10 All-Time Great Netflix Original Series

5. House Of Cards

Netflix Original Series
Netflix

It's equal parts funny, shocking, and depressing how much the game of politics has changed since House of Cards first premiered on Netflix back in 2013. A Brexit and six months of Trump later, and it doesn't feel like we're all operating in the same universe anymore.

Kevin Spacey plays the ruthlessly ambitious politician who schemes and murders his way from the House of Representatives into the White House. The show is clever and brilliantly made, taking the well-worn trope of the dirty politician and bringing new life to it in different and exciting ways.

Spacey is excellent in the lead role as Francis Underwood, but equally impressive are his supporting players, especially Robin Wright as his wife, who is just as unscrupulous and underhanded as he is.

Although one has to wonder, given the current environment, what is the advantage of being sneaky and playing Washington like a long game of chess when apparently there are no political consequences for doing and saying whatever you want. Food for thought. Underwood would simply not know how to function in the White House as it stands today.

Contributor
Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.