House of Cards is an American political thriller television series created by Beau Willimon. It is based on the novel of the same title by Michael Dobbs and an adaptation of the British series of the same name by Andrew Davies , also from the novel.
The first episode season was released on February 1, , on the streaming service Netflix. House of Cards is the first TV series to have been produced by a studio for Netflix. House of Cards is set in Washington, D. Frank is passed over for appointment as Secretary of State but remains House Majority Whip so he initiates an elaborate plan to attain power, aided by Claire.
The series deals with themes of ruthless pragmatism, [ 2 ] manipulation, betrayal, and power. In , following allegations of sexual misconduct against Spacey, Netflix terminated their relationship with Spacey. The sixth and final season was produced and released in without his involvement. Frank Underwood Kevin Spacey , a South Carolina congressman who is also one of the top Democrats in congress, is incensed when the newly elected President Garrett Walker Michel Gill reneges on his promise to make Frank the secretary of state in the new administration.
With the help of his equally-conniving wife Claire Robin Wright and devoted chief of staff Doug Stamper Michael Kelly , Frank attempts to influence all affairs surrounding the Walker administration. He also initiates a sexual relationship with reporter Zoe Barnes Kate Mara , who Frank uses to manipulate the headlines and Zoe uses to obtain juicy stories. Frank shepherds an education bill through congress in an attempt to appear indispensable in the eyes of Walker. After the bill is passed, he masterminds a gubernatorial campaign in Pennsylvania with embattled congressman Peter Russo Corey Stoll as the candidate.
The campaign implodes when Russo, an alcoholic, relapses and delivers a drunken interview. When Russo decides to come clean about his role in Underwood's schemes, Frank kills Russo and stages his death as a suicide. Firmly ingrained in Walker's inner-circle, Frank suggests that dissatisfied Vice President Jim Matthews Dan Ziskie , the former governor, return to his role in Pennsylvania.
