Starz's 'Spartacus,' which premiered 15 years ago, emerged as a standout historical drama by combining explicit content with meticulous historical accuracy. Creator Steven S. DeKnight and producer Robert Tapert undertook extensive research into the limited historical documentation of the real Spartacus, using that foundation to authentically depict Roman gladiatorial combat and the political structures of the era, resulting in a narrative that transcended the typical use of historical settings as mere backdrop.

The show's early renewal led to an expanding franchise comprising the original 'Blood and Sand' season, a prequel series exploring key characters' origins, and subsequent seasons featuring a successful lead actor transition when Andy Whitfield's medical leave prompted Liam McIntyre to assume the role. The most recent expansion, 'House of Ashur,' further demonstrated the franchise's willingness to experiment with alternate timelines whilst maintaining the visceral storytelling and historical grounding that defined the original series.