Spartacus, Blood and Sand - Sky One, Monday

After a clumsy start this swords and sandals epic has turned into an absolute gem. The second (prequel) season has just been aired and the first season replays this Monday. Not to be missed. A warning: Probably not one for the girls and the faux-shakespearean dialogue and budget CGI might seem ham-fisted at first (as does all the gore and sex) but stick with it and somehow this bizarre world of extremes becomes believable. The characterisation is irresistible and plot-lines deviously drag you in like the uber-sordid, ultra-violent soap opera that it is. There are villains aplenty and no shortage of heroic gladiators for them to torture with their dastardly schemes. Give it a chance - even if at first you are appalled..

Game Of Thrones - 9pm Monday, Sky Atlantic

This is a cracker if you like your fantasy/medieval drama with a bit of edge. The most obvious thing to say about this big budget venture from HBO is that it looks just stunning - and the writing is up to scratch too. Characters are drawn neatly, with an eye for detail and the plot speeds along nicely from the get-go. There is a lot of blood, sex and intrigue in the opener, and some might find it a little much but you can certainly see why the series sold over 7 million novels.