NEW YORK: Starz network says it is ending its highly successful ''Spartacus'' saga next season.

In an unusual move announced Monday, Starz will conclude the action-adventure series while it's still a big hit, and after only three seasons (or four, counting a ''prequel'' season).

This season the series drew six million viewers, an enormous number for a paid subscription channel.

Creator-executive producer Steven S. DeKnight promises a ''stunningly epic'' final season.

That 10-episode cycle, which will kick off next January, is filming in New Zealand.

The series stars Liam McIntyre as the Thracian slave-turned-revolutionary who's out to topple the Roman Empire. McIntyre took over the role from Andy Whitfield, who died of cancer in September 2011.