Starz has a habit of issuing renewals before shows even debut, and the network has done it again. Starz revealed that it is bringing back "Spartacus" for a third season, months ahead of its January second-season debut, reports the Los Angeles Times’ ShowTracker blog.

"Spartacus: Vengeance" will debut Jan. 27 with Liam McIntyre in the title role, replacing the late Andy Whitfield.

Production on the third season will start in New Zealand in early 2012, the piece adds.