Netflix has become a major force in entertainment, changing how people around the world watch movies and TV shows. This success wasn’t accidental; over ten years ago, the company strategically began creating its own original content. In the early 2010s, Netflix moved beyond simply offering licensed shows and movies to becoming a production studio that could compete with established networks like HBO. Critically acclaimed shows proved that streaming services could deliver high-quality drama, and while shows like Stranger Things and Orange Is the New Black became hugely popular, House of Cards was key to building Netflix’s empire.
The success of House of Cards proved that Netflix’s binge-watching approach could work. The show, with its six seasons and 73 episodes of political drama, was a huge $100 million risk for the company – it was the first time a streaming service had committed to two full seasons without even filming a pilot episode. This gamble paid off immediately: Netflix gained three million new subscribers worldwide in early 2013, and its stock price jumped 24% after the show premiered. Even after controversy surrounding the lead actor in 2017, the series continued successfully by shifting the focus to Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), ultimately concluding the story in 2018. Despite being the show that proved streaming could compete with traditional television – earning the first major Emmy for an online-only program – many viewers can no longer access House of Cards.
Why Is House of Cards Not Fully Available on Netflix’s Ad-Supported Tier?
The main reason House of Cards isn’t available to all Netflix subscribers has to do with how the show was originally licensed. While often called a Netflix original, Netflix doesn’t fully own the show. Production and distribution rights are actually held by companies called Media Rights Capital (MRC) and Sony Pictures Television. This is because when the show was first created in 2011, Netflix didn’t have a plan for an ad-supported viewing option, so the initial agreements were made for a subscription-only, ad-free experience.
As a big Netflix user, it’s really annoying that House of Cards still isn’t available on the ad-supported plan, and it’s not the only show blocked like that as of early 2026. It seems getting the rights to show ads with House of Cards is proving expensive – even though the show finished years ago! It’s frustrating because House of Cards was such a defining show for Netflix, and people on the cheaper plan can’t access it. Until Netflix and the rights holders can agree on a price, we premium subscribers will continue to be the only ones enjoying the Underwoods’ schemes.
You can watch all six seasons of House of Cards, featuring Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey, on Netflix without any ads if you have a subscription.
Should Netflix spend its energy getting the rights to show its older shows and movies on its ad-supported plan, or would it be smarter to focus on creating all-new content? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/list/10-best-netflix-tv-shows-of-2025-ranked/embed/#
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2026-01-20 00:15