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WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Spartacus: House of Ashur.

An "all-time favourite TV series" has returned, but this time it's brought an Outlander legend into the mix.

Television fanatic are obsessed with period dramas, from The Crown to Vikings or Peaky Blinders, which is set to return for its eagerly anticipated film next year.

So when word spread that the Spartacus franchise would be resurrected, MGM+ viewers were thrilled, particularly as it's made its return with a unique twist.

Spartacus: House of Ashur, which launched 12 years after the original series concluded, takes place in an alternative timeline where antagonist Ashur (portrayed by Nick Tarrabay) escaped his gruesome demise.

Rather than perishing, Ashur flourishes with his own gladiator academy, a prize he earned from the Romans following his assistance in capturing Spartacus (Andy Whitfield).

The fresh spin-off is being released weekly, with just the opening two episodes available on its debut date last week, which featured a disturbing scene.

Ashur introduced new gladiatrix Achillia (Tenika Davis) into the arena to face Ephesius (Evander Brown) and Creticus (Stephen Madsen), who had previously drunkenly harassed and mocked her whilst intoxicated.

Pursuing vengeance, Achillia brutally assaults and slays both men before a live crowd, but in a shocking moment, eliminates Creticus by tearing off his genitals with her bare hands.

Viewers were left reeling, with one fan rushing to X, formerly Twitter, to declare: "The end of episode two has one of the most brutal moments ever aired on television.

"Holy s**t that hurt to even watch."

Another viewer gushed: "I was a bit worried about how they'll write for Achilla but it's really good. And that scene in the second episode. Chef kiss."

Fellow admirers showered the series with acclaim, branding it as "mindblowing", "perfect" and "my all-time favourite TV series".

One enthusiast raved: "The choice of words, the brutality, the raw nudity...these are some of the things that make the Spartacus franchise a gem."

Outlande fans received an unexpected bonus as the Spartacus spin-off features Dougal MacKenzie star Graham McTavish portraying gladiator trainer Korris.

Korris serves as Ashur's trusted lieutenant in their mission to transform their newly established gladiator academy into the finest available, though Ashur's presence doesn't always make the job straightforward.

Discussing the challenges of filming House of Ashur, McTavish revealed to Rolling Out: "The physical stuff was tough. We did boot camp, and I've done these before.

"I did it for "The Hobbit," I did it for "Outlander" and this, but this was by far the most challenging and tough because you really had to train to be believable gladiators.

"Whatever they taught in actual gladiator school is what they taught us."

Beyond Outlander and House of Ashur, McTavish's impressive portfolio includes The Hobbit trilogy, Preacher, The Witcher and House of the Dragon, amongst others.

Spartacus: House of Ashur continues every Saturday on MGM+.