Overview
- Starz debuts the revival on December 5 with a two-episode premiere, followed by weekly releases through late January 2026.
- The series reframes the saga around Ashur in an alternate timeline as he ascends to dominus, introducing Achillia as the franchise’s first female gladiator.
- Critics who screened the first five episodes largely praise Nick E. Tarabay, Graham McTavish and Tenika Davis, noting the show recaptures the franchise’s blend of political intrigue, sex and graphic violence.
- Creator Steven S. DeKnight returns with modern set protocols such as intimacy coordinators and intensive fight training; he says season two is already written and longer-term plans are mapped out.
- Production filmed in Auckland with large crews, and international rollout includes MGM+ in the UK/Europe, Stan in Australia and ThreeNow in New Zealand, with some markets still awaiting distribution details.