Spartacus (2010)

Kernel Score: 90% · 2,845 ratings

Genres: Drama

First aired: 2010-01-22

Seasons: 3 · 33 episodes

Is Spartacus worth watching?

Worth watching. A bloody, loud and stylised retelling of the gladiator rebellion. It is cheesy at times and the sex and gore are heavy, but its pace and cast keep you watching.

Watch it if you

  • like violent historical drama
  • enjoy big, soapy power plays
  • want a binge with plenty of action

Skip it if you

  • dislike graphic violence or nudity
  • want accurate history

Best for: Late-night binge

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Spartacus

  • Stream: Philo, Spectrum On Demand, Starz
  • Free with ads: Philo
  • Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment.

Spartacus parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that Spartacus is an extremely graphic and violent drama set in the brutal world of gladiator combat, with frequent sex and nudity.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — Reviews and premise describe frequent, graphic gladiatorial violence and bloodshed as central to the show.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Intense — Reviews explicitly note frequent sex and nudity throughout the series.
  • Language: Strong — Reviews note strong, frequent coarse language consistent with its TV-MA rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like Spartacus

If you liked Spartacus, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • Rome (2005) — 90%: Grown-up historical drama about power in ancient Rome
  • I, Claudius (1976) — 87%: Classic drama of plots and murder in ancient Rome
  • Into the Badlands (2015) — 85%: Stylised fight-heavy drama

Cast

  • Liam McIntyre as Spartacus
  • Manu Bennett as Crixus
  • Dustin Clare as Gannicus
  • Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Naevia
  • Jaime Murray as Gaia
  • Ellen Hollman as Saxa
  • Luna Rioumina as Belesa
  • Marisa Ramirez as Melitta
  • Ditch Davey as Nemetes
  • Barry Duffield as Lugo

Spartacus FAQ

Is Spartacus worth watching?

Worth watching. A bloody, loud and stylised retelling of the gladiator rebellion. It is cheesy at times and the sex and gore are heavy, but its pace and cast keep you watching.

Where can I watch Spartacus?

In the US you can stream Spartacus on Philo, Spectrum On Demand and Starz, watch it free with ads on Philo and buy it from Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is Spartacus OK for kids?

Spartacus is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Spartacus is an extremely graphic and violent drama set in the brutal world of gladiator combat, with frequent sex and nudity.

What shows are like Spartacus?

If you liked Spartacus, try Rome, I, Claudius and Into the Badlands.