'Perfect' epic historical drama which fans branded 'masterpiece' is returning

After over a decade of being off our TV screens, Amazon's MGM+ has announced the premiere date for the history drama Spartacus: House of Ashur. The thrilling gladiator drama will premiere with two episodes and will be available to stream weekly beginning December 6. Previous Spartacus series are still available on MGM+ to stream, but this series is a brand new chapter in the legendary universe. Newly released photos have accompanied the announcement, delivering a glorious new look at the show, capturing the intensity and fierce rivalries at the heart of the Spartacus world. So who is involved in the re-imagined series?

Nick E. Tarabay (Spartacus, The Expanse) reprises his role as antagonist Ashur, with Graham McTavish (The Witcher, House of the Dragon) as Korris, and Tenika Davis (Jupiter’s Legacy, Cabinet of Curiosities) as female gladiator Achillia. Jordi Webber (Choose Love, Prosper) plays Tarchon, along with an extended cast, all eager to get ahead in the brutal world of Ancient Rome.

In addition, other cast members include Jamaica Vaughan (Home and Away, 800 Words) as Hilara, Ivana Baquero (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shannara Chronicles) as Messia, Claudia Black (The Nevers, Ahsoka) as Cossutia, Jackson Gallagher as Caesar, Jaime Slater as Cornelia, and Leigh Gill (Joker, Game of Thrones) as Satyrus.

Loyal fans who want a tease of what to expect have been told that the new spin-off series is based on what would have happened if Ashur had lived, and the Romans had rewarded his treachery within the gladiator school.

Fans will remember that the manipulative former slave was killed off in the original series. The official synopsis teases: "No longer a slave, Ashur has clawed his way to power, owning the same ludus that once owned him.

Fans of the show previously raved about it, with one saying: "It's perfect. Spartacus is ridiculously underrated and absolutely one of my favorite tv shows ever! It is one of the rare shows where each season is just as incredible as the others, all 4 seasons are fantastic & some of the best tv I've ever seen! I've watched the entire series 3 times already. After the original actor (Andrew Whitfield) who played Spartacus sadly died of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after Season 1, they had to recast it and the actor who replaced him (Liam McIntyre) as Spartacus was just as terrific! Do yourself a favor and watch this incredible series immediately...you will not be disappointed! It really is the perfect show!"

Another added: "The complete series is an absolute masterpiece. As a former Australia producer I am so proud of the most sincere work not only from the cast but also the crew. Based in New Zealand it brings a complete smorgasbord of the great talents from director, producers, cinematography to a unique editing style and I must impress upon the casting just perfect. To all involved you do yourselves proud and you bring credit to our industry. Job well done!"

The series will launch with two episodes and be available to stream exclusively on MGM+ on December 6th.