Starz Renews 'Spartacus' for Third Season

Starz

The new Spartacus, Liam McIntyre

Starz has renewed Spartacus for a third season.

The network announced Monday that production on the as yet untitled third season of its original franchise will begin early next year in New Zealand.

"There is no denying the impact Spartacus has had in the marketplace with fans across the globe thirsting for the continuation of the epic tale," Starz Media managing director Carmi Zlotnik said in announcing the news.

The renewal comes days after the male-skewing network announced the Jan. 27 premiere date for spinoff Spartacus: Vengeance and more than a month after Starz inked Spartacus showrunner Steven S. DeKnight to a two-year overall deal.

“The executives at Starz have been extremely supportive in giving us creative freedom and allowing us to tell the story in a rich, yet bold way that leaves an indelible mark on its fans,” DeKnight said in a statement.

Added Zlotnik: "Vengeanace brings unparalleled action and drama to Starz viewers in January. We are thrilled to come to an early agreement that allows the writers and talent to get right back to work in preparing for Season 3.”

The most recent installment of Spartacus was Starz's Gods of the Arena which ran in January and averaged 6.2 million total viewers per episode, including on-demand viewing. Liam McIntyre assumed the title role in Vengance, joined by Lucy Lawless, Peter Mensah, Manu Bennett, Dustin Clare, Nick E. Tarabay and Katrina Law.