Netflix Sets February Premiere for \'House of Cards\'

By DAVE ITZKOFF

For the broadcast television networks the new season traditionally begins in September. For Netflix, it starts on Feb. 1: that's the date it plans to introduce its high-profile original series “House of Cards,” and will make all 13 episodes of its first season available immediately on its streaming video service, Netflix said on Thursday.

“House of Cards,” which is adapted from the BBC TV-drama of the same title, chronicles the ruthless politician Francis Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey), the majority whip of the House of Representatives, and his wife, Claire (Robin Wright), as they pursue power and all the good things that come with it in Washington. The series also stars Kate Mara, Kristen Connolly, Michael Kelly and Sakina Jaffrey.

David Fincher, the director of “The Social Network,” “Zodiac” and “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” and an executive producer on “House of Cards,” directed its f irst two episodes, which are written by Beau Willimon (“The Ides of March”). Directors of subsequent episodes include James Foley (“Glengarry Glen Ross”), Joel Schumacher (“Falling Down”), Carl Franklin (“Devil in a Blue Dress”), Alan Coulter and Charles McDougall.

“House of Cards,” for which Netflix has already committed to a second season, is the centerpiece in its growing slate of original programming, which also includes a new season of “Arrested Development”; “Hemlock Grove,” a murder mystery series from Eli Roth; and “Orange is the New Black,” a comedy whose creators include Jenji Kohan (“Weeds”). Netflix did not immediately say what time of day on Feb. 1 it will release “House of Cards,” but keep your finger near the refresh button.