---
title: "House of Cards"
year: 2013
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/house-of-cards-2013"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 1425
imdb_id: "tt1856010"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 6
episodes_count: 73
community_rating: 8.0
vote_count: 3211
content_rating: "TV-MA"
---

# House of Cards (2013) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/house-of-cards-2013

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

House of Cards is a television series that premiered in 2013. The show is a drama that follows the story of Congressman Frank Underwood. According to the synopsis, Frank Underwood is betrayed by the White House, which sets him on a path to gain power. The synopsis also mentions that blackmail, seduction, and ambition are his tools for achieving his goals.

The series is rated TV-MA, indicating that it contains mature content. The show's genre is drama, and it has received user ratings on various platforms. The series premiered in 2013 and has since been released on various streaming platforms.

The show's production was announced through social media, with the fourth season being announced by Netflix via Twitter in 2015. Filming for the fourth season began on June 16, 2015. The series has received widespread attention and has been a subject of interest among audiences. The show's storyline revolves around Frank Underwood's rise to power, which is driven by his ambition and willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A betrayed congressman orchestrates a ruthless and calculated climb to political power in Washington."

### Why Watch
- compelling lead performances
- intricate plot development

### Caveats & Content Note
- intense and cynical subject matter
- Tone & Suitability: The series contains mature themes involving political manipulation and moral ambiguity.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: political, thriller, dark, cynical

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Sky Go | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | Netflix | None | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix | None | Apple TV Store, Fetch TV |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (13 Episodes)
House of Cards Season 1 is the opening installment of the American political‑thriller television series created by Beau Willimon for the streaming service Netflix. The series adapts Michael Dobbs’s 1989 novel of the same name and follows the format of the 1990 British series developed by Andrew Davies. The narrative centers on Congressman Frank Underwood, portrayed by Kevin Spacey, who, after being betrayed by the White House, launches a calculated campaign to acquire greater power. Together with his equally ambitious wife Claire Underwood, played by Robin Wright, he employs blackmail, seduction and relentless ambition as tools in his pursuit of revenge against those who have wronged

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 65
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 16 (25%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 49 (75%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Beau Willimon
- **Networks / Studios**: Netflix

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Robin Wright** as *Claire Underwood*
- **Michael Kelly** as *Doug Stamper*
- **Kevin Spacey** as *Frank Underwood*
- **Jayne Atkinson** as *Catherine Durant*
- **Derek Cecil** as *Seth Grayson*
- **Mahershala Ali** as *Remy Danton*
- **Boris McGiver** as *Tom Hammerschmidt*
- **Nathan Darrow** as *Edward Meechum*
- **Kate Mara** as *Zoe Barnes*
- **Paul Sparks** as *Thomas Yates*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is the premise of the show?
A congressman works with his wife to seek revenge against those who betrayed him while rising to power.

### Q: Who created the series?
The series was created by Beau Willimon.

### Q: Is the show based on a book?
Yes, it is based on the 1989 novel by Michael Dobbs.

### Q: Where can the series be watched?
The series is available on the streaming service Netflix.

### Q: Are there other versions of this story?
Yes, it is an adaptation of a 1990 British series of the same name.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [House of Cards — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1425)
- [House of Cards season 4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Cards_season_4)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*