The streaming service that debuted the original series “House of Cards” in 2013 was Netflix.
The first season premiered on February 1, 2013, with all 13 episodes released at once through Netflix’s web-streaming service. That launch helped popularize binge-watching and established Netflix as a producer and distributor of original television, rather than merely a catalog of licensed films and shows.
The American series was created by Beau Willimon and stars Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood and Robin Wright as Claire Underwood. It was adapted from Michael Dobbs’s 1989 novel and the BBC’s 1990 British television adaptation. The story follows a ruthless politician maneuvering through Washington, D.C., to gain power.
A common mix-up is confusing Netflix with HBO, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu, all of which became major original-programming platforms. Netflix’s role was distinctive because House of Cards was commissioned for direct streaming and its complete season was available on premiere day. The series ran for six seasons, ending in 2018.