House of Cards (2013)

:

Season 3
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 1, 2013
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 450 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 338 out of 450
  2. Mixed: 59 out of 450
  3. Negative: 53 out of 450
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  1. Rdemsick
    Mar 6, 2015
    4
    A huge disappointment and unnecessary season. It goes nowhere offers no real challenges to overcome but creates drama by trying to make it seem more difficult to overcome challenges that have already been faced in previous seasons...and overcome. Hopefully season 4 will be a redirect an apology for this poor excuse for a season getting the Underwoods back to barely overcoming WashingtonA huge disappointment and unnecessary season. It goes nowhere offers no real challenges to overcome but creates drama by trying to make it seem more difficult to overcome challenges that have already been faced in previous seasons...and overcome. Hopefully season 4 will be a redirect an apology for this poor excuse for a season getting the Underwoods back to barely overcoming Washington with devilish tactics, that's what we want to watch.… Expand
  2. Prosmooth
    Mar 6, 2015
    4
    The first season was brilliant--the second was far from that, and now this season is even worse. Even Spacey seems bored by the whole silly thing. Bad main plot. Pointless filler galore. Sad.
  3. NikolayG
    Mar 8, 2015
    6
    The tension that made Season 1 so good, is gone. Season 3 is not anywhere near the quality of season 1. There are two major events that are so unbelievable, it largely spoiled the season for me. Claire Underwood does something she would never, ever, ever do, that greatly affects the plot. Freddie from the rib joint says something that he would never ever ever say, which causes another mainThe tension that made Season 1 so good, is gone. Season 3 is not anywhere near the quality of season 1. There are two major events that are so unbelievable, it largely spoiled the season for me. Claire Underwood does something she would never, ever, ever do, that greatly affects the plot. Freddie from the rib joint says something that he would never ever ever say, which causes another main character to do something that greatly affects the plot. Freddie was a dish washer before the President did him a gigantic favor. Freddie would just not say what he said. If these two events were minor, I could forgive them. But each has a huge impact on the plot - one directly, the other by prompting someone else to do something. I'll watch season 4 I guess, but not with the same intensity and interest as before. It's too bad. The show was great once.… Expand
  4. nevermark
    Mar 9, 2015
    1
    Season 3 of HoC lost its three main characters to different weaker less-intelligent bumbling self-destructive people with the same names and faces. Francis J Underwood, Claire Underwood and Doug Stamper all lose their focus, lose about 30 points of IQ, and inexplicably take up shooting themselves in the foot as a new hobby.
    Maybe the original drunk Peter Russo story was so popular they    Season 3 of HoC lost its three main characters to different weaker less-intelligent bumbling self-destructive people with the same names and faces. Francis J Underwood, Claire Underwood and Doug Stamper all lose their focus, lose about 30 points of IQ, and inexplicably take up shooting themselves in the foot as a new hobby.
    Maybe the original drunk Peter Russo story was so popular they decided to apply it to everyone on the show.    … Expand
  5. Eireclare
    Mar 19, 2015
    3
    I was a fan of the first two series but unfortunately Season 3 has completely lost me.

    Every episode has been a chore to watch. The plot is plodding and slow moving without any real character development or suspense. Aside from a few scenes involving the Russians, I just kept finding that i was forcing myself to watch it rather than enjoying it so I've now officially given up.    I was a fan of the first two series but unfortunately Season 3 has completely lost me.

    Every episode has been a chore to watch. The plot is plodding and slow moving without any real character development or suspense.

    Aside from a few scenes involving the Russians, I just kept finding that i was forcing myself to watch it rather than enjoying it so I've now officially given up.

    Some of the main characters this season are just irritating, one dimensional and un-believable, and the long drawn out scenes between Remy and Jackie are just painful to watch sometimes.

    Claire Underwood had so many WTF moments in this series, I'm beginning to think that in season 4 it'll be revealed that she has been suffering from multiple personality disorder the whole time.    … Expand
  6. Tomas_Sweden
    Apr 1, 2015
    2
    Season 3 has become a boring collection of episodes where not much changes from 1 to 13. It lacks both thrill and wit. The domestic policy arguments are boringly flat. Having left out any serious political enemies, there's just the primary debates. The international policy crisis is badly written and lacks realism. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright act with aplomb, but achieve less and lessSeason 3 has become a boring collection of episodes where not much changes from 1 to 13. It lacks both thrill and wit. The domestic policy arguments are boringly flat. Having left out any serious political enemies, there's just the primary debates. The international policy crisis is badly written and lacks realism. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright act with aplomb, but achieve less and less for every episode. One thing stands out: Lars Mikkelsen's impersonation of a paranoid Russian president - excellent and chilling. It's worth watching series 3 only to see Danish Mikkelsen at his best.… Expand
  7. podaddy
    Mar 24, 2015
    4
    Just finished season three. Season One was a breeze, bouncing from episode to episode, it was so good. Season Two was not quite as stellar as S1, but still quite good, but Season Three was a huge disappointment. The writing and story lines just weren't there. I won't say it quite jumped the shark, as it was still better the most TV dramas, but if Season Four doesn't offer a markedJust finished season three. Season One was a breeze, bouncing from episode to episode, it was so good. Season Two was not quite as stellar as S1, but still quite good, but Season Three was a huge disappointment. The writing and story lines just weren't there. I won't say it quite jumped the shark, as it was still better the most TV dramas, but if Season Four doesn't offer a marked improvement over the lackluster effort of S3, I'll be done with this series. Seems the viewers have a better pulse on this show than the critics, as critics deemed Season One only marginally better than Season Three (7.6 vs 7.2), while the drop with viewers is significant (9.0 to 7.2)… Expand
  8. donteatstaples
    Mar 13, 2015
    3
    This season really was a let down, slow moving, no real movement in story, and a incredibly boring and awkward ending for the season finale. I was a huge fan of the past 2 seasons but this season was just a lack luster story with the same recycled characters with no growth or shown more depth. I still have hope that season 4 will step things up and make for a better story hopefully.
  9. Nitroussoda
    Mar 20, 2015
    5
    When I first started watching house of cards, season 1 and 2 were absolutely captivating for me. I was watching 4 or 5 episodes well in to the night. Season 3 however, just did not have that same power to hook me as the first 2. Whereas seasons 1 and 2 had unpredictable twists and turns everywhere, it seemed like the writers were just throwing disaster after disaster at the Underwoods andWhen I first started watching house of cards, season 1 and 2 were absolutely captivating for me. I was watching 4 or 5 episodes well in to the night. Season 3 however, just did not have that same power to hook me as the first 2. Whereas seasons 1 and 2 had unpredictable twists and turns everywhere, it seemed like the writers were just throwing disaster after disaster at the Underwoods and every time they would manage to scrape by, really making things predictable and offering little excitement. Still an entertaining show but a seemingly lacklustre effort compared to the first two seasons.… Expand
  10. tommie101swe
    Apr 1, 2015
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is saddening to watch how season 3 of House of Cards has become a shoddy production that lacks both thrill and wit. Where Frank in the first two seasons was scheming and pursuing a real objective, his character has become a boring president with no ambition. He entirely lacks an agenda and pushes the same uninspiring America Works proposal for 12 full episodes, when the script writers could actually have made this an exciting partisan battle.

    It's really a pity, the plot could e.g. build around a series of fierce attacks from the Republicans on his domestic policies (the Republicans are absent from season 3) and a more realistic international policy crisis. While Lars Mikkelsen's portrayal of a paranoid Russian president is excellent and entertaining, the whole storyline with a "peacekeeping mission in the Jordan Valley" is flat - there's simply no reason why Israel's east border would be threatened by anyone, an international force containing Russian soldiers (>sigh< it's too unlikely), a parachute jump by US soldiers into the encampment of the Russians (to do what, exactly?), then have the US soldiers flee when the first shot is fired - it is simply laughable. When the Russian president demands Claire's resignation as ambassador, Frank just bows to his demand and in the next episode there is not even an attempt at retaliation.

    The attempt to deepen the female characters of the series is also a debacle. Both Claire and Jackie go to great lengths to satisfy the mens' desire to dominate and abuse their loyalty, then finally react halfheartedly but it adds nothing to the actual outcome of series 3.

    The last chapter of season 3 epitomizes the script writers' inability to make the story move forward. Doug now seeks revenge on Rachel, which adds nothing and is only painful to watch (oh no, not another CSI where man murders woman). Why is this even in series 3? Doug is supposed to be dead, or else busy himself drafting strategies to help Frank defeat political enemies. I thought HoC was a different and intelligent TV series!

    Where series 1 and 2 kept the suspense and the viewer only slowly realized what was going on, series 3 is unfortunately rather predictable. Obviously, the end of season 3 promises us that seasons 4 and 5 will mash the primary and the presidential campaign very, very slowly.    … Expand
  11. Felixneu
    Apr 21, 2015
    0
    Shallow and not thought threw I think sums it up quite nicely. Seasons 1 &2 were brilliant, but this one was a gigantic leap backwards. I found it not only boring over very long periods, but one actually had the feeling that they started filming the first few episodes without having decided on how the season is supposed to end. There was no greater plan - it was merely a collection ofShallow and not thought threw I think sums it up quite nicely. Seasons 1 &2 were brilliant, but this one was a gigantic leap backwards. I found it not only boring over very long periods, but one actually had the feeling that they started filming the first few episodes without having decided on how the season is supposed to end. There was no greater plan - it was merely a collection of loosely connected episodes.
    After 13 Episodes, nothing was achieved, besides the destruction of nearly everything that was touched.
    If that were not enough, Francis and Claire degraded to a shadow of their original characters.
    A women threatening a women with killing her child an not loosing a word about her husband committing a murder gets weak and throws away a huge political success over the death of one man - seriously???
    Not to mention the vast selection of illogical story pieces which make this season a pain to watch. Both the internal and the external struggle do not make sense and were truly amateurishly handled.
    Please, for the next season, find someone with a bare minimum of common sense to tell you what is plausible and what is not.
    I must say, considering the bright future suggested by the first two seasons, for me season 3 was one of the biggest disappointments in resent TV history.    … Expand
  12. jeremyismediocr
    Apr 21, 2015
    4
    This season felt nothing like Season 1. If not for the likelihood of the House of Cards universe continuing I never would have finished watching Season 3. Gone are the interesting schemes. Gone are the subplots that the viewer can already see colliding in interesting ways. Gone is any resemblance of research in to the political world the show is exploring. Political issues that come upThis season felt nothing like Season 1. If not for the likelihood of the House of Cards universe continuing I never would have finished watching Season 3. Gone are the interesting schemes. Gone are the subplots that the viewer can already see colliding in interesting ways. Gone is any resemblance of research in to the political world the show is exploring. Political issues that come up never go beyond buzzword form. And Underwood's asides are too numerous to consider as a reward for the viewers, they feel more like a redaction from the conversation you were hoping to see add some more depth to this underdeveloped collection of episodes. Despite carrying the name 'House of Cards' it is difficult to picture a 13 episode season starring a US president with so little to balance.… Expand
  13. Fb29
    Mar 3, 2015
    5
    Hard to put your finger on one specific thing that's wrong, but season 3 is definitely a step down.

    There are two major plotlines that are so drawn out (let's call the 2 plot lines Remy and Stamper). Even if there are great parts to the stories, they just seem stretched. I saw written elsewhere, maybe this season should have been condensed into fewer episodes and it would be better? I    Hard to put your finger on one specific thing that's wrong, but season 3 is definitely a step down.

    There are two major plotlines that are so drawn out (let's call the 2 plot lines Remy and Stamper). Even if there are great parts to the stories, they just seem stretched. I saw written elsewhere, maybe this season should have been condensed into fewer episodes and it would be better? I have no idea.

    There are still lots of things right with the show, but this season is in the 5-6 range out of 10 for me. I would give the past two seasons an 8 or 9. This season is not bad but not as good as it has been.    … Expand
  14. marco34la
    Mar 8, 2015
    3
    I loved Seasons 1 & 2, I barely like Season 3. It's too much of a departure from the first two seasons.
    It's lacks the suspense, violence, corruption and deceptions that made the show. This season is very boring. Both the main characters seem to be acting 'out of character' by seemingly have developed consciences.
  15. brewistmonk
    Mar 3, 2015
    2
    all the acting is great as usual but the story lines this time around were a complete bore. a big problem I had from early on was when Frank Underwood announced he was dismantling social security because Americans are entitled to nothing... sorry, that doesn't work for me since we are entitled to social security because it is our money the fed govt' has taken out of our pay every week.all the acting is great as usual but the story lines this time around were a complete bore. a big problem I had from early on was when Frank Underwood announced he was dismantling social security because Americans are entitled to nothing... sorry, that doesn't work for me since we are entitled to social security because it is our money the fed govt' has taken out of our pay every week. There is not a single person who would vote for underwood after he said and did that. Unless you're one of the Koch brothers.
    There were a couple decent episodes but it doesn't come close to the first two seasons.    … Expand
  16. davidlieb
    Mar 1, 2015
    4
    Eh. I loved season 1 & 2. I binge watched all of season 3 in a day-and-a-half, and there were some pretty good moments, but most of it was... well, it was mostly boring. The intrigue, twists, and turns were not there. Most of the acting was top notch, but the story was way below what I've come to expect.
  17. Orlandu84
    Mar 7, 2015
    1
    What happened to "House of Cards?" The more I watched this season, the less I cared about the characters, the story, and the show. Instead of political machinations and witty remarks, the show was full of forced dialogue and simplified solutions. Although many people will likely find the depths of Frank Underwood interesting, I cannot. Here lies the problem this season encountered. ByWhat happened to "House of Cards?" The more I watched this season, the less I cared about the characters, the story, and the show. Instead of political machinations and witty remarks, the show was full of forced dialogue and simplified solutions. Although many people will likely find the depths of Frank Underwood interesting, I cannot. Here lies the problem this season encountered. By focusing so much on the interior of the Underwoods and less on the battlefield of politics, the show robbed itself of dramatic tension and flair. Moreover, the Underwoods do not have much inside of them worth knowing about or examining closely. I hope that they learn from their mistakes of this season.… Expand
  18. Matt314159
    Mar 3, 2015
    5
    House of Cards carries itself like a prestige drama that belongs on HBO. Instead, I find a political potboiler that would feel more at home among its intellectual peers at CBS.

    The acting is great--Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright do admirable work with what they're given, but I just can't get myself to swallow any of it. The dialogue can be cringe-worthy; the writing and overall story    House of Cards carries itself like a prestige drama that belongs on HBO. Instead, I find a political potboiler that would feel more at home among its intellectual peers at CBS.

    The acting is great--Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright do admirable work with what they're given, but I just can't get myself to swallow any of it. The dialogue can be cringe-worthy; the writing and overall story arcs lack substance. There's very little character development so I find that I just don't care much what happens to any of them.

    Yet I came back for a third season. Someone explain that one for me, because I don't know, myself. I guess I just love the "binge" model of television.    … Expand
  19. sabrishamchi
    Mar 7, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. frank Underwood was a genius corrupt politician who was very effective when focused his mind into a goal in first two seasons. a man who was two step ahead of everyone else but now he is boring selfish president . he is trying a sell a stupid plan (America Works) to voters and instead of watching interesting characters and battles like the one with Raymond tusk we have to watch boring sessions of therapy with a writer.… Expand
  20. MoneyPepsiGlory
    Feb 28, 2015
    5
    too many storylines I didn't give a hoot about. Wish they stuck to the political stuff/changing journalism,= landscape, etc. Claire's development was very good and the season ended with a big twist but the rest felt, eh not the same. I still enjoyed watching it but by the time I got to the season finale I was glad it was over.
  21. aelder
    Feb 28, 2015
    2
    This was the weakest season. The writing became less about political maneuvering and watching Frank Underwood's psychopathic genius and almost entirely about petty relationship issues between Frank and Claire.

    Midway through the season Claire essentially leaves character and jumps the emotional shark. From that point on, the entire primary plot is overshadowed by petty emotional unrest.    This was the weakest season. The writing became less about political maneuvering and watching Frank Underwood's psychopathic genius and almost entirely about petty relationship issues between Frank and Claire.

    Midway through the season Claire essentially leaves character and jumps the emotional shark. From that point on, the entire primary plot is overshadowed by petty emotional unrest.

    For his part, Frank loses every political fight he enters and the viewer receives scant few moments of feel-good payoff.

    This is a season without enjoyable victories or satisfying political payoffs and instead is emotionally draining the watch for the entirety.    … Expand
  22. Minkmaat
    Mar 2, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First of all, if you're in it for the acting or the drama you might rate this higher then me, because the acting is very good. However, I'm in it for the plot.

    I fell in love with season 1 because of the constantly alternating political landscape the cool and unexpected storylines and most of all, the fast pace in which Francis Underwood was working towards his goals.

    Season 2 was decent. But season 3 is just not fun to watch. The plot is narrowed down to the daily struggles of mr. president and a gruesome slow storyline about Doug in recovery. Overall this season it becomes predictable, boring and slow. A few episodes in, it came to the point I started fast forwarding complete scenes. The only reason I sticked to it is because I hoped for something disruptive and clever. I hoped that it was worth watching all episodes, that the season would eventually amaze me.

    Unfortunately for me, the first episode something disruptive happened was in the final episode and it turned out be very disappointing, predictable and anti-climatic.

    I don't think I will watch season 4.    … Expand
  23. Hrodwulf
    Mar 10, 2015
    6
    The thing I loved about seasons 1 and 2 is that Frank and Claire worked together to outsmart everyone. That and the unapologetic ruthlessness they both exhibited. In season 3, they don't work together well and there is an undertone of discontent and they seem adversarial. The show has lost some of its smartness and edge. Too bad.
  24. Beeboop
    Mar 1, 2015
    1
    No spoilers here. Season 3, Boring.

    The whole reason I liked season 1 and 2 is because it dealt with government corruption from a different view point, the corrupt. In season 3, Frank isn't doing anything corrupt and nor does he manipulate anyone. Frank has nothing to lose or fear in Season 3. He's just working as a normal president with failed politics and getting pushed around. This    No spoilers here. Season 3, Boring.

    The whole reason I liked season 1 and 2 is because it dealt with government corruption from a different view point, the corrupt. In season 3, Frank isn't doing anything corrupt and nor does he manipulate anyone. Frank has nothing to lose or fear in Season 3. He's just working as a normal president with failed politics and getting pushed around. This is not a DRAMA! This is like watching CNN but with prettier videography.    … Expand
  25. jim_taltontish
    Mar 1, 2015
    5
    Seasons 1 and 2 were fantastic, but the first was my favorite. Season 3 started out great, but there was way too much filler (e.g., the writer, most of Doug's story). I'm guessing they're required to produce 13 episodes, but it could've easily been cut in half. Claire's character has almost completely flaked out compared to how I understood her in the past. Frank stays prettySeasons 1 and 2 were fantastic, but the first was my favorite. Season 3 started out great, but there was way too much filler (e.g., the writer, most of Doug's story). I'm guessing they're required to produce 13 episodes, but it could've easily been cut in half. Claire's character has almost completely flaked out compared to how I understood her in the past. Frank stays pretty consistent, but the dialogue is sounding tired when stretched over so much irrelevant material. Spacey also sounded congested, as if he had a cold, in many of the episodes, so I wonder if filming was rushed.

    Overall, I'm very disappointed with the direction the show has gone. It has greatly reduced the amount of focused political chess, and diluted it with boring, almost meaningless drama. I love good drama, but the writing quality just isn't there this season. All the filler has caused Season 3 to lose its bite. Not sure why the professional critics are rating it on par with past seasons, because it's not.    … Expand
  26. dudeldideldai
    Mar 3, 2015
    10
    Still awesome and my favourite TV show.
    Kevin Spacey in one of his best roles. Robin Wright is doing a great job as well.
    If you haven't seen it yet. you missed something.
  27. KevowOfRice
    Feb 28, 2015
    10
    Holy cow i love this tv show! It's always impossible to tell whats going to happen next. Frank is at his peak stress throughout the season and occasionally finds a clever way of accomplishing his goals. House of cards continues to amaze me with the political battles that are dished out between the president and seemingly everyone else.
  28. Meshblorg
    Mar 1, 2015
    0
    Boring! I loved Season one and two but three is horribly boring. This is not a drama! This is a simulation of a normal presidential life. This season betrays the earlier two.

    I loved the first two seasons of HOC because it delt with government corruption from a different point of view, the corrupt. In season 3, Frank no longer has anything to lose, does nothing corrupt, and nor does he    Boring! I loved Season one and two but three is horribly boring. This is not a drama! This is a simulation of a normal presidential life. This season betrays the earlier two.

    I loved the first two seasons of HOC because it delt with government corruption from a different point of view, the corrupt. In season 3, Frank no longer has anything to lose, does nothing corrupt, and nor does he manipulate anyone. Season 3 is more like a simulation of a presidential life, like watching CNN but with better videography. Boring.    … Expand
  29. vormov
    Mar 1, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I disagree with the other critics of season 3. I don't think season 3 was a snoozefest, boring, or out of character. I think the people who don't like season 3 are missing the entire point of the show. Season 3 harbors some of the most intense moments in the entire series up to this point.

    Spoilers beyond this point:

    I really felt for Doug, the creator's choice to include him as our intro into season 3 was wonderful. It humanized a very machine-like individual whom up to this point, had done everything Underwood had told him to. But without Underwood valuing his actions, Doug sets out on his own journey, finds himself (more than once). I kinda predicted Doug's double-agenting of Heather Dunbar, but by the time it happened I had entirely forgotten about the journal and I briefly believed that he had truly betrayed Frank. Truly remarkable subplot, and not a single moment was wasted. The end of his story arc in the season finale had me feeling that "WTF" kind of moment, it was great and disgusting at the same time.

    I feel as though the Remy/Jackie subplot was both underplayed or "too little too late," and at the same time sort of irrelevant to anything in the main story arc. It occurs after Jackie completely caves and, whereas in seasons 1 and 2 it occurred when the stakes were at their highest for both of them. I don't think it does their character's any justice.

    The Underwood's divide is displayed tremendously. Clair's turn to dissent, and Frank's heavy-handedness have never been more clearly highlighted. In the end, I really thought she was going to ask him to let her be on the ticket (or even make a presidential run herself) as was hinted the entire season ("They like you better than me", "I wouldn't have been in this office without you" and etc). I feel the divide is even unfair to Frank himself, who despite his rocky past, did the least undermining and distrusting his wife than he had in the past. Just when he relied on her, she shuts him out at his weakest point. If anything, this showcases Clair's weakness, not Frank's. Frank is willing to work things out when she walks out on him, Frank is willing to kill for her protection (theoretically at least), Frank is willing to go to bat for her when he knows that she cannot perform the job (The whole ambassador thing). I feel like, for once, Frank's tyrannical nature was quelled by the truth, what he says in the last scene of Season 3 is absolute truth. She'd be nothing without him. Even if the "marital problems" angle is just a Season-ender hype moment, Frank really would be better off without her.

    This entire season showcases Frank's undoing, and it isn't his own ruthlessness. Its his humanizing. Its him being in the public light and not being able to publicly be the animal he once was. His spiral out of control is showcased by his blindness to what he should do, which causes him to doubt himself and creates a dynamic where he keeps ignoring his own instincts (even though his instincts are what put him in the Oval Office). His ignoring of his brutal instincts keep causing him to consistently make the wrong decisions. The scene where Frank and Petrov talk in the valley reveals this. At the time, as a viewer, I was thinking what Frank was thinking ("This can't be true, I won't believe it, Clair is very capable..."). But after watching the season finale, my opinion had changed. Petrov was right, at least in that scene. Nobody will help Frank clean up his mess when the House of Cards starts to fall. How will he get out?

    I also didn't like how the foreign affairs scenario played itself out just to become its own problem. It struck me as a bit poorly written. The whole UN Peace Keeping mission subplot undoes itself as it progresses through the season.

    I also didn't like the writer subplot. Frank Underwood would not put that kind of access into the hands of someone he knew would have the power to destroy him in the public eye. Especially considering, unlike the people who work for Underwood, the writer hadn't proved his loyalty. Frank Underwood made literally every other character prove their loyalty, even Clair but not this writer. Either a mistake on his part or a forceful introduction of a character. I feel the only reason why Frank reached out to this guy was to maybe have a friend, or someone he could lie to like he used to be able to (maybe the writer's "addiction" to the access was a lie or an analogy for Frank's addiction to lying).

    Overall the season was great. Waited for the Season to drop and started watching at exactly 3am EST. Powered through it in a few nights.    … Expand
  30. anilbag
    Mar 4, 2015
    10
    Awesome show, perfect acting and still surprising from the first scene and from the first episode. Second season is better than the first and the third season is better than the former ones. Underwood is still stunning and cunning. Thanks for all the hard work.
  31. mpc105
    Mar 6, 2015
    8
    I have followed this show from the beginning. The production value is great. The acting is at least good and often excellent. The plot is over the top fun if dark. It is enough to make one wonder just what our "leaders" are really doing in Washington. The one really horrible flaw is Kevin Spacey's pathetic attempt at the southern accent. I was born in Georgia and spent time in both SouthI have followed this show from the beginning. The production value is great. The acting is at least good and often excellent. The plot is over the top fun if dark. It is enough to make one wonder just what our "leaders" are really doing in Washington. The one really horrible flaw is Kevin Spacey's pathetic attempt at the southern accent. I was born in Georgia and spent time in both South Carolina and Georgia growing up and going to school including post graduate degrees. All my grandparents, parents and in-laws were natives of Georgia or South Carolina and I have never heard anything like this accent. Somebody really needs to help Spacey stop sounding like an idiot.… Expand
  32. idleidee
    Mar 8, 2015
    10
    Just awesome how the story further develops now .. when the stakes and entourages have changed for both F and C. They got there quite "easily", familiar terrain. But now its a whole new ballgame that needs a different approch.. Or maybe not.. but there are some keys lost and some doors shut. Like the "Stamper Key" really is needed.. Great acting again. great story. Far too good toJust awesome how the story further develops now .. when the stakes and entourages have changed for both F and C. They got there quite "easily", familiar terrain. But now its a whole new ballgame that needs a different approch.. Or maybe not.. but there are some keys lost and some doors shut. Like the "Stamper Key" really is needed.. Great acting again. great story. Far too good to binge-watch.. but ow.. so.. wanted to know how it will proceed.. one more.. just one more.. One more and then i quit for today.. omg, out, out! sleep!… Expand
  33. josephkokomo
    Mar 16, 2015
    10
    I feel compelled to finally join metacritic, after all this time, to say this one thing: the performances between these two (Spacey and Wright) give me goosebumps. It reminds me of the caliber of Edie Falco and James Gandolfini in 'The Sopranos'. The episode on House of Cards this season, with the gay activist in Russia, is one of the best hours of television I've ever seen. I getI feel compelled to finally join metacritic, after all this time, to say this one thing: the performances between these two (Spacey and Wright) give me goosebumps. It reminds me of the caliber of Edie Falco and James Gandolfini in 'The Sopranos'. The episode on House of Cards this season, with the gay activist in Russia, is one of the best hours of television I've ever seen. I get goosebumps thinking about Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey (and Christian Carmago's performance). Can't believe this only got a '73' rating.… Expand
  34. jfla
    Feb 27, 2015
    0
    I loved the first season of HOC. I thought the performances and directing were great. When I got to season 2, I was disappointed, I wasn't a fan of the China storyline and I started to feel that the show thought it was smarter than it really was. Even though I really didn't like season 2 (I gave it a 5/10), I thought the premiere was great and the episode with Claire's interview was greatI loved the first season of HOC. I thought the performances and directing were great. When I got to season 2, I was disappointed, I wasn't a fan of the China storyline and I started to feel that the show thought it was smarter than it really was. Even though I really didn't like season 2 (I gave it a 5/10), I thought the premiere was great and the episode with Claire's interview was great also. I had high hopes for this season, because I thought the writers would take into consideration the critical backlash the show faced in the second half of its final season, but unfortunately they did not. Season three is better than season two, but is nowhere close to season one. The character of Frank Underwood is great, but I feel that Spacey isn't really being challenged enough and living up to his potential (He was great in Chapter 28 though). Wright, like last season, is great, and like last season the most interesting parts of the show is when it revolves around her. Overall, while season three is a bit better than season two, I'm still going to give it a 5/10.… Expand
  35. Wrz77
    Feb 28, 2015
    9
    Better than Seasons 1 and 2 combined. Kevin Spacey has topped his already great acting this season. The score by Jeff Beal blows away his work on both first seasons. Every single moment had me captivated.
  36. joef123
    Feb 27, 2015
    0
    Not as good as it used to be. The acting (especially Wright and Spacey) is good, but writing is just really bad. I miss the old House of Cards. Now its just unbelievable, it was way to easy for Frank to become President.
  37. FIF
    Mar 2, 2015
    10
    Holy S***! Well, let me just say, couldn't stop watching this season until the final credits rolled! Previous two seasons were great, but I was able to put it down for a bit between episodes, not the case here. Great acting, writing, directing, suspense and the finale was especially killer! Do not walk, run to HOC 3!!
  38. dfelesina
    Mar 2, 2015
    9
    Each season keeps getting better and better. It should probably keep going for one more season, two at the max. Frank Underwood's downfall should start soon.
  39. Bo33y
    Mar 2, 2015
    0
    Whatever was there has left. What are we watching here. Season 2 the plot was bad. Season 3 the plot what plot, and the acting is getting worse.

    I couldn't even watch all of episode one, not gonna bother with episode two. The amount of care less errors is beyond reproach. He just won the globe. Yet in the first TV speech watch how he conducts his presidency, his eyes didn't even look    Whatever was there has left. What are we watching here. Season 2 the plot was bad. Season 3 the plot what plot, and the acting is getting worse.

    I couldn't even watch all of episode one, not gonna bother with episode two. The amount of care less errors is beyond reproach.

    He just won the globe. Yet in the first TV speech watch how he conducts his presidency, his eyes didn't even look at the camera, they darted around quicker then any tweaker. His golf caddie look as he represents America, peacoat, baggy trousers, and loafers, does it come with a baseball hat and golf club?

    Remy acting like the bouncer, when at the camera question time, and again when firing in that room publicly trying to do a lord sugar .

    Seriously what kind of stupidity is 500billion and I want it nawwwww dollars for 10million unemployed back to work program. WTF? Who in the what the hell done those maths. Throw away the DOD's annual budget, too get back less on tax annually, because guess who dumb the pie charts, when assuming that those would be within the top bands minimum salary.

    Meanwhile the president wife is privy to black ops, those secret drone strikes, the president cleared her security pass, making her part of the team.

    The president going on a late shows satire.

    A waste of time.......    … Expand
  40. Mr_Maldoror
    Feb 27, 2015
    2
    It just seems to get worse with each season. The UK series wasn't perfect either, but it got it right with making the seasons 6 episodes each. Shorter, tighter. This always pads things out with useless relationship drama. I won't be back for the fourth season. I can already bet money that it will end with Frank being assassinated with Claire pulling the strings. Anti-hero cliche #5,041. NoIt just seems to get worse with each season. The UK series wasn't perfect either, but it got it right with making the seasons 6 episodes each. Shorter, tighter. This always pads things out with useless relationship drama. I won't be back for the fourth season. I can already bet money that it will end with Frank being assassinated with Claire pulling the strings. Anti-hero cliche #5,041. No need to slog through another tedious season to get to that.… Expand
  41. chidime
    Mar 2, 2015
    9
    Oh man! The negative reviews just irritate me. Yes this season wasn't as full of twists as the previous two. yes this season was slower than the other two. yes this season focused on the White House and the presidency unlike the other 2 which had a wider focus. Yes this season was narrower in scope and focus than the previous 2. But the pace of the season was perfect. It kind of slowedOh man! The negative reviews just irritate me. Yes this season wasn't as full of twists as the previous two. yes this season was slower than the other two. yes this season focused on the White House and the presidency unlike the other 2 which had a wider focus. Yes this season was narrower in scope and focus than the previous 2. But the pace of the season was perfect. It kind of slowed things down to reveal the dynamics of Frank Underwood's relationships. The other seasons never really explored why Frank had the relationships he had with the other characters; they just presented those relationships and we were meant to just go with it. In this season, we see how the relationships were built (Thomas yates) and were broken down (Claire Underwood, Remy, and Tom yates) and rebuilt (Doug, the Ribs guy). This season was a deliberate attempt for us to observe how the relationships were created and how they were broken down firsthand. This is not Suits or any other overly dramatic show. it's not every season/episode that we need crazy twists and overblown drama. Sometimes a show requires a bit of slowing down to let you meet and understand the characters. For those who said it was boring or focused on the presidency, Shame on You. Go watch Suits or Vampire Diaries if you want constant unrealistically sensationalized drama. The show will probably return to the usual pace next season but this season was necessary to create a realistic atmosphere for the rest of the season.… Expand
  42. Orw
    Mar 2, 2015
    10
    Great scripts, deeper characters and, as usual, astonishing performances from both Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, and with Michael Kelly (Doug). Can't wait to see what will happen on season 4.
  43. buffnfaith
    Mar 4, 2015
    8
    Though not as good as season 1, season 3 is better than season 2 as now president Underwood continues to tackle his enemies in a ruthless manner with Spacey's portrayal of Underwood better than ever. Be prepared for more turnoil and stronger opposition from all fronts this season. Robin Wright and Michael Kelly especially shine in the supporting cast.
  44. Anwar-Mkayed
    Mar 26, 2015
    1
    Devious, Deceitful, and devoid of any Human Morals. A show that revolves around a 'person' that is beyond saving, obsessive in purposeless accomplishments with a dozen other psychological disasters pursuing a social status that does not only control those in his perceptible environment, but that which extends it's tragic field all over the planet's course of events.

    An adverse influence    Devious, Deceitful, and devoid of any Human Morals. A show that revolves around a 'person' that is beyond saving, obsessive in purposeless accomplishments with a dozen other psychological disasters pursuing a social status that does not only control those in his perceptible environment, but that which extends it's tragic field all over the planet's course of events.

    An adverse influence upon the viewer is almost imminent.

    one point for the background music & camera angles.    … Expand
  45. SchroederRock
    Apr 2, 2015
    9
    The struggles of a president that nobody elected are on blast in the third season of House of Cards. The struggles between congress and the executive branch are interwoven with a drama between Frank and Clare Underwood that finally come to light after all the lies and work done to get to the head of the table. House of Cards is as good as ever, though season 3's best moments are foundThe struggles of a president that nobody elected are on blast in the third season of House of Cards. The struggles between congress and the executive branch are interwoven with a drama between Frank and Clare Underwood that finally come to light after all the lies and work done to get to the head of the table. House of Cards is as good as ever, though season 3's best moments are found beyond the first few episodes. When all is said and done, a fourth season is not only guaranteed but also more intriguing than ever. It's no longer the earning of the presidency that is the hook of the show, but Frank Underwood holding to that presidency while some of his most loyal allies are jumping ship.… Expand
  46. OMGmyFACE
    Jul 24, 2015
    5
    It's as if the first two seasons emulated those of the UK House of Cards with some changes while the third season, realizing it was going to end, had to come up with a completely different path out of nowhere so it could get a fourth season. However, in doing so, the writers predictably made some considerable mistakes. You could tell they were running out of steam when **** Riot showed upIt's as if the first two seasons emulated those of the UK House of Cards with some changes while the third season, realizing it was going to end, had to come up with a completely different path out of nowhere so it could get a fourth season. However, in doing so, the writers predictably made some considerable mistakes. You could tell they were running out of steam when **** Riot showed up during the Russia So Nasty arc but when the show kept sliding downward afterwards, it was just embarrassing. The first half of the season resembles none of the latter half, which is a shame since the last half was dreadful and boring.… Expand
  47. Skulb
    May 27, 2015
    3
    The first two seasons were decent, if somewhat milquetoast. But season three is just a disgusting train wreck of miserable writing, disjointed and pointless plot lines combined with absolutely embarrassing and low-grade propaganda. The portrayal of the Russian President alone is worthy of the 2015 Joseph Goebbels award. But of course HoC also manages to propagandize for austerity, droneThe first two seasons were decent, if somewhat milquetoast. But season three is just a disgusting train wreck of miserable writing, disjointed and pointless plot lines combined with absolutely embarrassing and low-grade propaganda. The portrayal of the Russian President alone is worthy of the 2015 Joseph Goebbels award. But of course HoC also manages to propagandize for austerity, drone striking civilians and the entirely unconstitutional notion that the "first lady" has any business whatsoever engaging in domestic or international affairs. All in all watching season 3 of HoC is like dumping a trash bin over your own head. If you`re not dumb already, watching this season a few times should do it for you.… Expand
  48. mrwho995
    Mar 4, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. i was disappointed with this season. It felt like a soap opera at times, and you can't really compare the season 2 finale, becoming the president, to the season 3 finale, a divorce, in terms of scope. It felt like there was a lot of filler and that there was less plot progression or big events than previous seasons, and Frank was a little all over the place as a character, seeming to feel genuine guilt and compassion one second and being a complete sociopath the next. The writer story arc went nowhere, nothing really worked with Remy's character, and things generally moved far too slowly. There were a few strong episodes and no real duds like there were half way through season 1, but I wasn't too impressed. It was still good TV, but nothing to get too exited about.… Expand
  49. ParagonMichael
    Mar 11, 2015
    8
    I thought they couldn't make a season 3, but then they went on and did it. Safe to say that i was kind of impressed by how good the season managed too be.
  50. TimW001
    Dec 24, 2015
    5
    This season of House of Cards is not the best. You can watch the first two seasons and feel pretty satisfied you watched a good show.
    But season three is really average melodrama portrayed with great character actors.
  51. callumjsouth
    Aug 6, 2015
    7
    The Underwoods are finally where they want to be and this is both a positive and a negative. Their position takes away what was a hugely captivating part of the first two seasons, getting to see them scheme and snake episode after episode as they completed their jigsaw one piece at a time. Now that the jigsaw is complete you would be forgiven for believing that there is not really muchThe Underwoods are finally where they want to be and this is both a positive and a negative. Their position takes away what was a hugely captivating part of the first two seasons, getting to see them scheme and snake episode after episode as they completed their jigsaw one piece at a time. Now that the jigsaw is complete you would be forgiven for believing that there is not really much point anymore. However it is actually very entertaining to see the Underwoods attempt to hold the jigsaw together. We finally get to see them in a vulnerable position. Ironic considering they are the world's most important couple. This evolving characterisation is essential in a good drama and is evidence of the class present in this show. We get less Underwood and fourth wall breaking which is disappointing however it is only a minor nuisance considering how rich this show is both in content and character.… Expand
  52. TheApplegnome
    Jul 5, 2016
    8
    House of Cards continues to shine with its entertaining perspective on politics, but mostly -- characters. Season 3 got splendid inside to what drives specific characters. Much drama is a constant trait -- what you have to do to be sucessful, what you risk to loose, and what you can win. Fight -- don’t give up -- let it beat you and rise up from the ashes! House of Cards can be full ofHouse of Cards continues to shine with its entertaining perspective on politics, but mostly -- characters. Season 3 got splendid inside to what drives specific characters. Much drama is a constant trait -- what you have to do to be sucessful, what you risk to loose, and what you can win. Fight -- don’t give up -- let it beat you and rise up from the ashes! House of Cards can be full of positivity, but also despair and loss. Real in life events -- or at least similarities to such events is something new to the show and S03 is full of it! It’s a clever and wanted aspect to the show and we finally get even more linkage to the story! This is a pure drama-flick that’s full of personal dilemmas -- and yes not every episode is that cleverly written nor full of excitement. But It’s really something for the drama lover!

    Overall personal rating for each episode: 76.8/100

    Personal rating: 80/100
    Critical rating: 90/100    … Expand
  53. DPtdryste
    Apr 18, 2015
    6
    I'm interested in politics, so I watch HoC. But this is no longer a show about politics. In fact, this season makes you realize that it never was: it is a drama, with politics as the canvas the show is painted on. Season 3 is the worst HoC season, but it has its good moments. The show has to deal with the complications involving Frank attaining his coveted position, and striving to makeI'm interested in politics, so I watch HoC. But this is no longer a show about politics. In fact, this season makes you realize that it never was: it is a drama, with politics as the canvas the show is painted on. Season 3 is the worst HoC season, but it has its good moments. The show has to deal with the complications involving Frank attaining his coveted position, and striving to make that interesting. S1 and S2 benefited from what felt like dominoes falling against each other; S3 starts with us having to accept that Frank was the last domino, and he's supported (and trapped) by a wall.

    It suffers from the overly-emotional and absurd performances of our anti-hero. TV tropes that attract the general public are ignored in favor of unexpected plot twists, but the twists never seem groundbreaking in hindsight, and the show leaves you wondering why it doesn't just try to simply entertain using an action or sex scene. Hell, halfway through you may realize that you're already halfway through, you can't stop watching now. It is a show damned by being a topic of conversation, in that aspect.

    I give this a 6 because I enjoyed it sometimes. I liked the arcs involving Remy, Jackie, Dunbar, Doug, the hacker, and Rachel. Frank and Claire's arcs could have been better. Yates takes up half the screen this season, there's not even a reference to ex-president Walker; it all feels a bit unreal. Nowhere near enough Lucas or Raymond Tusk this season, Seth's teeth are vastly dulled, and the sexy Christina is relegated to a cameo appearance where her acting and beauty are muted by producer incompetence. Seriously, as a male watcher, I was upset we only see her once!

    The end of S3 doesn't have me as excited for S4 as S1 had me for S2, or S2 for S3. But I won't give up on this show just yet. I'll be watching Daredevil now, hoping Orange keeps our summer TV-watching simultaneously lighthearted and interesting, and praying that HoC makes a venerable return next year. Oh, and Netflix, please, Frank's F-bombs are cringeworthy... let's not do that anymore haha.    … Expand
  54. NRNSW
    Sep 13, 2015
    8
    This great series continues to entertain, there was probably one or two episodes that were a little slow. But that happens in any TV series. Worth the time.
  55. esm
    Jun 19, 2015
    8
    House of Cards can be described with one word "brilliant". This T.V series shows us how the rest of the T.V drama series should be. Beau Willimon knows how to keep you interested in the series. The actors are just the best that you could find in a series right now. Kevin Spacey does a great job and Robin Wright looks brilliant in the T.V series but I think that in all the seasons the leastHouse of Cards can be described with one word "brilliant". This T.V series shows us how the rest of the T.V drama series should be. Beau Willimon knows how to keep you interested in the series. The actors are just the best that you could find in a series right now. Kevin Spacey does a great job and Robin Wright looks brilliant in the T.V series but I think that in all the seasons the least good was this one. Sure the problems with Viktor keep you interested but I think that this series can be resumed in 10 chapters. I have the feeling that they make the chapters longer than should be because I find a lot of scenes that could be resumed for more story specially the season finale. I hope that the next season be better. I can´t wait to watch the next season… Expand
  56. Ripandread
    Nov 2, 2015
    4
    This show seems to have lost its ‘grit’ when Underwood went from being a scheming back-stabbing Congressional leader to the President of the United States.

    Now instead of trying to destroy his political and media enemies, which was the backbone of the show, Frank Underwood and his wife seem hell bent on destroying each other.
  57. bruninho79
    Jan 31, 2016
    9
    I have watched the three seasons of this serie recently and I just love this tv show, it's awesome and have driven me crazy, it's really awesome and Kevin and Robin are incredible actors.
  58. SrPepe
    Mar 3, 2018
    8
    He seguido este espectáculo desde el principio. El valor de producción es excelente. La actuación es al menos buena y, a menudo excelente. La trama es demasiado divertida si está oscura. Es suficiente para que uno se pregunte qué es lo que realmente están haciendo los "líderes" en Washington. El único defecto realmente horrible es el patético intento de Kevin Spacey por el acento sureño.
  59. alejandro970
    Dec 9, 2016
    9
    Underwood, hhe machiavellian antihero realizes the absolut power has a higher price to pay. Loss of faith, moral dilemmas, and an imminent fracture on the own White House.
  60. KelvinSelimor
    Dec 6, 2020
    10
    House of Cards. Season 3. Power is in the hands. A more intriguing and enticing season. Claire Underwood comes to the fore more showing what kind of person she really is. I liked the performance of Russian President Viktor Petrov very much, very similar to the acting one. Also, great intrigues, unexpected moves and all that is remarkable about the House of Cards series.
  61. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    8
    Season three may no be the better, but brings some moments, especially the cast, as Kevin and Robin keep shining.
  62. Maarten95
    Feb 17, 2019
    7
    This season was a bit of a step back. The doug and remy story arc was dull and couldn't fill the void left by the abscene of places like Freddy's ribbar. Kevin Spacey was great again but there are just to few scenes with him. The struggle for the election isn't that great because there isn't anyone that can stand against Kevin Spacey. Maybe thats the biggest problem with this season. TheThis season was a bit of a step back. The doug and remy story arc was dull and couldn't fill the void left by the abscene of places like Freddy's ribbar. Kevin Spacey was great again but there are just to few scenes with him. The struggle for the election isn't that great because there isn't anyone that can stand against Kevin Spacey. Maybe thats the biggest problem with this season. The character Frank Underwood has become so great that everything else feels very dull.… Expand
  63. RuyWang
    Dec 23, 2018
    6
    The third season takes a major step back, the last few episodes this seems entirely like a marital drama. Sure their relationship has always been key to the show but here they start to act like children without any sense, they are not the powerful couple we saw in S1 but the problem isn't there, it's the reason behind it, it feels entirely like the sole reason they are fighting each otherThe third season takes a major step back, the last few episodes this seems entirely like a marital drama. Sure their relationship has always been key to the show but here they start to act like children without any sense, they are not the powerful couple we saw in S1 but the problem isn't there, it's the reason behind it, it feels entirely like the sole reason they are fighting each other is to give the show something to rely on, and that plot isn't nearly as good as the previous two seasons.… Expand
  64. geewah
    Jan 12, 2021
    3
    What a fall from grace for this show. Once an edgy political thriller, now a trashy soap opera. Dull & lazy writing.
  65. imaroacateran
    May 10, 2022
    3
    In season 3 the Underwoods are going through recycled motions from the first two seasons, and at a slower pace. The new characters and new settings are window dressing at best. Season 2 had flaws but this season was the beginning of the end

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best TV Season of 2015
20
#20 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
69
#69 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Mar 12, 2015
    91
    Whatever your takeaway, the performances of Spacey and Wright remain assured and now ingrained in a series that ranks as the best body politic drama ever.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chris Cabin
    Mar 4, 2015
    63
    House of Cards is at its best when investigating the uneasy balance of studied, built-up political performance and personal dogmas, obsessions, gripes, and fears, but as many of these masks begin to give way in the story, the series noticeably struggles to keep up its addictive tension.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Evan Sawdey
    Mar 3, 2015
    70
    Ultimately, House of Cards Season Three is a great continuation of a show that remains deliciously dramatic even with a few glaring flaws.
    Read full review
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