared his vision for the series, saying, “I always like to have an idea that a show has legs before I sign on. So, we roughly mapped out about five seasons, and that could be four seasons, could be seven seasons, all depending on how popular the show is.” With a talented cast, including Lucy Lawless reprising her role as Lucretia, and a gripping storyline, Spartacus: House of Ashur is poised to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the world of television.
A Stellar Cast and Crew
The cast of Spartacus: House of Ashur is a talented ensemble, featuring Tenika Davis as Achillia, a female gladiator known as gladiatrix, Graham McTavish as the gladiator trainer Korris, Jordi Webber as the ambitious Tarchon, Jackson Gallagher as Julius Caesar, and Jaime Slater as Caesar’s wife Cornelia. The show also features Jamaica Vaughan as Hilara, Ivana Baquero as Messia, Claudia Black as Cossutia, India Shaw-Smith as Viridia, and Leigh Gill as Satyrus. With such a diverse and skilled cast, the series is sure to deliver compelling performances and memorable characters.
Directed by Rick Jacobson, Spartacus: House of Ashur promises to be a visually stunning and action-packed ride, with a richly detailed world and complex characters. As the show’s release date approaches, fans of the original series and newcomers alike are eagerly anticipating the premiere, which is set to debut on December 5, 2025. With its perfect critical score and talented cast and crew, Spartacus: House of Ashur is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and highly anticipated series of the year.
Release Date December 5, 2025
Directors Rick Jacobson
