The Arena Reopens: 'Spartacus: House of Ashur' Premieres December 5

STARZ just dropped the official release date for Spartacus: House of Ashur, and the internet is already buzzing louder than a Roman orgy. Set to premiere on Friday December 5, the brand new chapter in the wildly popular Spartacus universe promises to deliver everything fans crave and more. Think betrayal political backstabbing and enough shirtless gladiators to fuel your group chat for a week.

So why is this announcement such a big deal? Let’s break it down like a gladiator smashing a helmet with his bare hands.

What Is Spartacus House of Ashur Even About

If you're not familiar with Ashur then you probably skipped the parts of the original Spartacus series where scheming actually mattered. Played once again by Nick E. Tarabay, Ashur is the former slave turned backstabbing mastermind who somehow managed to survive longer than most of his more musclebound counterparts. And now he's back. But this time he is not just surviving. He is thriving.

The twist in House of Ashur is wild. In this alternate timeline Ashur lives on and is rewarded for his treachery with his very own ludus. That is right. The same gladiator school where he once bled is now his to command. Naturally things get messy fast because power politics gladiators and Ashur’s particular brand of smug ambition do not exactly make for a peaceful workplace.

Meet the New Cast of Chaos

STARZ is going all in with a stacked cast that includes returning favorite Nick E. Tarabay and some fresh faces ready to spill blood and steal scenes. Here are a few standouts:

• Graham McTavish as Korris because of course every Roman epic needs a silver fox with a sword

• Tenika Davis as Achillia a fierce gladiatrix who is about to ruin a few fragile egos

• Jordi Webber as Tarchon looking dangerous and brooding in every promo shot

Also keep an eye out for Ivana Baquero Claudia Black and Leigh Gill because apparently this show is collecting genre icons like they are Pokémon.

When and Where to Watch

Now for the part you actually came here for. Spartacus: House of Ashur premieres on Friday December 5 with a double episode drop because one hour of chaos is never enough. After that new episodes will stream weekly on the STARZ app and all other STARZ streaming and on demand platforms.

So mark your calendars cancel your plans and maybe warn your neighbors if you tend to cheer during fight scenes.

Why Fans Are Losing Their Minds Already

It has been over a decade since Spartacus: War of the Damned wrapped up the original saga but the fandom never died. Between rewatching Blood and Sand for the 14th time and quoting Batiatus like it’s scripture fans have been waiting for something new. House of Ashur looks like it is leaning into everything that made the original series iconic from the gory battles to the political intrigue and yes the unapologetic nudity.

And with Spartacus creator Steven S. DeKnight back as showrunner expectations are sky high and so are the stakes.

Final Thoughts Before the Arena Opens

Spartacus: House of Ashur is shaping up to be the kind of chaotic fun we didn’t know we needed but are absolutely here for. The release date announcement has officially kicked off the hype and with its unique twist fresh faces and brutal energy this series is ready to conquer your Friday nights.

Winter is coming and so is Ashur. You have until December 5 to catch up on every episode of the original Spartacus series available now on the STARZ app.

Now go sharpen your sword metaphorically of course and get ready to return to the arena.