In the age of new media, Netflix has proven time and again that it is willing to take risks. In the past couple of years, the DVD rental and streaming service has made headlines by venturing into original programming with shows like Lilyhammer and Orange Is the New Black and its multi-series deal with Marvel Studios. However, perhaps the series that truly established Netflix as a bonafide destination for high-caliber entertainment is House of Cards.
The Emmy-winning drama series – which stars two-time Oscar winner Kevin Spacey as a vengeful U.S. Representative and Robin Wright as his wife – was the first original Netflix production to feature such celebrated talent both on-camera and behind it (director David Fincher serves as an executive producer). Moreover, House of Cards (along with Netflix’s resurrection of fan favorite comedy Arrested Development) was instrumental in building buzz for Netflix originals, and now comes news that should please the show’s growing fanbase.
Netflix has announced that House of Cards is renewed for season 3, despite the fact that the second season has yet to premiere online. While not confirmed, it’s expected that season 3 will consist of a total of 13 episodes, as was the case with the show’s first two seasons. Production on season 3 is set to commence soon, though the report did not mention an anticipated airdate.
The early renewal is just the latest indication that Netflix truly values House of Cards and the notoriety the series has brought to the company. The show recently received online-only commentary tracks featuring the directors of each episode – a move no doubt aimed at reinvigorating viewership ahead of the next season’s premiere – and has proven to be one of the most talked-about series streaming on Netflix.
However, because of the way Netflix does business, there’s no concrete data to illustrate exactly how popular House of Cards is. While frustrating for those of us who report on these shows and their ratings performance, the fact that the streaming service keeps coming back for more House of Cards speaks volumes about the results and their long-term faith in the series.
Are you looking forward to more seasons of Spacey and Wright on House of Cards, or is there another Netflix original show that you’re more excited about? Sound off in the comments section below.
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As mentioned above, House of Cards season 2 will premiere on Netflix in its entirety on Friday, February 14, 2014.
