Spartacus House of Ashur Premiere Sparks Fierce Fan Debate Over Female Gladiator

The gladiatorial saga has returned. Starz debuted the new series “Spartacus: House of Ashur” on December 5, 2025. The show is a spinoff set in an alternate history where the villainous Ashur survived. It premiered with two episodes to strong critical reviews but immediate audience backlash.

This divergence centers on a key new character. The series introduces a female gladiator, or gladiatrix, named Achillia. Her inclusion has ignited a fierce online debate about historical accuracy and modern storytelling.

Audience Backlash Targets “Woke” Storytelling

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have praised the series. It holds a 100% score from professional reviewers. The audience reaction tells a different story entirely.

Fans have given the show a starkly low 45% rating. Many negative reviews specifically target the gladiatrix character. One viewer called the inclusion “beyond insulting to anyone with any concept of history,” arguing women were never gladiators. Similar comments label the move as “feminist delusion” and predict the show will fail for “going woke.”

According to sources like MovieWeb, the backlash has been vocal on review platforms. Critics of the show claim it prioritizes modern inclusivity over historical realism. They argue it damages the franchise’s gritty authenticity.

Supporters Hail a Bold and Fresh Return

Despite the controversy, the series has its defenders. Many fans are celebrating the show’s return and its new direction. They appreciate the complex return of the villain Ashur, played by Nick E. Tarabay.

Positive reviews highlight the show’s action and world-building. Supporters argue the original “Spartacus” series also featured fierce female warriors. They see Achillia as a natural expansion of that theme.

These fans describe her character as well-written and compelling. They see in her the same “fire” as the original hero. Social media reactions also show strong support, with viewers calling the premiere “incredible” and “amazing.”

The debate surrounding “Spartacus: House of Ashur” underscores a modern tension in historical fiction. The series has boldly reignited the franchise, proving its story is far from finished.

Thought you’d like to know

What is “Spartacus: House of Ashur” about?

It is a new Starz spinoff series. It imagines an alternate timeline where the scheming Syrian Ashur killed Spartacus and now runs his own ludus. The show premiered in December 2025.

Why are some fans upset with the new show?

A significant portion of the audience backlash focuses on the introduction of a female gladiator. Critics of this move argue it is historically inaccurate and a forced example of modern “woke” politics in storytelling.

How are critics reviewing the series?

Professional critics have responded very positively. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series currently holds a perfect 100% score from critics, contrasting sharply with the much lower audience rating.

Who plays the female gladiator Achillia?

The character Achillia is portrayed by actor Tenika Davis. Her character is a new acquisition for Ashur, who aims to train her to become a champion in the arena.

Where can I watch the new series?

“Spartacus: House of Ashur” is streaming exclusively on the Starz platform and app. New episodes are released weekly on Fridays.