House of Cards -

Premise:
“House of Cards” is an American political drama series that showcases the cunning, manipulative, and power-hungry Francis Underwood, who is willing to do whatever it takes to climb the political ladder in Washington, D.C. His equally ambitious wife, Claire, supports and often actively assists him in his unscrupulous endeavors. The series offers a dark, behind-the-scenes look at American politics, full of intrigue, betrayal, and power plays.

Main Central Characters:

Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey): A Machiavellian politician who rises from Majority Whip to President of the United States.
Claire Underwood (Robin Wright): Francis’s equally ambitious and calculating wife.
Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly): Francis’s loyal but troubled chief of staff.
Zoe Barnes (Kate Mara): An ambitious young journalist who becomes involved with Francis.

Themes:
The show delves into themes of power, manipulation, and moral ambiguity in the pursuit of political ambition. It questions the ethical boundaries politicians are willing to cross for personal gain and casts a cynical eye on the workings of American government and media.

Critical Consensus and Rating: 4/5
Critics praised the show’s nuanced characters, intricate plot, and high-stakes political drama. However, the series lost some critical favor due to a decline in writing quality in later seasons and the controversy surrounding Kevin Spacey. The show was often commended for its performances, particularly those of Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, until Spacey’s departure under scandalous circumstances.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:
“House of Cards” has a TV-MA rating, indicating it is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and is not suitable for children under 17 years old. The rating is due to strong language, sexual content, and graphic scenes of political maneuvering and betrayal.

Broadcast Information:
The series was initially released on Netflix and ran from February 1, 2013, to November 2, 2018.

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