Game Of Thrones: 5 Epic Shows To Binge-Watch Over Hiatus

If you were positively titillated by the fighting pits of Meereen, enthralled by Tyrion and Ser Jorah’s attempts to survive enslavement, intrigued by the dynamics of slavery in Essos, or are just plain suffering from violence and nudity withdrawal, Spartacus: Blood and Sand could be the one for you.

The first installment of Starz’ Spartacus series, Blood And Sand follows a Thracian known only by his gladiatorial name of Spartacus. Spartacus is reduced from a warrior of Thrace down to a slave of Rome in the very first episode. Driven by the need to reunite with his beloved wife who has also been enslaved, Spartacus must use his wits as well as his skills in the arena to rise through the gladiatorial ranks to became Champion of Capua.

As the show is called “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” and not “Champion of Capua: Content Slave of Rome,” however, Spartacus does not long suffer slavery as his eternal fate. Amidst a backdrop of politics, sex, and violence, Spartacus plots a coup befitting his name. The balance of emphasis between the slaves and their owners makes for some seriously compelling drama.

As an added plus, the nudity in Blood and Sand is surprisingly equal opportunity for both genders. The nudity almost always serves a narrative point beyond gratuitousness, and the sexposition is usually actually relevant.