Netflix's Groundbreaking 73-Episode Thriller Made One Mistake It Could Never Undo

Published Oct 2, 2026, 5:42 PM EDT Molly DeCastro is a New York-based emerging film and entertainment journalist with a personal passion for poetic prose and impactful storytelling. She graduated from Pace University with a degree in English and a concentration in creative writing. While film analysis is at the heart of her work, she is especially interested in exploring cinema through an anthropological lens and in examining how creative themes reflect cultural identity. She aims to forge a deep connection between audiences and film through thoughtful and evocative writing. She also enjoys keeping up with all things film! That means specializing in industry news, emerging directors, and stand-out projects. The 2013 political drama House of Cards will likely live in infamy for the rest of television history. As both a cultural touchpoint and an incredibly highly regarded series, it amassed a striking 35 awards, including but not limited to: 7 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes, 2 Screen Actors Awards, and many, many more. Despite the acute, microscopic calculation and extensive thought spent crafting the winding tale that was, some have pointed to the film's penultimate failure: crafting the show's identity around one central character. Other shows have had a similar central flaw. Think The Office, The Walking Dead, or even That 70s Show or Euphoria. Each series suffered the consequence of a story folding in on itself without the pinnacle pillar keeping it stable. No matter the quality of a show, audiences get attached easily, especially when the plot is catered to a specific character. No matter the merit of other performances involved, or the time spent fleshing out their stories, sometimes the removal of one person exposes the series' flaws all at once. In the case of House of Cards, it wasn't the removal of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey). Rather, it was what was revealed about the show in his absence. 'House of Cards' Waited Until the Bitter End to Call Claire off of the Side Lines Image via Netflix There is, of course, nothing wrong with having a main character that pulls the eye. Doubly, there's nothing wrong with having a main character that exists as a central point in the plot's web. There is, however, certainly something to be said about missing another character, until the very end, in which you now have to fill in all the gaps. Enter, Claire, played by Robin Wright. Claire has the same ruthlessness, cunning, and ambition as Frank, and yet, like many of the other characters, she was cast aside for much of the series. Both fans of the show and critics often define Claire as a true mastermind. From beginning as a counterpart to Frank, finding agency is her non-profit work, and ascending to the position of Second Lady, her character is constantly climbing. If only she was afforded more of the spotlight, and wasn't given the presidency seemingly by default in the sixth and final season. In this way, Claire was a rushed landing pad for the series, rather than a fully fleshed-out character. In tying all conspiracies, conflicts, and rivalries and relationships, to Frank, his absence leaves a gaping hole the series needed to quickly fill. The show stood on the foundation of Frank's undying quest for power, so once that purpose was ultimately removed, there were huge shoes to fill. After Frank's mysterious death, the audience is reacquainted with the plot one hundred days into Claire's presidency. The main conflict exists between Claire and the Shepherd family, who are attempting to control her with their unimaginable wealth. While it's in the shape of something good, the typical 13-episode run was shrunk down to 8. Thus, making everything feel rather aimless. In summary, House of Cards will live in infamy as both the show that revolutionized and defined Netflix's first success, and also the show that, despite its strengths, could not stick the landing. This series alone transitioned Netflix from being a locally known movie streaming service, to the world-famous name it's known for today. It's hard to imagine a world without Netflix, and thus it's hard to imagine a world without House of Cards. Undoubtedly, the removal of Kevin Spacey was just. However, whether or not the series should've ended with him is a case the jury is still juggling. Release Date 2013 - 2018-00-00 Network Netflix Showrunner Beau Willimon