Spartacus @ Comic-Con: A New Hero, Bereft Lucretia, and the Promise of Fresh 'Beefcake'

Comic-Con

Although Liam McIntyre somewhat wishes there was “never the opportunity” to headline Starz’s Spartacus: Vengeance, since he was a fan of the show, he’s glad to have the blessing of original Spartacus Andy Whitfield. “Andy did call up the [producers] and said, ‘I do want the show to continue,’” McIntyre related during the series’ San Diego Comic-Con panel. “He gave his blessing. Obviously, I’m grateful for that.”

Filling Whitfield’s sandals … READ MORE & WATCH TRAILER

TVLine Items: NBC Schedules Love Bites, The Voice Adds Star Power, and Other News to Know

Lovely news: NBC has finally found a suitable spot to launch Becki Newton‘s long-shelved rom-com, Love Bites. …READ MORE

TVLine Items: Firefly Lives On, Another Spartacus Recast, and More TV News to Know

Joss Whedon’s cult classic Firefly has crash-landed at a new home: Science Channel!

Don’t worry, Nathan Fillion is still an active participant on ABC’s Castle. Science Channel is just filling the Firefly void by airing the entire series — from start to finish — just for you. The trip back to the future starts Sunday, March 6 at 8/7c with the series’ two-hour pilot, followed by another episode at 10/9c.

Ready for more of today’s TV dish? Well… READ MORE

Ask Ausiello: Spoilers on Chuck, Glee, Bones, Smallville, House, Grey's and more!

Got a scoop request? An anonymous tip you’re dying to share? Just want to say hi? You can send any/all of the above to askausiello@tvline.com.

Question: The only spoiler I’m interested in right now is: When will your website be up!?! —Hatts
Ausiello: The wait is over. All together now, “Bus driver, MOVE. THAT. BUS.” TVLine.com is live!

Question: What’s in the Hatch? —Susan
Ausiello: Really? It’s the first Ask Ausiello back after my two-month hibernation, er, career transition, and instead of asking a legitimate question you decide to test out some new standup material?! What an Aushole.

Question: How about some Chuck scoop to celebrate your first Ask Ausiello at TVLine.com? —Hillary
Ausiello: Works for me. Mark your calendars for Jan. 17. That’s the date Jeffster makes its triumphant return. But that’s old news. Here’s some new news: They’ll be performing a cover of Whitesnake’s “Is This Love.” In other Chuck news, Lou Diamond Phillips has been cast as the V.O.W. (Villain of The Week) in 4.15, “Chuck vs. The Cat Squad.” …READ MORE

Team TVLine: What Excites Us About 2011!

Emmys

One of the best things about launching TVLine.com when we did (the site did go live, right?) is that it came on the cusp of much fresh fare hitting the airwaves. This month alone, you’ve got 14 TV series making their debuts, while a slew of returning favorites (Parks and Recreation included) are set to uncork new seasons. And the other 11 months of the year promise to deliver even more TV treats.

With that in mind — and to help you get to know the TVLine staff even better — here are the TV events that have each of us excited for 2011. In Comments, tell us what you are looking forward to! READ MORE

First Look: Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena Key Art

Here’s your first look at the pecs-tacular (get it?!) key art for Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, the Starz prequel starring Aussie thesp Dustin Clare as Capua’s first champion gladiator Gannicus. The miniseries is set to premiere on Friday, Jan. 21 at 10/9c.

This story originally appeared on Movieline.com.