Netflix's House of Cards

Definition

Netflix's House of Cards is a political drama series that premiered in 2013, marking a pivotal moment in the streaming service's original programming and the evolution of television narratives. The show, centered on the ruthless and cunning politician Frank Underwood, reshaped the landscape of television by showcasing complex characters, dark themes, and the possibility of binge-watching, highlighting the cultural shift toward on-demand viewing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. House of Cards was one of the first major series produced by Netflix, setting a precedent for original content on streaming platforms.
2. The show's release format encouraged binge-watching, as all episodes of a season were available at once, altering audience engagement with series.
3. Kevin Spacey's portrayal of Frank Underwood drew both acclaim and controversy, particularly following allegations against him that surfaced during the show's later seasons.
4. The series highlighted the darker aspects of politics and power dynamics, resonating with contemporary societal issues and viewer interests.
5. House of Cards contributed to the rise of 'prestige television,' influencing other networks and streaming services to invest in high-quality narratives and production values.

Review Questions

• How did House of Cards redefine audience expectations for television narratives?
  • House of Cards redefined audience expectations by presenting morally complex characters and intricate political plots that engaged viewers on multiple levels. Unlike traditional storytelling that often presented clear distinctions between good and evil, the show allowed viewers to explore the ambiguity of its antihero, Frank Underwood. This shift encouraged audiences to embrace deeper storytelling and character development, paving the way for more sophisticated narratives in television.
• In what ways did House of Cards influence the production strategies of other networks and streaming services?
  • House of Cards had a significant impact on production strategies by demonstrating the viability and profitability of original content on streaming platforms. Other networks began to invest heavily in their own original series, focusing on high-quality storytelling and production values to compete with Netflix. Additionally, the success of House of Cards led to a trend where more shows adopted the binge-watching format, reshaping how seasons were structured and released.
• Evaluate the cultural implications of House of Cards in relation to contemporary political discourse and media consumption patterns.
  • House of Cards played a crucial role in shaping contemporary political discourse by reflecting real-world issues such as power struggles, corruption, and manipulation within politics. Its portrayal of an antihero resonated with viewers who grappled with similar frustrations in real-life governance. Furthermore, the series contributed to changing media consumption patterns, as it popularized binge-watching and encouraged viewers to engage with complex narratives at their own pace. This shift not only transformed how stories were told but also how audiences connected with political themes presented on screen.

Related terms

Binge-Watching: The practice of watching multiple episodes of a TV show in one sitting, a trend popularized by streaming services like Netflix.

Antihero: A central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities and often exhibits morally ambiguous behavior, exemplified by Frank Underwood.

Streaming Revolution: The shift in how content is consumed, moving from traditional cable television to streaming platforms, which has changed viewing habits and production strategies.