Starz has cancelled Spartacus: House of Ashur after a single season, despite the series being a return to the popular franchise by creator Steven S. Knight. The gladiator drama failed to match the buzz and viewership of the original 2010 series, and its audience demographics did not align with Starz's focus on women and underrepresented viewers, according to sources.
The series, produced by Lionsgate Television, is now being shopped to other platforms. The cancellation comes after Starz split from Lionsgate, and the network is prioritising owned series like Fightland and an untitled Black rodeo drama to secure its financial future. House of Ashur was picked up in 2023, before the separation.
Set in an alternate timeline, the show follows Ashur—who died in Spartacus: Vengeance—as he survives and is rewarded with a gladiator school. The cast includes Nick E. Taraby as Ashur, Tenika Davis as gladiatrix Achillia, Graham McTavish, Lucy Lawless, and others. Despite its cancellation, the series featured a diverse cast and LGBTQIA+ storylines.
Fan reactions have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment and hoping another network picks up the series. One viewer noted they subscribed to Starz solely for Spartacus and Power, while another criticised the network's focus on gang and mob content, threatening to end their subscription.
