House Of Cards: Every Season Ranked Worst To Best

Given how much Netflix must’ve committed to the first season of House of Cards financially, you have to wonder if they’d still be here today if it had failed. Aside from Spacey and Wright as stars, respected political playwright Beau Willimon wouldn’t have been a cheap choice to adapt the 1990s BBC version of the story into a contemporary American setting, nor would directors such as David Fincher (Fight Club, Seven) and James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross), who were recruited to bring his vision to life.

Much of the original season’s success was due to how ruthlessly the world of politics was depicted. The portrayal of Frank Underwood as a manipulative and unlikable individual was a stark contrast to the heroic and honourable Presidents usually seen on screen (such as The West Wing’s Jed Bartlet), whilst the supporting cast all played their parts to perfection. Highlights included Peter Russo’s redemptive arc and ultimate tragedy, Claire hinting at what was to come with her small-scale power plays and scenes involving Freddie (Reg E. Cathey) and ribs.

Perfectly suited to the then-new concept of binge-watching with its on-edge storytelling, season one of House of Cards set the bar high. Too high to ever be topped again by itself or arguably any of Netflix’s hundreds of other shows since.

How would you rank the seasons of House of Cards? Let us know down in the comments.