House of Cards renewed for fifth season, but loses showrunner

By Mike Flacy January 28, 2016

With season four set to premiere on March 5, 2016, Netflix has announced that the popular political drama starring Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright will return for a fifth season next year. Likely to premiere during early 2017, House of Cards season five will be produced by someone other than showrunner Beau Willimon. He was in charge of helping create the first four seasons and adapting the show from the original British version.

Releasing a statement about Willimon’s departure, a Netflix representative said “Netflix and MRC owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for his strong narrative vision for ‘House of Cards’ over the show’s first four seasons. As an Academy Award nominated writer, he made his first foray into television and built a riveting and critically acclaimed series, establishing his place in TV history. The producers, cast and crew join us in wishing Beau the best in his next creative adventure.”

Leading up to the launch of the fourth season in early March, Netflix has taken advantage of the current political climate to piggyback the launch of a fictional Frank Underwood campaign for the White House. Netflix launched a fake campaign site as well as a rash of short trailers advertising Underwood’s candidacy. The release of these advertisements have typically preceded or followed the ongoing Republican debates.

Details of the fourth season have been kept under wraps, however rumors indicate a new power couple will take on the fractured Underwood family. In addition, Underwood’s former right hand man Doug Stamper is expected to rejoin his boss in the White House. Neve Campbell’s role in the upcoming season has been kept under wraps, but rumors indicate that she could be part of the new power couple or part of a political group that opposes a full-term Underwood presidency.

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