Like countless moviegoers around the world, “Gladiator 2” is one of my most anticipated films of the year After seeing the action-packed first trailer for Ridley Scott's new film, I was desperate for a film of similar scale to ease the wait until November And thankfully, Peacock's latest series, “The Dying,” satisfies that need

“The Dying” is Roland Emmerich's latest project If you have seen any of Emmerich's other films, such as “Independence Day” or “Moonfall,” you have a pretty good idea of what you are in for

I'm about halfway through “They Will Die,” and while this bloody historical drama is not as outlandish as his other films, it provides plenty of base fun and fits really well into his body of work

If you're looking for spectacle and want to get back inside the Colosseum, “The Dying” is your best chance before being thrown in with Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, and others later this year Here are the details of Peacock's new show and why you should seriously give it a shot

The show will feature players from all walks of life, from sports heroes to game makers to political heavyweights like Emperor Vespasian (Sir Anthony Hopkins)

Peacock's synopsis goes like this: “What entertains the masses and what the mafia wants most is the dirty business of giving blood and sport This series presents an ensemble of characters from every corner of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties

If you can put up with the show's minor problems - the occasional messy dialogue, visual effects that vary in quality - and have an appetite for a series where melodrama, underhanded threats and political machinations, and intense, bloody combat cohabitate, “The Dying” should really be on your watch list

Comparisons to “Game of Thrones” are a cliché in the world of television, but they are unavoidable here The Dying is another film that mixes violent action with political and interpersonal intrigue”

As a series about the bloody art of gladiatorial combat, “The Dying” is not afraid to provide frequent thrilling fights In a single episode, you might see a charioteer hurl himself and his horse around the Circus Maximus, and at least one star cross swords with man or beast, limbs chopped off and blood spilled If you want a thrill ride, this is the film to watch ASAP

Not that the quieter moments aren't interesting The show successfully weaves several storylines together, spilling secrets about one player or another as often as it spills blood That it boasts an ensemble that includes such appealing stars as Iwan Rheon from “Game of Thrones” as the ambitious and domineering game-maker Tenax (who doesn't quite pull off the energy of Ramsay Bolton) and Anthony Hopkins as Vespasianus, certainly helps

If you are looking for a more critical take on the show, the reaction to “The Dying” has certainly been mixed As of this writing, Rotten Tomatoes has a 57% critics' rating, with 14 reviews

Not an auspicious start, but if you look beyond the score, those who agree with the show (like me) find much to like; The Guardian even calls it “ancient Rome at its screen best”

Bottom line: “The Dying” is, at least in my eyes, a gruesome and lurid journey into the past that is absolutely worth watching If you're still not sure if “The Dying” is for you, check out Peacock's Best Shows Guide or Netflix's Best Shows Guide

“Those About to Die” is currently streaming on Peacock and will be available on Prime Video in the UK starting July 19