Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a Starz television series that premiered on January 22, 2010. The series is inspired by the historical figure of Spartacus (played by Andy Whitfield), a Thracian gladiator who from 73 to 71 BC led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic. Executive producers Steven S. DeKnight and Robert Tapert focused on structuring the events of Spartacus’ obscure early life leading up to the beginning of historical records. The show has been rated TV-MA for graphic violence, strong sexual content, and coarse language.

The show was initially renewed for a second season but production was delayed because Whitfield was diagnosed with early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Due to the delay, Starz produced a six-episode prequel series, entitled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. Pre-production of season 2 began following the announcement that Whitfield was cancer free, however his cancer recurred. Starz has since replaced Whitfield with actor Liam McIntyre, who will play Spartacus for season two.

• Season 1

1      1-01      SPS101    22/Jan/10   The Red Serpent
2      1-02                29/Jan/10   Sacramentum Gladiatorum
3      1-03                05/Feb/10   Legends
4      1-04      104       12/Feb/10   The Thing In The Pit
5      1-05      105       19/Feb/10   Shadow Games
6      1-06      106       26/Feb/10   Delicate Things
7      1-07      107       05/Mar/10   Great And Unfortunate Things
8      1-08      108       12/Mar/10   Mark of the Brotherhood
9      1-09      109       19/Mar/10   Whore
10     1-10      110       26/Mar/10   Party Favors
11     1-11      111       02/Apr/10   Old Wounds
12     1-12      112       09/Apr/10   Revelation
13     1-13      113       16/Apr/10   Kill Them All

Watch Spartacus Vengeance