House of Cards (2013)

:

Season 4
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 1, 2013
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 407 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 357 out of 407
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 407
  3. Negative: 27 out of 407
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  1. Prosmooth
    Mar 5, 2016
    9
    Now this is more like it. After two disappointing seasons, House of Cards rebounds. The fat has been trimmed off the subplots, and the main storyline is much more interesting. Spacey (who frankly seemed bored last season) is wonderful, but it's Robin Wright who the season belongs to. She's pitch perfect. The supporting cast is just as good with a standout being Boris McGiver's work as Tom.Now this is more like it. After two disappointing seasons, House of Cards rebounds. The fat has been trimmed off the subplots, and the main storyline is much more interesting. Spacey (who frankly seemed bored last season) is wonderful, but it's Robin Wright who the season belongs to. She's pitch perfect. The supporting cast is just as good with a standout being Boris McGiver's work as Tom. Great looking show as always. I'm happy to say again that I"m looking forward to next season already. Welcome back, House of Cards.… Expand
  2. themovieguy123
    Mar 6, 2016
    8
    Even though the first couple of episodes made me think why i had spent a year looking forward for season 4 i saw myself spending all night watching unable to stop. Still one of my favourite shows.
  3. SchroederRock
    Mar 12, 2016
    8
    Definitely a resurgence after a more tame and less-interesting season 3. The dramatic flair and plot progression of season 4's House of Cards does great things to put the show back on everyone's "favorite" list. As usual, it's the acting and maze running storyline that do the most to make this show interesting. But I'm beginning to wonder whether Frank and Claire Underwood will start toDefinitely a resurgence after a more tame and less-interesting season 3. The dramatic flair and plot progression of season 4's House of Cards does great things to put the show back on everyone's "favorite" list. As usual, it's the acting and maze running storyline that do the most to make this show interesting. But I'm beginning to wonder whether Frank and Claire Underwood will start to feel the wear of all the backhanding and daunting history - the "body trail" they've left behind them and whether they'll ever begin to gain more conscience, or will they forever be the cold-hearts that only care about winning at all costs.… Expand
  4. podaddy
    Mar 28, 2016
    7
    Season 4 was solid, but in now way did it come close to the greatness of Seasons 1 and 2. I think some people are just a tad bit enthusiastic in talking Season 4 up to the level that I have seen. Just because it was better than what was mostly a dreadful season 3, does not mean it was good, let alone great. The stories, for me, are just getting more and more predictable. Where I used to beSeason 4 was solid, but in now way did it come close to the greatness of Seasons 1 and 2. I think some people are just a tad bit enthusiastic in talking Season 4 up to the level that I have seen. Just because it was better than what was mostly a dreadful season 3, does not mean it was good, let alone great. The stories, for me, are just getting more and more predictable. Where I used to be blown away by the way The Underwoods manipulate people and situations, I am now just "Meh, I saw that coming a mile away" and I'm not buying that the rest of the characters could be so trustful of these people. Sorry, this season merits a solid 7 from me.… Expand
  5. TheApplegnome
    Jul 12, 2016
    8
    The show of deception, treachery, distrust & lies continues to impress with even more inside to the basics of politics, and what thrives the individuals among it. Season four got many in-life references, even true events are envisioned in a very nuanced way. The show got its up and downs, but it never fails with its clever writing and stunning inside to main characters. The plot hasThe show of deception, treachery, distrust & lies continues to impress with even more inside to the basics of politics, and what thrives the individuals among it. Season four got many in-life references, even true events are envisioned in a very nuanced way. The show got its up and downs, but it never fails with its clever writing and stunning inside to main characters. The plot has escalated greatly and we often go very deep into the main characters of HoC. Smaller events keep intensifying and the past of specific characters keeps chasing them. The show gives a stunning inside to characters and their fight for success -- how you play with your (last) cards for victory in a forever changing world. It's not perfect though -- due to some lack of inside to minor characters, and it's not always a show for the simple minded. The complexity is what gives House of Cards so much praise -- but it's also its own greatest problem. Can't wait for team Underwood to return!

    Overall personal rating for each episode: 77.3/100

    Personal rating: 80/100
    Critical rating: 90/100    … Expand
  6. Roemerquelle
    Mar 20, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I didn't expect too much from Season 4 since Season 3 was a bit of a letdown imo. Boy was I wrong. Season 4 is probably the best season ever.
    Frank and Claire are like a bulldozer on steroids, demolishing everything in their way. If you thought Frank can't be more badass than he was before this season, you'll be proven wrong. The subtle murder threat to Cathy Durant, the constant fight with Conway, the FINAL SCENE. The final scene was probably the most chilling and best final scene of every tv show ever. Just wow. The only negative thing: We have to wait for another year to know how it continues    … Expand
  7. Swobotich
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    Amazing show and constantly getting better! Brilliantly written, strong cast and plotline. I'd rather 10 outta 10 every time and all over again. Don't miss out on house of cards!
  8. alejandro970
    Jan 23, 2017
    9
    As machiavellian as ever, President -evil?- Underwood faces new challenges, enemies and dillemas, and a close encounter to death with the accurate dose of suspense. The conclusion of season causes chills.
  9. lordlordie
    Mar 4, 2016
    10
    Far and away better then season 3, and in my honest opinion on par with seasons 1 and 2. The show seems much more focused, and Spacey and Wright are on their A game here. The new cast surprises, but for me, the true star here was the writing. It seems for the first time the show has finally gained that right ground between the 4th wall breaks to the realistic feeling of following politicalFar and away better then season 3, and in my honest opinion on par with seasons 1 and 2. The show seems much more focused, and Spacey and Wright are on their A game here. The new cast surprises, but for me, the true star here was the writing. It seems for the first time the show has finally gained that right ground between the 4th wall breaks to the realistic feeling of following political so-doings that exist in the real world today. I love this show, and season 4 was incredible. 9/10.… Expand
  10. Citer
    Mar 5, 2016
    10
    House of Cards stands strong as one of the most creative and interesting shows out there. It never ceases to intrigue or amaze with its incredible production value and great cast that truly gives life to a beliveable and outstanding story! Must watch!
  11. furiouszagreb
    Mar 4, 2016
    9
    After what proved to be a disappointing season three, Season 4 so far does not disappoint. Easily the most likeable season since season two, at least so far (8 episodes up)
  12. jeremyp
    Mar 13, 2016
    6
    It's one thing to have a sociopath in the White House but to throw in Lady Macbeth in a power struggle that defies political logic has dimmed the shows power. With all of us knowing how cheap oil is couldn't they have come up with a more cogent foreign policy issue? CBS has already gone down the "Russians are coming" path, does Netflix need to do likewise?
  13. JackKasket
    Mar 6, 2016
    9
    In my humble opinion, best season of the series.

    There is, however, an early season lull where nothing of substance seems to happen, but things quickly pick up mid-season. The storytelling is very current in its brutality, and dare I say, more realistic than previous seasons.

    Worth the binge.
  14. JohnMcQ
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    This is the best show on Netflix, in fact, one of the many bests of all time on all television. Robin Wright is the best part of this show. She plays Claire Underwood with such nuance and brilliance it's truly incredible. She also manages to impress as a director on some of the episodes in this fourth season. Kevin Spacey is once again a pleasure to watch. This season is stronger andThis is the best show on Netflix, in fact, one of the many bests of all time on all television. Robin Wright is the best part of this show. She plays Claire Underwood with such nuance and brilliance it's truly incredible. She also manages to impress as a director on some of the episodes in this fourth season. Kevin Spacey is once again a pleasure to watch. This season is stronger and better than the last.… Expand
  15. chidime
    Mar 6, 2016
    10
    Not very often I give a TV show a 10, but I must say, this season definitely deserves it. The first episode was a bit of a letdown for me, and I thought the season was going to be terrible, but as time went on, the beauty beneath the madness began to show. We see more inside the minds of the Underwoods and their true essence is revealed in ways that put no question as to who they reallyNot very often I give a TV show a 10, but I must say, this season definitely deserves it. The first episode was a bit of a letdown for me, and I thought the season was going to be terrible, but as time went on, the beauty beneath the madness began to show. We see more inside the minds of the Underwoods and their true essence is revealed in ways that put no question as to who they really are. Overall, probably one of the best (if not the best) seasons so far. Bravo… Expand
  16. TimW001
    Mar 19, 2016
    6
    I was into the last seasons. But this season is so boring. It takes three episodes for anything to develop. As much as I like the actors and the theme it is a very boring season.
  17. AndrewLambert
    Mar 13, 2016
    8
    In season 4, House Of Cards is more over the top, outrageous and improbable than ever- and it's all the more engrossing and downright entertaining for it.
  18. Vancomycin
    Mar 11, 2016
    10
    10/10, this season is fire. Events unfold in rapid-fire momentum-building fashion only the Underwoods can deliver in this dialogue-driven political drama.
  19. Knighthawk81
    Mar 7, 2016
    8
    After a lackluster third season there was reason to be concerned about the future of "House of Cards." Fortunately the fourth season is more of a return to form. The episodes are tighter (most about 45 minutes) and the narrative and performances are stronger. As always, it's the work of Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright that pave the way, and that is what works best in this season.
  20. jovonaci
    Mar 5, 2016
    6
    What sadly happened with season 4 is what usually happens with shows once people making them understand they will sell no matter what. They become diluted, they slow down.

    I watched the entire season in 2 days, the show is still one of the best out there, no doubt. No one can deny Spaceys charisma, or the acting in general. Its top notch. VERY SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD (imo safe to read    What sadly happened with season 4 is what usually happens with shows once people making them understand they will sell no matter what. They become diluted, they slow down.

    I watched the entire season in 2 days, the show is still one of the best out there, no doubt. No one can deny Spaceys charisma, or the acting in general. Its top notch.

    VERY SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD (imo safe to read for everyone):
    In comparison with the other seasons, in the first Underwood goes from whip to vice president.
    In the second from vice president to president, after making the president resign.
    In the third he is the acting president with everything that comes with it. Still fun to watch. Last part of the 3rd is preparing for the upcoming elections, and the growing rift between him and Claire becomes noticable.

    In the 4th season, well, nothing really happens. The show takes some weird paths, that come full circle and mean very little. It ends pretty much on the same thing where the one before it did: before the elections.

    To me, that is very disappointing.
    You could say that while the story moved forward in all 3 previous seasons, in this one, well, it went sideways.    … Expand
  21. Emeukal
    Mar 13, 2016
    5
    I don't know what happened between seasons 1 and 2 which were both fantastic to seasons 3 and 4 which are just filled with drama and no real political technicalities. They make Putin (Sorry, I mean Petrov) into a living meme and are pushing a bunch of real world political **** agendas like gun control, encryption, and the middle east. It was a decent ride until season 3 house of cards. II don't know what happened between seasons 1 and 2 which were both fantastic to seasons 3 and 4 which are just filled with drama and no real political technicalities. They make Putin (Sorry, I mean Petrov) into a living meme and are pushing a bunch of real world political **** agendas like gun control, encryption, and the middle east. It was a decent ride until season 3 house of cards. I can't believe the **** and over-dramatic turn it took.… Expand
  22. wrascle
    Mar 28, 2016
    9
    On par with the better Season 1 and 2. Enjoyable. Better balance of politics and family relationsips. Clairie's mother is acted well. I hope for a season 5
  23. TheMetacritiqer
    Mar 20, 2016
    7
    It took a while for the season to have a defining "This is the important and unique part of the season" moment. For a car analogy, it took to long to get the engine starting. But when it got there, it's just under the best parts of the series. I found myself wondering how many more seasons should this go on for. I'd say 2 more at the most. There's a part a quarter(no i did not do the math)It took a while for the season to have a defining "This is the important and unique part of the season" moment. For a car analogy, it took to long to get the engine starting. But when it got there, it's just under the best parts of the series. I found myself wondering how many more seasons should this go on for. I'd say 2 more at the most. There's a part a quarter(no i did not do the math) through that clearly was supposed to be the big happening. But it felt shallow. You'll know what I'm talking about.… Expand
  24. GiftofGab
    Mar 7, 2016
    10
    This is an absolute must watch! The performances are the strongest that they've been since Season 1. As stated by some of the other people who have written reviews this season does a fantastic jobs staying the main course and not deviating into 100 subplots like some of the other seasons do. If you are a fan of the series this season doesn't disappoint in any way and will hold yourThis is an absolute must watch! The performances are the strongest that they've been since Season 1. As stated by some of the other people who have written reviews this season does a fantastic jobs staying the main course and not deviating into 100 subplots like some of the other seasons do. If you are a fan of the series this season doesn't disappoint in any way and will hold your attention until the late hours in the morning, just as it did mine.… Expand
  25. Ripandread
    Mar 31, 2016
    10
    After the third season debacle Season Four has saved "House of Cards". The Underwoods are back being the Underwoods; sneaky and conniving. Robin Wright has proven to be an excellent director.
  26. stephenwright97
    Mar 29, 2016
    7
    I thoroughly enjoyed about 80% of House of Cards Season 4, but a handful of inconsistencies and an ending that left a sour taste in my mouth prevents it from being essential viewing.

    The season is full of memorable moments aplenty - impressive considering Underwood's rise to President concluded more than two seasons ago now. You wouldn't be blamed for wondering what else the show could    I thoroughly enjoyed about 80% of House of Cards Season 4, but a handful of inconsistencies and an ending that left a sour taste in my mouth prevents it from being essential viewing.

    The season is full of memorable moments aplenty - impressive considering Underwood's rise to President concluded more than two seasons ago now. You wouldn't be blamed for wondering what else the show could possibly have up its sleeves. Amid the usual Doug-related maniacal romances, the pursuit to humiliate Frank for his murder of Zoe Barnes and Peter Russo in the first two seasons is ongoing. Elsewhere, there is also Frank's physical condition as well as his marriage with Clare at stake. In short, it all comes together for the most part to provide entertaining episode after entertaining episode, with only a couple of chapters three quarters of the way in feeling a bit pointless.

    Despite all the praise I could heap on Season 4, it must be said that the last few episodes feel like they were added on for the sake of being added on, and the season could realistically have concluded at around ten episodes. Nevertheless, what frustrated me more is how the ending left more questions unanswered. That's what a cliffhanger is supposed to do I guess and we'll have to wait for the inevitable Season 5 to see what happens with the series many plot points, but I feel like some of them have been dragged on for too long now. Can we end this whole 'newspaper report about Frank being a murderer' already? At this rate it will be another four seasons before we find out if it actually has any real impact on him. As for the ICO situation, the effect it has on Frank is also not apparent. Don't even get me started on the very final clip in which 'OH MY GOD CLARE FINALLY BREAKS THE FOURTH WALL', as if it's some sort of revolution. For some reason everyone is losing their minds over this part of the finale, despite the fact that our main character has been breaking the fourth wall for three whole years now. This is nothing new; this is not moving the story forward; it is merely another character performing an action that the main one has been for a long time now.

    House of Cards Season Four has a (large) amount of high-quality, exciting moments, but unfortunately it’s just not consistent enough to be deemed essential viewing. I love Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as their respective villains as much as the rest of you, but they can’t save an entire show from suffering from occasionally questionable characters and pointless plot points, no matter how good the performances are.    … Expand
  27. SrPepe
    Mar 3, 2018
    8
    Aunque los primeros dos episodios me hicieron pensar por qué había pasado un año esperando la temporada 4, me vi pasar toda la noche mirando sin poder parar. Sigue siendo uno de mis shows favoritos.
  28. KelvinSelimor
    Mar 3, 2021
    10
    House of Cards. Season 4. Big politics on blood. Intrigues inside the White House are spinning more and more and because of this, everything begins to crumble. But not for Frank Underwood. Elections, war, marriage, death, nothing will stop Frank and Claire.
  29. Felindie
    Jul 15, 2019
    7
    In season four the quality drops a bit, the plot looked forced but it was entertained.
  30. Maarten95
    Feb 17, 2019
    9
    Really loved the season. A big step up from season 3. Conway really makes a great candidate for the pressidancy. There are a lot of great scenes like the terrorist one.
  31. imaroacateran
    May 10, 2022
    3
    At this stage in the show, frank has been president for too long. What i mean by that is, the story has become one where instead of the underwoods rising to power through cunning, it's one where they stay in power mostly due to inertia and a little bit of cunning that isn't nearly as intriguing as in the earlier seasons. These problems do get a lot more noticeably worse in season 5 but forAt this stage in the show, frank has been president for too long. What i mean by that is, the story has become one where instead of the underwoods rising to power through cunning, it's one where they stay in power mostly due to inertia and a little bit of cunning that isn't nearly as intriguing as in the earlier seasons. These problems do get a lot more noticeably worse in season 5 but for me they were quite bad enough in season 4 that i did not enjoy watching it. The Barnes storyline peaked long ago and is nigh unwatchable. Stamper's plotline is dull. Only the campaign offers any intrigue and even that feels like a major downgrade.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best TV Season of 2016
42
#42 Most Discussed TV Season of 2016
1
#1 Most Shared TV Season of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Mar 17, 2016
    70
    House of Cards has its own distinct, if shallow, pleasures, including Spacey, who just gets better and better as Frank.... Wright is Spacey's equal, and in Season 4, Claire is more stony and stoic than ever.
    Read full review
  2. Collider
    Reviewed by: Matt Goldberg
    Mar 10, 2016
    80
    While Season 4 still has the “Netflix Problem” of being a few episodes too long, it’s tough to say what should be cut this year. Almost every plotline serves a purpose, delivers some kind of rewarding payoff, and it further drags us down in the muck of Frank and Claire’s life.
    Read full review
  3. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Mar 7, 2016
    60
    Season four's sweep is, in some ways, a little cheap (when you've written off as many characters as this show has, it's easy to buy gravitas by bringing a few back), but it's also entertaining.
    Read full review
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