X
  • 1990
  • TV-14
  • PBS
  • 1990
  • TV-14
  • PBS
House of Cards

Summary This four-episode British miniseries is a political thriller based on the novel by Michael Dobbs, which follows a scheming MP (played by Ian Richardson) in his quest to become Prime Minister. The adaptation comes from Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones's Diary). House of Cards aired in the U.S. on PBS as part of Masterpiece Theatre in early 19...

  • 1990
  • TV-14
  • PBS
  • 1990
  • TV-14
  • PBS

House of Cards

Season 1 Premiere: Nov 18, 1990
Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 11 Critic Reviews
85
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 28 User Ratings
7.9
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary This four-episode British miniseries is a political thriller based on the novel by Michael Dobbs, which follows a scheming MP (played by Ian Richardson) in his quest to become Prime Minister. The adaptation comes from Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones's Diary). House of Cards aired in the U.S. on PBS as part of Masterpiece Theatre in early 19...

Where to Watch

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 11 Critic Reviews
85
100% Positive
11 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 11 Critic Reviews
85
100% Positive
11 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
91
Jun 7, 2013
This political satire operates at a level of sharpness that American television hasn't seen since Robert Altman's HBO miniseries Tanner '88.
By Ken Tucker FULL REVIEW
90
Jul 18, 2014
It is not necessary ... to be a student of British politics to appreciate the script, acting and direction of this intricate and addictive series. [30 Mar 1991]
FULL REVIEW
90
Jul 18, 2014
A thoroughly captivating production. ... You'll want to have a couple of blank videotapes ready for this one. [31 Mar 1991]
By Eric Mink FULL REVIEW
90
Jul 18, 2014
This is a "Masterpiece Theatre" of unexpected thrills, biting humor and pointed satire. [29 Mar 1991]
By Rick Kogan FULL REVIEW
80
Jul 18, 2014
The plot of "House of Cards" requires more than just a couple suspensions of disbelief. Seemingly perceptive characters turn inexplicably naive. The obvious is overlooked just a bit too frequently. But, directed by Paul Seed, the production moves ahead briskly, and as the story turns more and more vicious, the timely potboiler becomes surprisingly compelling. Much of the credit belongs to Ian Richardson's scarily perfect performance as Francis Urquhart.
By John J. O'Connor FULL REVIEW
80
Jul 18, 2014
"House of Cards" is a bit of a rough go at first -- the characters, their roles and the British political culture aren't all that clear to Americans. They sort themselves out soon enough, though, and the reward for the persistent is one whopping tale of intrigue. [30 Mar 1991]
FULL REVIEW
70
Jul 18, 2014
The high and witty style of Ian Richardson and the production team headed by Ken Riddington will have you coming back for more, even though there's really much less going on here than meets the eye. [20 Mar 1991]
By Ed Siegel FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 28 User Ratings
7.9
89% Positive
25 Ratings
4% Mixed
1 Rating
7% Negative
2 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 28 User Ratings
7.9
89% Positive
25 Ratings
4% Mixed
1 Rating
7% Negative
2 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company:
  • British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
Initial Release Date: Nov 18, 1990
Number of seasons: 1 Season
Rating: TV-14
Genres:
All Details

Awards

BAFTA Awards
• 1 Win & 7 Nominations
Broadcasting Press Guild Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Peabody Awards
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations

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