House of Cards is an American political thriller streaming television series created by Beau Willimon. The first 13-episode season was released on February 1, 2013, on the streaming service Netflix. It is the story of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), an amoral politician and Democrat from South Carolina’s 5th congressional district, and his equally ambitious wife Claire Underwood. In season 3, Frank pushes for a controversial jobs program called America Works and faces a crisis in the Jordan Valley. Doug appears to switch sides and begins working for Heather Dunbar, while Doug brutalizes his former Chief of Staff into revealing that Rachel is alive and living under a false identity.
Donald Blythe is sworn in as Acting President and turns to Claire for guidance during a military crisis involving Russia. Frank Underwood and Claire Underwood are sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States after their respective parties’ candidates fail to win special elections. Claire faces increased scrutiny after her husband’s death following his resignation. The Shepherds continue to plot her downfall, enlisting the help of Brett Cole, an ambitious Congressman who seeks to become Speaker of the House.
House of Cards was one of the earliest shows to launch in the “streaming era”. MRC approached different networks about the series, including HBO, Showtime, and AMC. Netflix, hoping to launch its own original programming, outbid the other networks. Netflix ordered 26 episodes to air over two seasons, with Kevin Spacey attached to star and serving as an executive producer. House of Cards premiered on Zee Café on February 20, 2014.
The channel aired all 13 episodes of season 3 on March 28 and 29, 2015. Foxtel offered the entire first season to Showcase subscribers via their On Demand feature on set-top boxes connected to the internet. Critics have praised the first season for its “slick, engrossing drama that may redefine how television is produced”.
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