LOS GATOS, Calif. — Netflix Inc.'s Internet video streaming service will be the only place to watch an upcoming TV series with a high-powered pedigree that includes Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey and the director of an Oscar-nominated film about Facebook.

The deal announced Friday illustrates Netflix's growing clout in Hollywood as its mines revenue from its 20 million subscribers to create new home entertainment options. In this instance, Netflix will be showing a series that won't have a scheduled broadcast time. Episodes could be released in bunches instead of just one per week.

"It's a show people will be able to discover over time," Ted Sarandos, Netflix's chief content officer, said in a Friday interview. "It doesn't have to happen over the first week, first month or even the first year of the show."

Netflix didn't disclose how much it is paying Media Rights Capital, the studio behind "House of Cards." The agreement covers 26 hour-long episodes, an usually large commitment for a series that hasn't even entered production. The series will debut on Netflix late next year.

The high-profile names connected to "House of Cards" made it a hot commodity. Besides featuring Spacey in his first regular role in a TV series, the pilot will be directed by David Fincher, a respected filmmaker nominated for a best-director Oscar for "The Social Network," a movie based on the legal battle pitting Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg against his former friends and classmates at Harvard University.

"House of Cards" is based on a novel about British politics during the 20-year regime of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

This will mark the first time that Netflix owns the exclusive rights to an episodic series, an advantage that has worked well for pay-TV channels such as Time Warner Inc.'s HBO and CBS Inc.'s Showtime. HBO, with an estimated 28 million U.S. subscribers, has steadfastly refused to license critically acclaimed series such as "The Sopranos" and "The Wire" to Netflix's streaming service because of their intensifying rivalry.

In landing the rights to "House of Cards," Netflix demonstrated it has the financial muscle to outbid the more-established pay-TV channels.

"It was probably the most sought after premium series on the market now," Sarandos boasted.

Episode 4

What a thrilling episode. Could be my favorite so far. I thought Claire having to admit to her rape and abortion live juxtaposed with Donald Blythe's opening up about his wife with Alzheimer's was heartbreaking. The actor who plays Blythe was phenomenal, he made me cry several times. It was also nice to see that perhaps Frank has a moment of genuine compassion. And I feel so bad for Lucas--he's being horribly set up.

I still think Raymond Tusk can be in the running. But it actually makes more sense in a way for Frank to be the source of his own undoing. It's very Shakespearian in a way.

Oh, I don't disagree at all. I think it would be really great if Frank's schemes eventually started going so badly that he ended up facilitating his own undoing, unable to stop it. BUT, until that happens, it sort of zaps a lot of the tension out of the series when Frank is the equivalent of a God among mortals--who is to stop him? But maybe Tusk will be able to bring him down or at the very least provide a good obstacle.

Edited April 25, 201411 yr by YRBB

Episode 4

What a thrilling episode. Could be my favorite so far. I thought Claire having to admit to her rape and abortion live juxtaposed with Donald Blythe's opening up about his wife with Alzheimer's was heartbreaking. The actor who plays Blythe was phenomenal, he made me cry several times. It was also nice to see that perhaps Frank has a moment of genuine compassion. And I feel so bad for Lucas--he's being horribly set up.

Oh, I don't disagree at all. I think it would be really great if Frank's schemes eventually started going so badly that he ended up facilitating his own undoing, unable to stop it. BUT, until that happens, it sort of zaps a lot of the tension out of the series when Frank is the equivalent of a God among mortals--who is to stop him? But maybe Tusk will be able to bring him down or at the very least provide a good obstacle.

I don't know how far you are so I don't want to spoil anything. But I will say that problem becomes diminished as S2 progresses. It becomes more and more uncertain that Frank will wiggle his way out.

I was just bemoaning the lack of discussion for this show, which IMO is fabulous in every way. But it makes it hard to talk about it without spoiling people.

Edited April 25, 201411 yr by rhinohide

I was pacing myself because I've been on a bandwidth diet but I did conclude Season 2 a couple weeks ago.

And yeah, I don't want to spoil anything for anyone still viewing but I know what my favorite part is. It's probably not like anyone else's favorite but I'm hoping it comes to pass in Season 3.

Loved season 2! I binged and watched it in a few days. Nothing worse than when you realize there's no more episodes left and you have to wait another year for more!

Also...

The 3 way with their bodyguard was such a hot episode! I knew that Frank wanted to get it on with him a couple episodes before hand and just loved every minute of the Underwoods seduction game!

I don't know how far you are so I don't want to spoil anything. But I will say that problem becomes diminished as S2 progresses. It becomes more and more uncertain that Frank will wiggle his way out.

Thanks for being careful about spoilers! (And, you too, Dramatist and Prezident). I've only seen up to episode 4 so I'm trying to be surprised lol But I'm glad to hear they diminish this as the season progresses. Looking forward to figuring it out exactly how.

I was pacing myself because I've been on a bandwidth diet but I did conclude Season 2 a couple weeks ago.

And yeah, I don't want to spoil anything for anyone still viewing but I know what my favorite part is. It's probably not like anyone else's favorite but I'm hoping it comes to pass in Season 3.

Put it in spoiler tags. I'm dying to know. I need to watch all over again.

Put it in spoiler tags. I'm dying to know. I need to watch all over again.

Pretty much speculation on my part but ...

I think it would be fitting if someone as seemingly powerless as Rachel is the one to help facilitate Frank's downfall. She's already proven that she's no Zoe as she has survival instincts. Her bashing of Doug also proves that she's had enough and is ready to go rogue. It will be interesting if she takes this to its limit in Season 3. I don't see her doing this completely on her own, of course but maybe with Lucas and the Hacker and some others who were deposed by Frank.

On episode 8...

Tusk seems to be really giving Frank a hard time. Good!

LOVED when Frank grabs the super expensive steak and throws it into the pool, making the dog go after it. Delicious.

Edited April 26, 201411 yr by YRBB

Up to episode 11.

I'm really enjoying seeing Frank truly scared and struggling to find a way out of the mess he's in. Interesting that the President is taking some kind of pill and something is up with him.

I thought the way they built up to Frank and Claire both seducing Meechum into a threesome was brilliant. You really got the sense that Frank has been wanting this for a while now and that it was a huge release for him to do it. They only gave us a really short Frank/Meechum kiss, though. LOL

Edited April 28, 201411 yr by YRBB

Pretty much speculation on my part but ...

I think it would be fitting if someone as seemingly powerless as Rachel is the one to help facilitate Frank's downfall. She's already proven that she's no Zoe as she has survival instincts. Her bashing of Doug also proves that she's had enough and is ready to go rogue. It will be interesting if she takes this to its limit in Season 3. I don't see her doing this completely on her own, of course but maybe with Lucas and the Hacker and some others who were deposed by Frank.

I think that's reasonable spec. But I still think Frank will ultimately be his own worst enemy. Or possibly even Claire. She's proven that she's very capable of doing anything and betraying anyone in the name of self preservation.

Finished season 2! Rachel's actions were shocking but understandable. Good to see Claire finally break down a little. I did not expect to see Frank achieve his goal so soon. The next season is so ripe with possibilities from now on. And that ending scene was perfect. Perfect.

Edited May 1, 201411 yr by YRBB

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/elizabeth-norment-dead-house-cards-744134

Season 3 premieres February 27, 2015!

http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/12/01/house-of-cards-season-three-premiere-date/

Absolutely cannot wait!

Thank you! I cannot wait.

Does anyone know of a fan mail address to write to the cast of HoC? Would one write to Netflix headquarters, or what? (If anyone knows, please feel free to PM me.) Thanks!!