<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> External links </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Website </Th> <Td> www.netflix.com/houseofcards </Td> </Tr> <P> House of Cards is an American political thriller web television series created by Beau Willimon . It is an adaptation of the 1990 BBC miniseries of the same name, based on the novel by Michael Dobbs . The first thirteen - episode season premiered on February 1, 2013, on the streaming service Netflix . </P> <P> Set in Washington, D.C., House of Cards is the story of Congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a Democrat from South Carolina's 5th congressional district and House Majority Whip . After being passed over for appointment as Secretary of State, he initiates an elaborate plan to attain power, aided by his wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright). The series deals with themes of ruthless pragmatism, manipulation, and power . </P>

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