Spartacus: House of Ashur premiered with its first two explosive episodes, “Dominus” and “Forsaken” on December 5, 2025 on Starz. The long-awaited sequel series rewrites the franchise’s history, following the treacherous Ashur in an alternate timeline where he, not Spartacus, emerged victorious. Awarded a gladiator school for his betrayal, Ashur finds his dream of respect and power collapsing almost immediately, until a fierce new fighter changes the game for his doomed house.
The New World of a Living Traitor
The series opens by establishing its bold new reality. In this timeline, Ashur (Nick E. Tarabay) was the one who killed Spartacus, earning him a reward from the Roman general Crassus. He is now the Dominus, or master, of his own gladiator school—the very house where he was once enslaved. Despite his wealth and status, he is a pariah among Capua’s elite, who view him as a cowardly upstart and whisper that he stabbed Spartacus in the back. The episodes use a haunting, dreamlike sequence to bridge the old story with the new, showing Ashur tormented in the underworld before the ghostly Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) shows him this alternate path.
Ashur’s rule is shaky from the start. His trainer, Korris (Graham McTavish), struggles to control the undisciplined fighters. When a trainee named Rhodius openly mocks how Ashur achieved his glory, Ashur flies into a rage. A sparring match turns deadly, and Ashur kills Rhodius, eliminating his own best gladiator in a moment of bruised pride. This single act of poor judgment cripples his house’s reputation before it can even be built.
“Shall I seek to arrange for you to swallow his cock upon contest’s end?” Ashur jokes to Korris after a fight. Korris’s deadpan reply highlights their strained dynamic: “It would be an honor to drink such potent a blessing.”
A Arena Fight Designed for Humiliation
Desperate for legitimacy, Ashur begs for a spot in the arena games. He is granted one by Lady Cossutia (Claudia Black), who clearly intends for him to fail. Ashur selects Logas as his new champion, a fighter who secretly despises him. The fight is a brutal setup: Logas is forced to battle the Ferox Brothers, three highly skilled fighters who overwhelm him.
The defeat is not just a loss but a public spectacle of shame. The Ferox Brothers kill Logas and then disrespect his body in front of the entire arena. Ashur watches, powerless, as his hopes for glory are literally torn apart on the sand. This humiliation proves the nobles will never accept him and leaves the House of Ashur with no champion and no reputation.
Achilia’s Fierce Entrance and a Dangerous Bargain
With his house in ruins, Ashur’s fate changes at the city’s slave docks. He and Korris witness a chained woman fighting off multiple Roman guards with shocking skill and fury. Instantly seeing her potential, Ashur purchases her, names her Achilia (Tenika Davis), and declares she will be his new gladiator.
This decision breaks every tradition, as women are not gladiators. Korris and the entire house are horrified. Achilia herself is not willing to serve. At her first opportunity, she grabs a blade and holds it to Ashur’s throat, vowing to kill him for her freedom. In a tense negotiation, Ashur lays out her only real choice.
Ashur explains the brutal truth to Achilia: if she kills him, she will be hunted and executed. But if she fights for him and wins in the arena, she can earn her freedom legally. She reluctantly accepts this path, forming a partnership built on mutual need, not trust.
Her integration into the ludus is violently opposed. Two drunken fighters attempt to assault her, hoping to break her spirit. Achilia fights back ferociously, killing one of them in a graphic and shocking act of self-defense. When Korris steps in with his sword drawn, Achilia stands her ground and cuts his face, proving her exceptional skill. This moment turns the tide. Korris, recognizing a true warrior, orders the house to protect her. Achilia becomes the official, if controversial, hope for the House of Ashur.
Political Schemes and a Glimmer of Alliance
While Achilia’s story unfolds, Ashur continues to fumble in the political arena. He is invited to the home of Senator Gabinius (Andrew McFarlane), seeing it as a chance to mend his reputation. Instead, when the senator asks for his honest judgment, Ashur bluntly tells him he is weak, disliked, and cannot control his own household. Ashur is promptly thrown out.
The visit is not a total loss. The senator’s daughter, Viridia (India Shaw-Smith), looks at Ashur differently. Having lost her husband in the war against Spartacus, she sees Ashur as the hero who avenged him. The show hints at a possible future bond between them, which could offer Ashur a much-needed political and emotional alliance.
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How to Watch the New Season
Spartacus: House of Ashur premiered with two episodes on Friday, December 5, 2025, on the Starz channel and app. Episode 1, “Dominus,” aired at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, followed immediately by Episode 2, “Forsaken,” at 10:00 PM Eastern Time. New episodes will be released weekly every Friday at the same time.
For viewers outside the United States, the series is available on MGM+ in the United Kingdom, starting Saturday, December 6. The first season is planned for 10 episodes, with the finale scheduled for January 30, 2026.
The returning series has been met with strong early reviews, holding a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics who previewed the first episodes. It maintains the franchise’s signature style of graphic violence, stylized dialogue, and adult themes.
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