NEW YORK — Starz network announced this week plans to end its highly successful Spartacus saga next season.
In an unusual move announced Monday, Starz will conclude this action-adventure series while it’s still a big hit, and after logging only three seasons (or four, counting a “prequel” season). This season the series drew six million viewers, an enormous number for a paid subscription channel. Creator-executive producer Steven S. DeKnight promises a “stunningly epic” final season. That 10-episode cycle, which will kick off next January, is currently filming in New Zealand.
The series stars Liam McIntyre as the Thracian-slave-turned-revolutionary who’s out to topple the Roman Empire. McIntyre took over the role from Andy Whitfield, who starred the first season, then withdrew due to illness. He died of cancer in September 2011.
Spartacus‘ success was due to its heavy blend of sex, violence and social commentary, a mix which engaged and challenged in equal measure. But when nearly all of the major characters are killed off, save Spartacus himself, one could argue notice that the series’ end is near was in fact ‘writing was on the wall’ at last season’s end.