• Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 1, 2013
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 627 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 32 out of 627
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User Reviews

  1. Jan 12, 2021
    6
    The show has now transformed from political thriller into a drama on the cheesy side. Disappointing
  2. Aug 12, 2020
    10
    House of Cards. Season 2. No regrets. Great season! Practically from the very first episodes, he begins to keep in interest what will happen next. Because the children's games are over and now the elimination games have begun.
  3. Jul 15, 2019
    9
    Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright make this so catchy, an improvement comparing season one.
  4. Feb 8, 2019
    9
    Amazing second season. I really enjoyed the acting from Kevin Spacey. The actors for the president and Raymond Tusk are also really great. There are also a lot of funny moments like the arrest of congress. The season ended enough for a third season. I'm curious to see how the series will play out.
  5. Mar 3, 2018
    10
    Pensé que la serie original británica no podía superarse: la segunda temporada me ha demostrado que estaba equivocada. Esta segunda temporada de HoC me ha cautivado por completo y ha llevado el concepto original a un nuevo nivel de maestría. La previsión, las intrigas y el desarrollo del personaje ofrecen al espectador un verdadero placer en el trazado de la trama, con sorpresas acechandoPensé que la serie original británica no podía superarse: la segunda temporada me ha demostrado que estaba equivocada. Esta segunda temporada de HoC me ha cautivado por completo y ha llevado el concepto original a un nuevo nivel de maestría. La previsión, las intrigas y el desarrollo del personaje ofrecen al espectador un verdadero placer en el trazado de la trama, con sorpresas acechando en cada esquina. Incluso los ajustes son ricos en simbolismo e ironía. Felicitaciones a todo el equipo de producción y elenco. Expand
  6. Oct 18, 2016
    10
    A power play in which everyone plays to win and nobody wants to lose, with an antihero machiavellian and cynic who came through the door that no one should.
  7. Sep 1, 2016
    8
    Not as sharp as the first season but still good !
    The Underwoods continue their rise with higher stakes and more people trying to bring them down.The smartness and stylishness of the storytelling is a bit down and the protagonist is given to much weight and importance when others could have amped up.
  8. Jun 26, 2016
    8
    The highly original drama show from Netflix shines with even more character depth. The cleverness of the complex politics is fascinating to watch – sure it can be draggy and too complex for its own good yes, but it’s still one of the show’s “wow-aspects”. The character development is extraordinary and it never fails to bring new storylines to the screen. It might have lost some of theThe highly original drama show from Netflix shines with even more character depth. The cleverness of the complex politics is fascinating to watch – sure it can be draggy and too complex for its own good yes, but it’s still one of the show’s “wow-aspects”. The character development is extraordinary and it never fails to bring new storylines to the screen. It might have lost some of the clever writing of S01, but wow it’s good.

    Overall personal rating for each episode: 75.5/100

    Personal rating: 80/100
    Critical rating: 90/100
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  9. Sep 13, 2015
    9
    Brilliant TV series from start to finish. You have to wonder which president they are taking inspiration from - they do seem to remind me of an ex-President and first lady that we have seen before......
  10. Aug 6, 2015
    8
    The second season of House of Cards solidifies the show as being one of recognisable class. Frank Underwood's climb to the top continues and his position as the vice-president makes for more interesting watching. We see him in close quarters with the president due to his promotion which makes for a more significant season. Rather than whipping votes like he did in season 1, Frank isThe second season of House of Cards solidifies the show as being one of recognisable class. Frank Underwood's climb to the top continues and his position as the vice-president makes for more interesting watching. We see him in close quarters with the president due to his promotion which makes for a more significant season. Rather than whipping votes like he did in season 1, Frank is whipping the president, of course not to his knowledge. After a cautious debut season that was lauded by critics, House of Cards is able to be a bit more bold in it's second season. This makes for more interesting character developments. In summary, season 2 has a more significant structure, more developed characters and more classic and daring, Frank Underwood. Netflix has produced a drama series that is creative, relatable and compelling. Expand
  11. Jul 20, 2015
    9
    The first season is slow to the point, yet still good. That is until the very end when it suddenly all becomes downright brilliant! Machiavellian, diabolical, and deliciously fun. Kevin Spacey in the perfect epitome of his substantial powers role. No doubt of many great roles, he will be most remembered for this one.
  12. Mar 6, 2015
    10
    I give this season a 10 because it overcame one of the greatest challenges of a popular first season, an even better second season. The show from the first episode hits you and keeps the punches coming, it is must see television.
  13. Feb 28, 2015
    0
    The opening scene is disgusting. Desecrating a a grave is purely childish and tasteless. We get it Frank Underwood is a creep, but do we need to see ever degrading sadistic act up close? This show could be great with just the talented crew of actors employed, instead we are treated to a constant barraged predictable shock TV.
    It's a shame... great cast, great plot and poor execution...wasted
  14. Feb 27, 2015
    3
    I loved season 1 of HOC, I thought it was well acted and directed. And while I loved the first couple episodes of season 2, I was left a bit disappointed. The problem I now have with House of Cards is that it thinks it is smarter than it actually is. I feel like the show acts like it is one of the great TV dramas up there with The Sopranos and The Wire. And if you look at it from aI loved season 1 of HOC, I thought it was well acted and directed. And while I loved the first couple episodes of season 2, I was left a bit disappointed. The problem I now have with House of Cards is that it thinks it is smarter than it actually is. I feel like the show acts like it is one of the great TV dramas up there with The Sopranos and The Wire. And if you look at it from a critical standpoint, its not even one of the best dramas on TV. Most people are surprised that House of Cards is not a critical darling with its big budget and the two well respected leads. Spacey is wasting his talents here, because while Frank Underwood is an interesting character he never gets anything to do. Wright was one of the positive things I had to say about this season, she probably did some of the best acting of her whole career. Other than the acting, the directing remains great, while the writing remains a bit dry. The backlash the show received during the second half of season two, makes me hope that the writers learn from their mistakes, but I don't know if I can be that optimistic. Expand
  15. Sep 15, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I just binge watched both seasons.I had been avoiding it; being afraid that it would be a grim political screed like The Newsroom.(Watching The Newsroom is like being beaten about the head with a roiled-up copy of the Sunday New York Times, all the while being told it is good for you - wait - is it even possible to roll up the Sunday Times?) What a pleasant surprise. It is fundamentally unrealistic, other than in the general sense of finding politics to be a dirty business. But it is also great fun, seeing Kevin Spacey tear off large chunks of scenery and chew them with delight. What a character he has created!

    If there is one problem with the show, it is the fact that, in the second season, the narrative has often wandered off into the realm of utter fantasy. Watching Frank throw Zoe in front of the train was certainly a surprise, but it ( and subsequent plot twists) unmoored the show from any connection with reality. Good satire must have that link, even if tenuous. A Richard III who does evil things even if outrageous, is entertaining. A Richard who performs act that are simply not credible - even in the context of satire - is only a cartoon.
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  16. Aug 8, 2014
    4
    It has the cast that would make a great show. It has the look of an amazing show. But what the viewers get is a plastic, heartless "drama." The writing/dialogue is incredibly ridiculous and unintentionally funny, and I'm sorry, but Kevin Spacy's acting is cringe worthy. He gives one of my favorite performances of all time in "American Beauty" and I considered him one of the greatest livingIt has the cast that would make a great show. It has the look of an amazing show. But what the viewers get is a plastic, heartless "drama." The writing/dialogue is incredibly ridiculous and unintentionally funny, and I'm sorry, but Kevin Spacy's acting is cringe worthy. He gives one of my favorite performances of all time in "American Beauty" and I considered him one of the greatest living actors, but this character is starting cloud that idea. I do have to say Robin Wright gives a great performance unlike her counterpart. Expand
  17. Aug 3, 2014
    9
    And Frank just got away with it again! House of Cards is great. Love Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. Frank and Claire are one of my favorite TV couples; really strong characters. And that threesome... I still can't recover from that scene.
  18. Jul 8, 2014
    3
    I am not a big fan of political drama, especially about US politics. I thought Spacey is a good actor and worth the bother to follow the intricate, byzantine, slow-paced and at times plainly boring, absurd plot. Unfortunately, while the first season had its moments and some interesting characters (Adam the photographer, Peter the drunkard, the nosy journalist played by Mara, etc...), thisI am not a big fan of political drama, especially about US politics. I thought Spacey is a good actor and worth the bother to follow the intricate, byzantine, slow-paced and at times plainly boring, absurd plot. Unfortunately, while the first season had its moments and some interesting characters (Adam the photographer, Peter the drunkard, the nosy journalist played by Mara, etc...), this season focus mainly on how mean and nasty Frank and Claire are. Also, how Frank ALWAYS succeed in manipulating people into doing what he wants.

    Even for a master puppeteer a 100% success rate is excessive. Some people are unpredictable and won't do what Frank wants, not necessarily because they understand his very complex plot, but simply because nobody can be manipulated so completely. And the Rachel/Doug side plot is a huge, super tedious waste of time.

    Finally, is Clare even wearing anything that is not sprayed on, tightly fitted and (hopefully for her) Spandex contained? Also, is she color blind? She is wearing only black, white and gray (perhaps some dark blue).

    Soporific, not looking forward to series 3.
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  19. Jun 27, 2014
    10
    It's always tough to top such a great first season but season 2 has simply not only topped it but blow it out of the freaking water. Fantastic from start to finish with events you never see coming. Can't wait for season 3.
  20. May 28, 2014
    10
    Francis and Claire Underwood really show their teeth in season two of the Netflix drama. The quality writing defines bold and interesting characters entangled in blindsided plot twists. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are excellent as cutthroat politicos and morally depraved human beings. If one has experienced the first season, episode one of the second season has instant shock valueFrancis and Claire Underwood really show their teeth in season two of the Netflix drama. The quality writing defines bold and interesting characters entangled in blindsided plot twists. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are excellent as cutthroat politicos and morally depraved human beings. If one has experienced the first season, episode one of the second season has instant shock value which steam rolls throughout the season. It's one of my favorite indulgences on Netflix. Expand
  21. Apr 18, 2014
    9
    I completely understand people who say that this show is boring and difficult to follow. Personally, I find myself a little detached throughout each season. That being said, I still watch every episode, and I watch them closely. Despite all of the political jargon and moving and shaking up on Capitol Hill (which doesn't grab me) House of Cards has won me twice over by way of it's dark,I completely understand people who say that this show is boring and difficult to follow. Personally, I find myself a little detached throughout each season. That being said, I still watch every episode, and I watch them closely. Despite all of the political jargon and moving and shaking up on Capitol Hill (which doesn't grab me) House of Cards has won me twice over by way of it's dark, mysterious atmosphere that pervades all happenings within the story and the deliciously evil wrongness that is Frank Underwood. Expand
  22. Apr 8, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Riveting TV drama, the chess game of DC politics is palpable, Characters are strong well drawn but sometimes
    too strong. Frank Underwood is a cunning and ruthless negotiator but the character jumps the shark when he becomes a murderer. That's where the sense of realism is compromised and drama becomes melodrama - and caricature.
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  23. Apr 6, 2014
    10
    Starts very dark and with a shocker into the new season. It seems to be even better than season 1. Up to now there has been only one episode in season 2 that hasn't delivered to what we have come to expect from this series but it was the scene setter for a new direction.
  24. Apr 4, 2014
    8
    This season had high points that were very grand, and even some that were shocking twists; better than season 1's high points. However, the majority of the connections between those grand moments was less interesting than season 1's connecting material. So I guess that means that it rates the same 8/10 that I gave season 1.
  25. Mar 29, 2014
    10
    Where do I start? OMG... I have had my fair share of shows both good and bad. But for a show to be this good non-stop for two seasons is beyond incredible. I won't try and dive deep and examine this show in this review, but I will say this- Only a handful of shows have made my jaw drop and/or created some sort of emotional response in me. This show boldly and proudly stands amongst thatWhere do I start? OMG... I have had my fair share of shows both good and bad. But for a show to be this good non-stop for two seasons is beyond incredible. I won't try and dive deep and examine this show in this review, but I will say this- Only a handful of shows have made my jaw drop and/or created some sort of emotional response in me. This show boldly and proudly stands amongst that handful. Even more incredible is that I began watching this show half-heartedly thinking it was some boring political drivel but wanting to understand why I kept hearing about it. That, I must say, was the best decision I ever made. Expand
  26. Mar 29, 2014
    10
    If you thought season 1 was fast moving, wait for the thrill ride of season 2. Revenge is the byword. Francis Underwood may be the anti-villain to rival Breaking Bad's Mr White. Each of the 13 episodes will carry you on a joyride that you pray will not end. You will be shocked, as you sit on the edge of your seat. Do not miss it.
  27. Mar 24, 2014
    10
    I rated season one a nine, so I'll give season two a ten. I loved it. My heart stopped three quarters through the first episode of season two, I had to pause it, and I laughed. I felt shocked and actually surprised by what I was watching for the first time in a long time. So surprised, after my jaw came off the floor, I laughed! Well done House of Cards. I watched the entire second seasonI rated season one a nine, so I'll give season two a ten. I loved it. My heart stopped three quarters through the first episode of season two, I had to pause it, and I laughed. I felt shocked and actually surprised by what I was watching for the first time in a long time. So surprised, after my jaw came off the floor, I laughed! Well done House of Cards. I watched the entire second season in about 48 hours, and I was left wanting more. What else can I say? The acting is great, It's amazing how some shows make you capable of rooting for the typical bad guy, or I should say, bad person. We all knew from the first episode what Francis was planning, and to see such ruthless and exciting execution really made the show became something you could get behind. Expand
  28. Mar 15, 2014
    9
    A neear falwless follow-up to the first season. My only complaint (and a minor one at that) is that the new episodes focused purely on the Underwood's personal agendas more than general politics happening around DC as the first one did. Less West Wing, more Silence of the Lambs in it's scope. With that said it was still an energetic ride from start to finish, even knowing for the mostA neear falwless follow-up to the first season. My only complaint (and a minor one at that) is that the new episodes focused purely on the Underwood's personal agendas more than general politics happening around DC as the first one did. Less West Wing, more Silence of the Lambs in it's scope. With that said it was still an energetic ride from start to finish, even knowing for the most part where things are going and often what is coming next, it did not dull at all the sinful flavor of what's happening on screen. Expand
  29. Mar 13, 2014
    7
    Another solid season, but I will admit it did not capture me as much as the first season did. Yes the first episode of the 2nd season is a wtf omg moment and one of the best episodes in the whole series, but it slowed down way too much for me and didn't pick up at all until the very last episode which honestly wasn't as interesting and suspenseful as the very first episode of season 2.Another solid season, but I will admit it did not capture me as much as the first season did. Yes the first episode of the 2nd season is a wtf omg moment and one of the best episodes in the whole series, but it slowed down way too much for me and didn't pick up at all until the very last episode which honestly wasn't as interesting and suspenseful as the very first episode of season 2. Still love the show though and cannot wait for season 3. Expand
  30. Mar 2, 2014
    9
    An improvement of last seasons masterpiece, Spacey gives Underwood an even stronger edge but strikes fear and power into whatever opponent comes to his way. Robin Wright gives a powerful performance possibly better than season 1. The Netflix Masterpiece is threatening cable TV's shows for best show.
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Feb 28, 2014
    80
    Everyone's ruthlessly cynical machinations can take on a wearying predictability if devoured hour after hour without a break.
  2. Reviewed by: Alan Jones
    Feb 18, 2014
    75
    Even if House of Cards is a cartoonish depiction of American politics, it's also a juicy, pulpy, entertaining thriller, and can easily be enjoyed on that level.
  3. Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Feb 18, 2014
    75
    Sure, the show’s “politics” feel ripped from a Politico comment section, and yes, the show’s plot doesn’t really go anywhere until the final handful of episodes. But the season also tosses an incredible number of balls in the air and manages to keep juggling them, which is impressive in and of itself.