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Gods of the Arena – Spartacus

Play trailer Poster for Gods of the Arena – Spartacus Jan 2011 Drama Action Adventure Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Torn from his homeland and separated from the woman he loves, Spartacus is forced into slavery and condemned to the bloody gladiator's arena in Rome. As he navigates the violent and brutal world he realizes that not all battles are fought in the arena, and that he must overcome treachery and temptation to survive. This retelling of the story of Spartacus is rife with blood, violence and sex, set to the sounds of jarring guitars, so it's definitely not for the younger crowd.
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Spartacus — Gods of the Arena

Spartacus — Gods of the Arena

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Critics Consensus

Campier, grittier, and more gratuitous than the original, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena is perfect escapist entertainment.

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Critics Reviews

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Ryan McGee AV Club Jun 10, 2020
B-
So while the prequel starts under less-than-ideal circumstances, there's hope that even though we know the final destination, the journey there will provide at least some truly unexpected pleasures Go to Full Review Brian Tallerico HollywoodChicago.com Jun 10, 2020
3.5/5
The producers of "Gods of the Arena" know how to please their audience. On a production level, this is enjoyable escapism, the perfect fit for a Friday night after a long week at work. Go to Full Review Michael Starr New York Post Aug 22, 2017
Within the first five minutes, we're treated to what plays like a 14-year-old boy's ultimate video game fantasy - soft porn and slow-motion blood spatters and swords plunged into all parts of the body. Go to Full Review Chris Carabott IGN Jun 11, 2020
8.5/10
With even more sex and violence than we've become accustomed to, this opening act does not disappoint and Batiatus' rise to power should be every bit as exciting as his downfall. Go to Full Review Columbus Alive Staff Columbus Alive Jun 11, 2020
2/4
While my inner 14-year-old boy was more than pleased by these camptastic attributes, "Gods of the Arena" can only be viewed as the guiltiest of pleasures. Go to Full Review Dan Owen What Culture Jun 10, 2020
Overall, "Past Transgressions" delivered another hour of juicy and compelling entertainment; a gritty/hammy mix of politics, treachery, manipulation, violence, silliness and sex. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Daniel F. @wonderboyy.nemo Feb 12, 2026 Gods of the Arena introduces possibly one of the greatest and most fun characters in TV history (Gannicus). He's strong, charismatic, foolish, funny, and yet tragic all at the same time. Without question, he carries this season. A beautiful prequel to the original season. See more Robert H @Rwhobbs198 Nov 3, 2025 Spartacus: Gods of the Arena serves as an excellent prequel, taking viewers back to the origins of the House of Batiatus and showing how the gladiator school rose to prominence. By exploring the past, it adds meaningful depth to many of the characters who became fan favorites in Blood and Sand. The series retains everything that made the original season so compelling. The brutal gladiatorial combat, graphic violence, political scheming, betrayal, and plenty of sex, while expanding the world in satisfying ways, all plentiful. Although it's much shorter than a typical season, it makes every episode count and lays a strong foundation for the events that follow. A worthy companion to the original and an essential chapter in the Spartacus saga. See more stefan C @RT89536469 Jun 8, 2025 More Violent and Sex then The Game of Thrones haha See more Azala J @RT41818244 Mar 10, 2025 This series is so much fun! Lots of blood & sex! It makes Game of Thrones look like a kid's show. LOL :D GoTA was (by far) my favorite season of the Spartacus series. Gannicus is my all-time favorite gladiator. While I loved Andy Whitfield's Spartacus, Dustin Clare's Gannicus was the reason I continued watching after AW passed away. Liam McIntyre was good as Spartacus, but (honestly) I would not have continued watching if not for Dustin's hot & sexy portrayal of Gannicus! He was so charismatic on screen, I absolutely became obsessed with the series after Dustin joined the cast. Amazing show! A must see if you like gladiators & shows of this sort. Not for kids though. See more Apr 23, 2019 Entertaining prequel and backstory of this awesome series. See more Jan 15, 2019 Excellent prequel, Batiatus is awesome and Gannicus is my favorite.....my cock rages on!!! See more Read all reviews
Spartacus — Gods of the Arena

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Cast & Crew

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John Hannah

Actor

Lucy Lawless

Actor

Dustin Clare

Actor

Peter Mensah

Actor

Jaime Murray

Actor

Marisa Ramirez

Actor

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 21, 2011 Past Transgressions A young Batiatus finds himself in control of his father's gladiator school; Batiatus uses his most skilled fighter to win favor with a nobleman. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 28, 2011 Missio Batiatus conjures up a devious plan and enlists Lucretia, Gaia and a clutch of gladiator recruits to see it through; Oenomaus longs to reclaim the top gladiator rank, but new challenges cross his path. Details Episode 3 Aired Feb 4, 2011 Paterfamilias Batiatus is stunned by the return of his father, which puts his attempts to gain rank by exploiting those above his class at risk. Details Episode 4 Aired Feb 11, 2011 Beneath The Mask The house of Batiatus is caught in the power struggle between the younger and elder Batiatus; Lucretia agrees to her husband's risky plan; Gannicus is on unstable ground. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 18, 2011 Reckoning Batiatus' father announces a tournament to determine the worth of his stable of gladiators; Crixus is drawn into the power play within the house. Details Episode 6 Aired Feb 25, 2011 The Bitter End Batiatus seeks vengeance for all that has befallen him; the opening of the new arena promises a spectacle of combat and blood. Details

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Spartacus — Gods of the Arena

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Spartacus: Gods of the Arena View more photos

Season Info

Director
Jesse Warn, John Fawcett, Rick Jacobson, Brendan Maher, Michael Hurst
Screenwriter
Steven S. DeKnight, Seamus Kevin Fahey, Maurissa Tancharoen, Brent Fletcher, Aaron Helbing, Jed Whedon, Misha Green, Todd Helbing
Network
STARZ
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 21, 2011
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