The entire 13-episode first season of the Netflix original series "House of Cards" will be available to watch instantly on Feb. 1, 2013, the company announced.
The series, from "Social Network" director David Fincher, playwright and screenwriter Beau Willimon ("Farragut North," "The Ides of March,") and Oscar winning writer Eric Roth ("Forrest Gump," "Munich"), stars Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. It represents a major push into original programming for Netflix, the video rental and streaming company.
The series — for which Fincher directed the first two episodes — is based is based on the BBC miniseries of the same name. It follows Francis Underwood (Spacey), a charismatic, ruthless and beguiling whose wife, Claire, shares his intense ambitions.
“‘House of Cards’ combines the best of filmmaking with the best of television. Beau Willimon’s compelling narrative, David Fincher’s unparalleled craftsmanship, indelible performances by Kevin Spacey and the rest of the cast unite to create a gripping story and new kind of viewing experience for Netflix members,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix. “In offering the entire season at once, Netflix is giving viewers complete control over how and when they watch the show.”
The drama’s second season is set to begin production in spring 2013.
The series is executive produced by Fincher, Willimon, Joshua Donen, Roth, Spacey, Dana Brunetti, Andrew Davies, Michael Dobbs and John Melfi. it is produced by Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix.
