The new action-adventure drama, Spartacus: House of Ashur, has made a significant impact by achieving a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing its predecessor, Spartacus, which held a score of 64%. The series, created by Steven S. DeKnight, is set to premiere on December 5, 2025, on Starz.
House of Ashur serves as a sequel to the original series, which aired from January 2010 to April 2013. The narrative follows the character Ashur, played by Nick E. Tarabay, who was previously killed by Naevia in Spartacus’s second season, titled Vengeance. In this alternate timeline, Ashur survives and becomes the owner of the ludus once owned by Batiatus, after aiding the Romans in their defeat of Spartacus and quelling the slave rebellion.
Critics have responded positively to the series. As of now, it holds a metascore of 83 on Metacritic, indicating “universal acclaim.” Kaiya Shunyata from Roger Ebert praised the series for its originality, stating, “Spartacus: House of Ashur offers us a rarity in a world where prequels and reboots threaten to stifle all originality: a spin-off series that not only honors the legacy of its predecessor, but one that, at times, rivals it.”
Positive Reviews Highlight Strong Performances
“A classic tale of the haves and have-nots in ancient Rome, where power means everything.”
Variety described the series as “a thrilling sequel” and a “dynamic follow-up” to its predecessor. The publication noted that DeKnight’s portrayal of ancient Rome remains as enticing as ever. Similarly, The Wrap highlighted the strong performances of the cast. While Nick E. Tarabay takes the lead role, critics noted that Tenika Davis, who plays Achillia, and Claudia Black, portraying Cossutia, often steal the spotlight. In particular, Davis’s character, marked by both physical and emotional scars, was praised as a “welcome addition” to the story.
In addition to Tarabay, Davis, and Black, House of Ashur features a talented ensemble cast, including Graham McTavish, Jamaica Vaughan, Ivana Baquero, Jordi Webber, India Shaw-Smith, and Leigh Gill.
As anticipation builds for the series’ debut, the positive reception from critics suggests that Spartacus: House of Ashur could capture the interest of both fans of the original series and new viewers alike. With its rich storytelling and complex characters, the show aims to carve out its own legacy within the acclaimed Spartacus franchise.
