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Season guide

House of Cards: Season 4

13 episodes Premiered Mar 4, 2016 Updated Oct 6, 2026

In the fourth season of House of Cards, Frank and Claire Underwood navigate an election year with higher stakes than ever before. Although they have historically functioned as a great team, their marriage stumbles during this crucial period as their individual ambitions come into direct conflict. Rather than acting as unified partners, Frank and Claire become even greater adversaries, facing the reality that the bigg

Previously on House of Cards

Season 4 Lore Primer

Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.

  • ⚡ Frank Underwood begins as a congressman who is betrayed by the White House and embarks on a ruthless rise to power.
  • ⚡ Frank utilizes blackmail, seduction, and ambition as his primary weapons in his political pursuits.
  • ⚡ Frank and Claire have previously operated as a great team in their political and personal endeavors.
  • ⚡ The series is a political thriller created by Beau Willimon for Netflix, based on a novel and previous adaptation.
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Season overview

In the fourth season of House of Cards, Frank and Claire Underwood navigate an election year with higher stakes than ever before. Although they have historically functioned as a great team, their marriage stumbles during this crucial period as their individual ambitions come into direct conflict. Rather than acting as unified partners, Frank and Claire become even greater adversaries, facing the reality that the biggest threat to their respective political futures is contending with each other.

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Season 4 Episodes

Episode Guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Season 4 Progress Shield

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Binge Efficiency Engine

Season 4: Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by narrative weight. Focus on essential mytharc and skip standalone side quests.

23%
77%
Mytharc (3): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (10): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (0): Standalone / filler
S4·E1 Mytharc

Chapter 40

Mar 4, 2016 · 49 min

Claire's absence causes problems for Frank on the campaign trail amid rumors of a marital rift. Claire tries to strike out on her own.

S4·E2 Core

Chapter 41

Mar 4, 2016 · 42 min

As Claire begins exploring a campaign of her own, she and Frank engage in backdoor political maneuvering. But this time they're not on the same side.

S4·E3 Core

Chapter 42

Mar 4, 2016 · 55 min

Claire joins Frank as he stumps in South Carolina, but he doesn't trust her. A disastrous scandal blindsides Frank's campaign on primary day.

S4·E4 Core

Chapter 43

Mar 4, 2016 · 43 min

Claire threatens Frank. Frank makes a politically bold move that may provoke Russia. An event at a campaign stop changes everything.

S4·E5 Core

Chapter 44

Mar 4, 2016 · 48 min

Claire advises Donald Blythe on dealing with Petrov. Further investigation of Lucas Goodwin dredges up his accusations against Frank.

S4·E6 Core

Chapter 45

Mar 4, 2016 · 48 min

Claire clashes with the Secretary of State over her involvement in negotiations with Russia. Dunbar must choose between her campaign and her ethics.

S4·E7 Core

Chapter 46

Mar 4, 2016 · 52 min

Frank and Claire adjust to their new reality. The search for Frank's running mate begins. Frank starts a campaign to weaken Conway's strong support.

S4·E8 Core

Chapter 47

Mar 4, 2016 · 47 min

Formidable as ever, both Underwoods have their eyes on the big picture as they manipulate a potential running mate and push the gun bill.

S4·E9 Core

Chapter 48

Mar 4, 2016 · 46 min

At the convention, Frank and his team publicly push for Catherine Durant to be chosen as his running mate, but privately pursue a different agenda.

S4·E10 Core

Chapter 49

Mar 4, 2016 · 57 min

As Frank deals with a new threat to his candidacy, Claire has doubts about their plan. Claire faces a difficult decision concerning her mother.

S4·E11 Core

Chapter 50

Mar 4, 2016 · 52 min

Frank ups the ante on the war on terror to counter Conway's public show of strength. Tom joins Claire on the campaign trail.

S4·E12 Mytharc

Chapter 51

Mar 4, 2016 · 47 min

Frank asks Will to help deal with extremists threatening to murder hostages. Hammerschmidt digs deeper into the allegations against Frank.

S4·E13 Mytharc

Chapter 52

Mar 4, 2016 · 56 min

As the hostage situation continues, Claire secretly negotiates with Yusuf al Ahmadi. Frank confronts Hammerschmidt.

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