Spartacus is an American television series that premiered on Starz on January 22, 2010 and was initially marketed under the title Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The series was inspired by the historical figure of Spartacus, 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 up to the beginning of historical records. 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 lead actor Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Because of the delay, Starz produced a six-episode prequel series, entitled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena. Pre-production of season 2 began after the announcement that Whitfield was cancer-free. However, his cancer recurred, so Starz replaced Whitfield (with his consent) with actor Liam McIntyre, who began playing the role of Spartacus at the start of season two. Andy Whitfield died on September 11, 2011. The second season was marketed as Spartacus: Vengeance.

cast:
Manu Bennett - Crixus
Lucy Lawless - Lucretia
Peter Mensah - Doctore
Nick Tarabay - Ashur
Viva Bianca - Ilithyia
Andy Whitfield - Spartacus
John Hannah - Batiatus
Daniel Feuerriegel - Agron
Katrina Law - Mira
Lesley-Ann Brandt - Naevia
Jai Courtney - Varro