How many episodes does House of Cards have in total?
House of Cards aired on Netflix across six seasons and produced a total of 73 episodes. The series launched in 2013 and concluded in 2018, with season lengths ranging from 13 to 16 episodes per season. Below is a season-by-season breakdown of episode counts, production years, and key milestones to help you understand the full scope of the series.
Season episode counts and totals
The episode count varies by season, with earlier seasons generally longer than later ones. Netflix shifted toward shorter finales in the later seasons, which reduced the per-season episode count. Use the table below for precise season totals and cumulative counts.
Season 1 (2013)
- Episodes: 13
- Cumulative episodes: 13
Season 2 (2014)
- Episodes: 13
- Cumulative episodes: 26
Season 3 (2015)
- Episodes: 13
- Cumulative episodes: 39
Season 4 (2016)
- Episodes: 13
- Cumulative episodes: 52
Season 5 (2017)
- Episodes: 13
- Cumulative episodes: 65
Season 6 (2018)
- Episodes: 8
- Cumulative episodes: 73
Complete series episode total and verification
Across all six seasons, House of Cards comprises 73 episodes. This total is consistent across official sources, including Netflix announcements and reputable entertainment reference databases. The series maintained a consistent 13-episode format for its first five seasons before shortening the final season to conclude the story in 8 episodes.
| Season | Year | Episode count | Cumulative episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013 | 13 | 13 |
| 2 | 2014 | 13 | 26 |
| 3 | 2015 | 13 | 39 |
| 4 | 2016 | 13 | 52 |
| 5 | 2017 | 13 | 65 |
| 6 | 2018 | 8 | 73 |
Comparison with other Netflix originals
Understanding how House of Cards episode counts compare to other major Netflix originals can provide perspective on its scope. While series like Orange Is the New Black and The Crown also had multi-season runs, episode counts varied based on genre, pacing, and production models.
- Season length: Most early Netflix originals used 12–16 episode seasons; House of Cards settled at 13 episodes for its primary arcs.
- Final season: House of Cards condensed its conclusion into 8 episodes, aligning with later industry trends toward shorter final seasons.
- Total volume: With 73 episodes, House of Cards falls into a mid-range catalog size compared to longer-running comedies or dramas on streaming platforms.
Planning your viewing based on episode count
With 73 episodes in total, House of Cards offers a substantial commitment for new viewers or a refresher for returning fans. Binge-watching all episodes may require several days of dedicated viewing, while weekly viewing can extend the experience over many weeks. Below are practical approaches to manage the series based on your available time and narrative preferences.
If you have limited time
- Watch 1–2 episodes per day to finish a season in 1–2 weeks.
- Focus on one season at a time to absorb political developments and character arcs.
If you prefer a marathon session
- Plan for approximately 30–40 hours of total viewing at average episode length (~45 minutes).
- Schedule breaks between seasons to reflect on major plot turns and political themes.
Where to watch and availability
House of Cards is available on Netflix in most regions where the service operates. Note that content availability can vary by market due to licensing and regional restrictions. If you are searching for the show on streaming platforms or within Netflix’s catalog, using the official title House of Cards will surface all 73 episodes across the six-season library.
Key takeaways
- Total episodes: 73 across 6 seasons.
- Season 1–5: 13 episodes each; Season 6: 8 episodes.
- Series ran from 2013 to 2018 on Netflix.
- Episode lengths average 40–50 minutes, totaling roughly 30–40 hours of content.
Conclusion
House of Cards offers 73 episodes for viewers to explore, distributed across six seasons. The consistent 13-episode format of the first five seasons provides a familiar structure, while the shorter sixth season delivers a deliberate conclusion to the overarching political narrative. Whether you are planning a binge-watching session or a weekly viewing schedule, understanding the episode count and season structure can help you engage with the series effectively.