House of Cards (2013)

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 1, 2013
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 1234 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,157 out of 1234
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 1234
  3. Negative: 39 out of 1234
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  1. theseparator
    Feb 11, 2014
    9
    Congressman Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is the smartest guy in Washington, but we meet him just as he suffers a devastating betrayal shifting his career into neutral, but this is only the beginning. We can tell by his acute composure and his stiff body language that even though he is extremely distraught, he is very far from defeated. He will never reveal his distress. That would be aCongressman Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey) is the smartest guy in Washington, but we meet him just as he suffers a devastating betrayal shifting his career into neutral, but this is only the beginning. We can tell by his acute composure and his stiff body language that even though he is extremely distraught, he is very far from defeated. He will never reveal his distress. That would be a sign of weakness. Underwood will even play his subservient role, for now, but eventually, his time will come, with the help of reporter Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara) Perfectly cast as here, Mara has a unique allure as an actress, and as with all her roles, she is unassumingly engulfing.

    The congressman makes it loud and clear that he yearns for power. Using off-stage, to-audience-only recitations, he shares his real thoughts and objectives; it’s like getting inside the head of a sociopath, making an almost trite connection between pathology and politics, but Spacey is so convincing as an individual, he doesn’t speak for the masses, **** the masses, that the intended commentary on the sociopathic political mindset actually becomes more ingrained and powerful than trite. It works cleverly it all its glaring obviousness.

    We observe characters alone, watch them move, interpret their body language. Especially Underwood’s lovely wife Claire (Robin Wright). A fog of loneliness wafts over the show even as characters embrace, make alliances, and settle debts. Everyone competes neck-in-neck for Washington’s top spots, of which there are few.

    When Netflix, supposedly nothing more than your friendly neighbourhood video store, started making its own productions, the stakes were low. But Netflix has officially hit the ball outta the park. Way Out. Both of its debut series House of Cards and Orange is the New Black are blazing successes, and not just commercially, but as statements themselves: artistically, emotionally, and stylistically unique, they are really very good. Orange is the New Black especially has come up with some ultra-creative plots and characters that are a blast to watch.

    How did a first time production company, that was observably not-at-all subtle in its blazing out of the gate with such pomp and circumstance over it new shows’ greatness, make such great debut shows? With very deep pockets, they hired the expert help. Not just movies stars like Kevin Spacey, but veteran film directors.

    As the debut director for the series House of Card, David Fincher sets the tone of intrigue and shadows that shroud his dark thrillers. Post-HBO renaissance, Fincher achieves what any great director working in upscale TV does: he makes the episodes come across as mini-political thrillers, pieces of cinema unto themselves. The newsroom scenes are vaguely reminiscent of Zodiac. But as he directs the first episodes, it is his footsteps all others must follow.

    With so many scenes, directors of this kind of TV work hard. Big shows need a surplus of directors. Breaking Bad had a different director for almost every episode. Most directors work in other capacities on other episodes as writers or producers. Compared to film, how much does the director of the cinematic TV show’s vision actually make it to the screen? The Sopranos had dozens of directors, but none really left a distinct imprint on the show. Do we remember their names? Not really. It was the show itself that had a style.

    It seems like with shows like House of Cards, The Sopranos, or Breaking Bad that the momentum of the cast, combined with writers great scripts, makes the job of the director to step in and to channel this momentum, rather than drum it up from scratch as in film. But Fincher’s first two episodes of House of Cards are the force that starts the momentum. It is his footsteps that all others must follow in what continues over the season’s following eleven intriguing episodes.    … Expand
  2. Natebakker
    Mar 24, 2014
    9
    If I had the option I would give this about a 95 out of 100, but I am a round-down sort of fellow. This show grabs you by the balls and just keeps surprising you the entire way through. The level of selfish manipulation is shocking, and that's part of the charm.. It's honestly the first show I have really enjoyed that is based entirely on greed. The acting is impeccable (Whenever KevinIf I had the option I would give this about a 95 out of 100, but I am a round-down sort of fellow. This show grabs you by the balls and just keeps surprising you the entire way through. The level of selfish manipulation is shocking, and that's part of the charm.. It's honestly the first show I have really enjoyed that is based entirely on greed. The acting is impeccable (Whenever Kevin Spacey gives the camera one of his glances I chuckle). Robin Wright is fantastic as his 'just as manipulative' counterpart.
    I watched the entire series (2 Seasons) in the course of 4 or 5 days. each episode is about fifty minutes long, and there are thirteen episodes in a season. I think that in itself says something.    … Expand
  3. DragonEffect4
    Jan 27, 2015
    9
    Loved this series! I think the show alone is why most of America dislikes congress and is unhappy with the government. Kevin Spacey is amazing, he pulls off the coldest character ever. The goal is simple for Frank Underwood yet the path he takes to it is exciting but also funny. As a student learning about how the government works, I would suggest this to anyone with an understanding of the US.
  4. hootpeters
    Oct 10, 2014
    9
    I really liked Season 1 but i thought Season 2 delivered so much more. I like sex on television as much as the next 29 year old, but I felt season 2 offered more depth. The ending of season 2 in which Kevin Spacey cavalierly raps the desk was so classic.
  5. derwolf12
    Mar 1, 2015
    9
    This might be the shade of politics, not democracy. It might be worse in the real world. hence, I don't like politics.
    The movie shows how it works with some black humor.
    It's just necessary evil.
  6. moslegend34
    Dec 11, 2014
    9
    'Let the butchering begin!'
    Academy award winner Kevin Spacey stars in a truly gripping American political drama. It details his character's, Frank Underwood's Machiavellian machinations to climb the treacherous mountain to power. Full of charm, wit, humour and of course conniving office politics, Underwood's character narrates the plot while staring at the audience in a highly original    'Let the butchering begin!'
    Academy award winner Kevin Spacey stars in a truly gripping American political drama. It details his character's, Frank Underwood's Machiavellian machinations to climb the treacherous mountain to power. Full of charm, wit, humour and of course conniving office politics, Underwood's character narrates the plot while staring at the audience in a highly original film technique.
    The soundtrack is first class, the plot, simple but varied and at times utterly compelling . The variety of supporting characters and acting is top notch, especially from Claire Underwood and Remy Danton who add spice to an already thrilling story.
    If there were any flaws in the series, and I really would be nit-picking, it would be the following:
    -No character seems to be any match for Frank Underwood and in a largely credible series, it is difficult to believe that he could proceed without any vigorous checks and balances.
    -The setting is occasionally too centred on the White House.
    -This is a rare criticism from me, but occasionally there is too much happening in terms of the plot and drama, and I feel like the story and detail could be fleshed out a little more (flashbacks, different opinions, street level discussions etc)
    -More slang and Argot could be used as the language is occasionally too formal and contrived.

    Overall, a fantastic series. Can't wait for Season 3.    … Expand
  7. curiousbystandr
    Jun 6, 2015
    9
    It's been a while since I really got sucked into a high quality low-sex and gore TV series such as this. This series very convincingly reveals the underbelly of US politics or perhaps politics in general. Kevin Spacey plays Frank Underwood, master of machiavellianism and equally brilliantly played by Robin Wright is the ice-queen/slow burning Clare Underwood. The episodes are bothIt's been a while since I really got sucked into a high quality low-sex and gore TV series such as this. This series very convincingly reveals the underbelly of US politics or perhaps politics in general. Kevin Spacey plays Frank Underwood, master of machiavellianism and equally brilliantly played by Robin Wright is the ice-queen/slow burning Clare Underwood. The episodes are both interconnected and self-contained which gives the viewer a sense of satisfaction that is often missing in more cliffhanger-type series.
    Season 1 shows Franks seedy and cynical manipulations as a resentful and callous whip and has more of a soap-type feel with its interacting characters. Season two focuses on Underwoods steely determination to get to the top at any cost. Season three gets interesting when Underwood as president unhappily discovers that power alone does not guarantee his place at the top.
    This is not a series for teens, nor for those who don't wish to think seriously about the nature of power and leadership. It has little humor, a sprinkling of action and the scenery is neither breathtaking nor dramatic. It is, however brilliantly acted (the casting is simply fantastic) and gives us a fly-on-the -wall view of a world we only know from the outside.    … Expand
  8. Rdemsick
    Mar 6, 2015
    9
    A great show with a lot of potential. Offers a great first season. The Underwoods are incredibly fun to watch even if it is a guilty pleasure. Watching them tact their way with deception and manipulation through DC is an absolute pleasure.
  9. chen_haowei
    Mar 11, 2015
    9
    熬夜看完。第三季少了第二季的狗血，多了不少儿女情长。。。人物尤其是女性角色占用了更大的篇幅，刻画的也更鲜明，毕竟是一部打着大数据分析噱头的电视剧，更精确的迎合了市场，毕竟再是政治剧，女性也是电视剧的主要观众。这季剧情明显慢了不少，一季拆成两季编就必定会是哈七的效果。。。无论如何，期待第四季。熬夜看完。第三季少了第二季的狗血，多了不少儿女情长。。。人物尤其是女性角色占用了更大的篇幅，刻画的也更鲜明，毕竟是一部打着大数据分析噱头的电视剧，更精确的迎合了市场，毕竟再是政治剧，女性也是电视剧的主要观众。这季剧情明显慢了不少，一季拆成两季编就必定会是哈七的效果。。。无论如何，期待第四季。
  10. TheBlazingTruth
    Sep 4, 2015
    9
    All around a great story drama. Kevin Spacey is great in his role as a Congressman working the system to become President. But the show is not only politics, it accounts for the relations of the characters outside of work. Great show, recommend to any Netflix user.
  11. eadams1530
    Mar 18, 2016
    9
    Seasons 1 & 2 are some of my favorite television I've ever watched. While seasons 3 & 4 have the same feel and production quality, something is off in my opinion. The acting is still first-class, but for some reason the story lines do not resonate with me as much. Regardless, Frank Underwood is one of the best "bad guys" that you'll somehow catch yourself continually rooting for. This isSeasons 1 & 2 are some of my favorite television I've ever watched. While seasons 3 & 4 have the same feel and production quality, something is off in my opinion. The acting is still first-class, but for some reason the story lines do not resonate with me as much. Regardless, Frank Underwood is one of the best "bad guys" that you'll somehow catch yourself continually rooting for. This is an amazing look at politics...maybe a super-dark version of the West Wing. This may be the show that invented the concept of binge watching, and for good reason.… Expand
  12. JustShai
    Mar 31, 2016
    9
    There just aren't enough superlatives in the thesaurus to do proper justice to this series. Kevin Spacey is pitch perfect..sly, shrewd, smart, scheming and murderously ambitious..married to the perfect mate, and served by the cold blooded mendacity of his assistant(s). Once you've seen this series you will never see a political story on the news again without thinking of House of Cards.There just aren't enough superlatives in the thesaurus to do proper justice to this series. Kevin Spacey is pitch perfect..sly, shrewd, smart, scheming and murderously ambitious..married to the perfect mate, and served by the cold blooded mendacity of his assistant(s). Once you've seen this series you will never see a political story on the news again without thinking of House of Cards. To say anymore risks spoiling the surprises. Just turn it on, sit back, and try to remember its fiction!… Expand
  13. night4
    Oct 25, 2017
    9
    This show was recommended to me by literally *everyone* I know. I don't like political dramas, generally, so I kept putting it off. But I finally got sick of hearing it, so I gave it a shot.

    Wow. I rarely give out 9's and 10's, but this really does deserve it. The acting is phenomenal, the overall look, sets, every detail is polished. It may not quite reach "Breaking Bad" levels    This show was recommended to me by literally *everyone* I know. I don't like political dramas, generally, so I kept putting it off. But I finally got sick of hearing it, so I gave it a shot.

    Wow. I rarely give out 9's and 10's, but this really does deserve it. The acting is phenomenal, the overall look, sets, every detail is polished. It may not quite reach "Breaking Bad" levels of awesomeness, but it's close.    … Expand
  14. nikhs159
    Sep 1, 2016
    9
    Welcome to the dirty inner politics !!
    The first season of this American adaption of BBC's mini series is a cynical,slick and engrossing.Kevin Spacey superbly plays Frank Underwood,a Democrat who starts out as the Secretary of State and rises to new political levels through ruthless pragmatism.Rob Wright as Claire Underwood is as good as Spacey. "The House of Card spirals high on a    Welcome to the dirty inner politics !!
    The first season of this American adaption of BBC's mini series is a cynical,slick and engrossing.Kevin Spacey superbly plays Frank Underwood,a Democrat who starts out as the Secretary of State and rises to new political levels through ruthless pragmatism.Rob Wright as Claire Underwood is as good as Spacey. "The House of Card spirals high on a twisted foundation"-in the words of Mark A.Perigard of Boston Herald.    … Expand
  15. ThePeoplesVoice
    Oct 26, 2018
    9
    This series is really a masterpiece. It's full of intriguing moments. Just give it a try.
  16. Maarten95
    Jan 28, 2019
    9
    Really amazing first season with interesting characters. I enjoyed especially the acting from Kevin Spacey. The story is really great as is the sound and scenes. The show knows how to combine humor with darker moments. My rating is a 9.
  17. RobertWang
    Oct 28, 2018
    9
    Kevin Spacey breaking the 4th wall was a very interesting concept. The story progresses very smoothly and sooner rather than later you realize the Underwoods aren't your ordinary couple. House of Cards 1st season is brilliant,
  18. geewah
    Jan 12, 2021
    9
    A smart and rather brilliant political thriller series about the politics of politics and the rat race to the top.
  19. Lyn
    Jan 2, 2014
    8
    Found this riveting, if not terribly realistic. (Hardened cynic that I am, I still think there are limits to what even D.C. denizens would do in the way of homicide and whoring around!) Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey are a really interesting power couple she had bad hair, he had an imperfect accent, but both were great. After binge-watching over two days, I had a few quibbles an UpstateFound this riveting, if not terribly realistic. (Hardened cynic that I am, I still think there are limits to what even D.C. denizens would do in the way of homicide and whoring around!) Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey are a really interesting power couple she had bad hair, he had an imperfect accent, but both were great. After binge-watching over two days, I had a few quibbles an Upstate SC pol would say "Upstate," for example, not "upcountry." Also need to add that this was one of the least imaginative series soundtracks ever. But the "Gaffney peach" episode genius!… Expand
  20. MethylONE
    Feb 19, 2013
    8
    After the firs two episodes I was not planning to watch anymore but I read good reviews and decided to watch the third, then it grew on me. The main characters develop slowly but this gives them a lot of depth, far more than I remember in other similar series.

    By the time I got to episode 13 I was really into it. I recommend it, but give it time.
  21. imthenoob
    May 28, 2013
    8
    Spacey is excellent, Wright is great, and the rest of the cast is solid as well. Very interesting story too, Manages to keep your interest through out. A prime example of good story telling is knowing where you are going with it from start to finish, House of Cards does this very well. I'd recommend in a heartbeat. It's a very good show.
  22. Lokathor
    Feb 2, 2014
    8
    This show is what I'd describe as The West Wing + Game of Thrones. Also, there's frequent asides that let you get a peak into Frank Underwood's thinking as he maneuvers his way through events. Like Malcom in the Middle, but far more sinister and ruthless.

    It has a solid opening set of episodes, some good middle seasons episodes, and then at the end things get a little muddled. At    This show is what I'd describe as The West Wing + Game of Thrones. Also, there's frequent asides that let you get a peak into Frank Underwood's thinking as he maneuvers his way through events. Like Malcom in the Middle, but far more sinister and ruthless.

    It has a solid opening set of episodes, some good middle seasons episodes, and then at the end things get a little muddled. At several points in the last 2 or 3 episodes I found myself thinking that they'd gone through a major tonal shift, perhaps without realizing it. Once I got to the end of the season and was able to look back upon the whole thing knowingly, I felt more than ever that they should have cut Season 1 off just a little sooner, and lumped all the cut Season 1 content into the first part Season 2.    … Expand
  23. Seriosity
    Sep 21, 2013
    8
    A dark and cynical take on Washington with an incredible score, first-rate production values, and excellent performances (particularly by the female cast). What keeps it from being better is that it is occasionally let down by heavy-handed and hammy dialogue and seriously hurt by a questionable turn in the 11th episode. This season is essentially all build-up, so at least there is anotherA dark and cynical take on Washington with an incredible score, first-rate production values, and excellent performances (particularly by the female cast). What keeps it from being better is that it is occasionally let down by heavy-handed and hammy dialogue and seriously hurt by a questionable turn in the 11th episode. This season is essentially all build-up, so at least there is another season to look forward to. 7.6/10… Expand
  24. JulienJaden
    Sep 28, 2015
    8
    A fantastic series revolving around political and personal intrigue; perhaps the best insight one can get into real-life (American and other) politics. Even though Season 3 is a lot weaker than the previous two, I highly recommend it.
  25. Jhwarfield
    Sep 6, 2013
    8
    House of Cards is highly political but party agnostic, stripping politicians down to what they truly are. Kevin Spacey delivers. Welcome to the party, Netflix!
  26. nathanliu
    Feb 3, 2013
    8
    House of Cards is a dark American political drama, played with passion and realism by a top cast. Spacey's sarcastic monologues are almost poetic, and his occasional glances at the camera during well placed dramatic irony make him a star of this show. The story is good, but doesn't vary too much from the original UK drama series.

    However, at times, this show is disappointing. The    House of Cards is a dark American political drama, played with passion and realism by a top cast. Spacey's sarcastic monologues are almost poetic, and his occasional glances at the camera during well placed dramatic irony make him a star of this show. The story is good, but doesn't vary too much from the original UK drama series.

    However, at times, this show is disappointing. The writing isn't always natural, and some characters do not add to the story, and are just annoying. Some sub-plots seem unoriginal and aren't as interesting as they could be. Nevertheless, a good show, with some outstanding elements. 82/100

    (Review covers Episodes 1-4)    … Expand
  27. CassioSanfelice
    Feb 10, 2013
    8
    A really wonderfully acted, superb directed, with great potential to grow series. Its bigger flaw its plot-wise, but let's just wait to see where the series is heading to. Anyway, just watch it.
  28. Wordsmith
    Feb 27, 2013
    8
    My problem with this otherwise very good series is that some of the younger female characters are impossible to understand because they speak so badly. The Zoe character has a flat monotone and does not move her lips. She also seems to speak somehow from the back of her mouth. The older characters were better and Kevin Spacey excellent. I loved the take on the English series.
  29. joeyperez
    Jun 2, 2013
    8
    the show is a reimagining of a british show, that was the product of its era and location. its an uneasy fit imho. both culturally and the context of its place on a timeline of changing circumstance, it is an awkward transplant. the british one was coming at the end of thatcherism and explored the potential chaos as the 80s turned into the 90s from the mindset of someone who was old in thethe show is a reimagining of a british show, that was the product of its era and location. its an uneasy fit imho. both culturally and the context of its place on a timeline of changing circumstance, it is an awkward transplant. the british one was coming at the end of thatcherism and explored the potential chaos as the 80s turned into the 90s from the mindset of someone who was old in the 80s. this one has no such cultural momentum, and has a different tone. the first one was black comedy in a british sense. it was basically about following a rogue and a pantomime villain. this one plays it a lot more straight. whats lacking is the import of a "boss" or the comedy of (trying to think of an american version of this kind of dark comedy)"profit". culturally this show falls squarely between profit and boss.

    despite every thing i said, its very good. its just far too pedestrian and lacking in any cultural verve to be great. it is technically sound, and the production values are crisp. you wont be watching something that doesnt "work". And..it is well worth watching. i dont know what it adds to the genre, but it seems to get all the right elements down to a tee.

    boss is far better.

    the original is of a different era and culture for even myself, and im a limey. things have changed quite a bit in the last 2 decades.

    this one was well worth watching, and any lacking was a product of its transplant status and a lack of a real character of its own. it moves the story and setting well enough, but the fault lines are from a different product. it needs its own rugged identity, and i think its only half way there, with too many echos of boss.

    boss was brilliant though. this is... available.    … Expand
  30. TheApplegnome
    Jun 26, 2016
    8
    Have you ever wondered what thrives the inner depths of basic politics, and the personalities behind them? Welcome to Washington.

    House of Cards. A very artistic & cleverly written show. It got the power to deceive but also to confuse the viewer. It’s a groundbreaking political drama that shines with stunning inside to characters, likeable as hateful ones – and you care for both! They    Have you ever wondered what thrives the inner depths of basic politics, and the personalities behind them? Welcome to Washington.

    House of Cards. A very artistic & cleverly written show. It got the power to deceive but also to confuse the viewer. It’s a groundbreaking political drama that shines with stunning inside to characters, likeable as hateful ones – and you care for both! They develop through all these good and bad events toward their paths to political success. It’s a world full of deception, disbelief & threats – a very dark place. It’s strange – because it really is easy to get attached to this ugly and disgraceful place and its characters. It’s a story full of ups and downs – a story that always got something going on from episode one, and it’s a thrilling ride of drama! Its politics can be a bit complex for the simple minded – and drama isn’t a thing for everybody and it sure can be slow and lack clever writing from episode to episode. Pacing issues might even be an issue. But the show succeeds when it comes to everything else. Just the well-written dialogs, which often include meaningful and metaphorical quotes, are a masterpiece. And the cinematography is just unequalled. This isn’t just a political drama – it’s a beautifully crafted show of art.

    Overall personal rating for each episode: 75.7/100

    Personal rating: 80/100
    Critical rating: 93/100    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best TV Season of 2013
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
15
#15 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Feb 22, 2013
    70
    I found the first two episodes handsome but sleazy, like a C.E.O. in a hotel bar. Yet by Episode 5 I was hypnotized by the show’s ensemble of two-faced sociopaths. Episode 8 was a thoughtful side trip into sympathy for Spacey’s devilish main character, but by then I was exhausted, and only my compulsive streak kept me going until the finale--at which point I was critically destabilized and looking forward to Season 2.
    Read full review
  2. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Feb 6, 2013
    100
    Watch at whatever pace you'd like--immediately. Given its quality, I think you'll be drinking it all in sooner rather than later.
    Read full review
  3. The Detroit News
    Reviewed by: Tom Long
    Feb 1, 2013
    67
    Fincher's unemotional style comes through in the first two episodes, and the show could use more heat. But Spacey makes it worth watching.
    Read full review
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