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Season 1 – House of Cards

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – House of Cards Feb 2013 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
87% Tomatometer 47 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
U.S. Rep. Francis Underwood of South Carolina starts out as a ruthless politician seeking revenge in this Netflix original production. Promised the post of Secretary of State in exchange for his support, his efforts help to ensure the election of Garrett Walker to the presidency. But Walker changes his mind before the inauguration, telling Underwood he's too valuable in Congress. Outwardly, Underwood accepts his marching orders, but secretly he and his wife Claire, an environmental activist, make a pact to destroy Walker and his allies. As the series progresses, Underwood ascends through the ranks of the government -- until his death, at which point Claire gains power. Based on the U.K. miniseries of the same name, the U.S. version offers a look behind the scenes at the greed and corruption in American politics. A number of real-life media figures make cameo appearances.
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House of Cards — Season 1

House of Cards — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Bolstered by strong performances -- especially from Kevin Spacey -- and surehanded direction, House of Cards is a slick, engrossing drama that may redefine how television is produced.

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Critics Reviews

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Eric Deggans NPR Nov 22, 2019
The video service's first original series was a lush, acid exploration of power in Washington. Go to Full Review Emily Nussbaum The New Yorker Nov 27, 2017
I'm impressed by the daring of the writing staff, which has done the unthinkable: set up a realistic challenge to a marriage of soul mates. Go to Full Review Ryan McGee AV Club Nov 27, 2017
B
As a solid, well-executed, oftentimes gorgeously shot series, House Of Cards is a smart move for Netflix. Go to Full Review Nathan Mattise Ars Technica Jul 29, 2021
Since these shows were streaming-first, they introduced the idea of a season being dropped all at once-changing things like how we consume shows... Go to Full Review Kelechi Ehenulo Confessions From A Geek Mind Jul 15, 2020
4/5
Welcome to the anti-hero of politics. Go to Full Review Randy Dankievitch Processed Media Feb 19, 2020
B
And although it's not as consistently sharp as one might hope, there's a lot of intriguing elements spread about, which hopefully will blossom throughout the season. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Andr Ferreira F @andre_f Apr 8, 2026 Boa temporada para começar a série. Grandes atuações e reviravoltas constantes. Além disso, o Frank Underwood é um ótimo protagonista. (avaliação: 7.5/10) See more Jeremi B @RT05796881 Jul 11, 2025 Je suis passé a cote de cette serie pendant longtemps et quelle claque. La première saison de House of Cards m’a totalement happé. Le concept est brillant : exposer les rouages obscurs de la politique américaine au cœur de la Maison Blanche, avec une touche réaliste et une très bonne mise en scène. David Fincher pose les bases avec une élégance froide et une tension constante, chaque plan est calculé, chaque réplique claque. C’est fin et terriblement efficace. Et Kevin Spacey, peu importe les controverses, son interprétation de Frank Underwood est exceptionnelle. Il incarne l’anti-héros parfait : manipulateur, impitoyable, mais captivant. Quand il brise le quatrième mur pour nous parler directement, c’est comme si on était dans sa tête. On devient complice de ses plans les plus tordus, et on adore ça. Les dialogues sont mordants, le rythme est maîtrisé, et chaque épisode creuse un peu plus les mécanismes du pouvoir et de l’ambition. Voir comment les choses fonctionnent “de l’intérieur” donne une impression de vérité qui rend le tout encore plus fascinant. See more Claire S @RT42419046 Aug 3, 2024 Kevin acting was superb in this season. I was rooting for him the whole time. See more J T @Latinalove May 10, 2024 Really, really good. If you want to cut out some of the unnecessary junk, watch this on vidangel and it is still really great. I like the way they write in such a way that everything connects. It feels like a long movie in a really good way. See more Everardo C @Everardo1996 Jan 26, 2024 Con una actuación poderosa de Kevin Spacey y con una trama bien realizada y ala vez intrigante, esta serie marco su inicio como una de las mejores realizadas y que definieron su década See more P M @SpecialistExtent Aug 22, 2023 Smart and intriguing. See more Read all reviews
House of Cards — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Kevin Spacey

Francis Underwood

Robin Wright

Claire Underwood

Kate Mara

Zoe Barnes

Corey Stoll

Peter Russo

Michael Kelly

Doug Stamper

Sakina Jaffrey

Linda Vasquez

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 1 When the newly elected president reneges on a promise, Francis and Claire decide to sever all allegiances and toss the rules out the window. Details Episode 2 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 2 Francis uses a young reporter, Zoe Barnes, to spin a story that puts the White House on its heels; Claire makes a cold-blooded move at work. Details Episode 3 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 3 Francis must leave union negotiations to deal with a crisis in his home district; Zoe negotiates the politics of being a journalist on the rise. Details Episode 4 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 4 Francis shakes down the Congressional leadership; Peter Russo must choose between politics and family. Details Episode 5 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 5 Francis' fight over the education bill threatens Claire's own ambitions; Zoe mixes work and play. Details Episode 6 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 6 Francis strikes back at the striking teachers; Claire is caught off guard by a deathbed confession. Details Episode 7 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 7 Francis wins a major battle, but doesn't pause to rest on his laurels; Peter must face his past; Stamper hushes a secret. Details Episode 8 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 8 Francis is honored at his alma mater, while Peter returns to Philly; both men tackle unfinished business. Details Episode 9 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 9 Russo hits the road with Vice President Matthews; Francis and Stamper try to whip up support in Congress; Claire looks out for herself. Details Episode 10 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 10 Rebellion on all fronts: Claire defies Francis; Zoe finds comfort in someone new; Peter issues an ultimatum. Details Episode 11 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 11 Claire fuels an old flame; Peter wrestles with his demons; Francis crosses the point of no return. Details Episode 12 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 12 Francis must make an unforeseen detour; Zoe, Lucas and Janine get closer to the truth. Details Episode 13 Aired Feb 1, 2013 Chapter 13 Francis scrambles to keep his plan on track; Claire is haunted by choices old and new; Zoe poses a serious threat. Details

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House of Cards — Season 1

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Season Info

Director
James Foley, Charles McDougall, Joel Schumacher, Allen Coulter, David Fincher, Carl Franklin, John David Coles
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Feb 1, 2013
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