Spartacus Blood and Sand - Starz television series

Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a Starz television series that premiered on January 22, 2010. The series focuses on 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 to the records of history. 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 announced on May 11, 2010, that it is developing a six-episode prequel to Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Filming of season 2 has begun following the announcement that Whitfield is cancer free.

The prequel, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, will begin production in August 2010 and shoot six episodes. The prequel will premiere in January 2011. The plot will tell the story of Batiatus (John Hannah) who is not yet the head of his family or of the gladiator training school. Gannicus is the lead gladiator in the Ludus, but the House of Batiatus hasn’t earned social respect or the right for its gladiators to fight in championship bouts. Gannicus struggles to turn around the House’s luck.