
Miniseries · BBC One
House of Cards
He had Number 10 Downing Street in his hand!
Who's in it
Cast
The principal ensemble across the run of the series.
The Nutevio profile
TV DNA
How House of Cards actually feels to watch, measured on the traits our editors track across every series.
Signature profile
House of Cards reads strongest on Character Depth, Bingeability and Serialized.
How fully written and psychologically layered the ensemble is.
How hard it is to stop after one episode.
How much each hour depends on the one before it.
How often the series is genuinely funny, by design.
How much the series is designed to affect you.
How often an episode ends on a hook you can't ignore.
The sustained pressure the series keeps you under.
Visual ambition — scale, craft and set-piece filmmaking.
The scale, internal logic and texture of the world.
The story
What it's about
Frustrated at a new moderate Conservative government and deprived of a promotion to a senior position, chief whip Francis Urquhart prepares a meticulous plot to bring down the Prime Minister then to take his place.
Where the series peaks
Best Episodes
The hours that define the show, ranked by audience response and editorial signal.

S01E04
Part 4
Urquhart’s ruthless scheming has worked. As the leadership election looms, all his leading rivals have been discredited. But even though the obstacles in his way have been erased, there is still no guarantee of his winning. Meanwhile, by the process of reason and elimination, the truth is beginning to dawn on Mattie, though she can hardly bring herself to believe that “Daddy” is not what he seems. As for Urquhart, he has too much to lose now to let sentiment stand in his way. He will go to any lengths to prevent her, or anyone else, from finding out just what he has done to gain power.

S01E03
Part 3
Collingridge is in deep political trouble and he has no alternative but to step down as Prime Minister. Ironically, he still has great faith in Urquhart, whom he feels is the only man he can trust. However, as the scandals and leaked stories have gained momentum, political journalist Mattie Storin begins to suspect that Collingridge has been framed. But who is the culprit? By now, she is too emotionally involved with Urquhart (her loving “Daddy”) to realize how she has been used.

S01E02
Part 2
The new Prime Minister, Collingridge, tells Urquhart that he is far too valuable in his current post to be offered a ministerial position. Urquhart is furious but hides his contempt of the man under his usual urbane smile. Collingridge, he believes, will not last long and perhaps something can be arranged to hasten his departure. Meanwhile, it might be a good idea to surreptitiously undermine the leader and start maneuvering in his own favor. And, as luck would have it, an inexperienced young journalist, Mattie Storin, is innocently hanging on his every word. He pretends to be helping her learn about Westminster politics, instead he uses her to leak damaging stories about his rivals. As the Party gathers for its annual conference, the scandals begin to break.

S01E01
Part 1
Francis Urquhart is the perfect politician. Impeccably diplomatic, charming, admired, trusted and respected by all. He has faithfully served his party without question, but events are about to spark his ambition. When the long-standing Prime Minister dies, the hunt is on to find a replacement. Urquhart is a hard-line Conservative and believes in strong leadership. In his eyes, none of the choices measures up. Naturally, he keeps his opinions to himself, but as Party Whip, his support is valuable, and he is courted by all the candidates. He must tread warily, as supporting the loser could cost him his position. Supporting the winner, however, could land him a Cabinet position.
Behind the series
Created by
Showrunners, creators, executive producers and the writers who set the voice of the series.
The craft
Key Crew
Directing, writing, production, camera, music and editing.
Executive production
- Ken RiddingtonProducer
Writing
- Andrew DaviesWriter
- Michael DobbsWriter
Direction
- Paul SeedDirector
Cinematography
- Ian PunterDirector of Photography
- Jim FyansDirector of Photography
Recognition
Awards
1 win · 4 nominations
BAFTA Awards
No wins yet · 3 nominations
- NomineeBritish Academy Television Award for Best Actor1991
House of Cards · House of Cards
- NomineeBritish Academy Television Award for Best Actress1991
House of Cards · House of Cards
- NomineeBritish Academy Television Award for Best Drama Series1991
House of Cards · House of Cards
Peabody Awards
1 win · latest 1996
- WinnerPeabody Awards1996
House of Cards · House of Cards
Q3403230
No wins yet · 1 nomination
- NomineeQ34032301991
House of Cards · House of Cards
Where to watch
Streaming
Availability verified against regional listings.
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