'House Of Cards' Season 4 News: Netflix Series Gets A Fifth Season; Showrunner To Exit
Just over a month before the Netflix political drama "House of Cards" debuts its fourth season, the streaming service has announced that it has approved a season-five renewal for the Emmy-awarded series. Unfortunately, showrunner Beau Willimon, who developed and also executive produces "House of Cards," will not be returning after Season 4.
In a statement released last week, Netflix said that it, as well as production company Media Rights Capital, owes Willimon "a tremendous debt of gratitude" for his "strong narrative vision" and work on the first four seasons of "House of Cards."
"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," Netflix said. The statement went on to say that everyone from the show - the producers, cast and crew - wished Beau "the best in his next creative adventure." Willimon will depart the series to focus on developing an original play, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
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Willimon also expressed gratitude towards the cast and crew of "House of Cards," saying, "After five years and four seasons, it's time for me to move on to new endeavors, but I'm supremely proud of what we've built together, wish the show much continued success, and leave it in the hands of a very capable team."
According to THR, there was no announcement about who will take over the role of showrunner from Willimon.
"House of Cards" stars Kevin Spacey as the fictional U.S. President Frank Underwood and Robin Wright as First Lady Claire Underwood. Michael Kelly plays Underwood's chief of staff, Doug Stamper. Teasers have revealed that when the fourth season premieres, Underwood's re-election campaign will be underway. The fifth season of "House of Cards" will air in 2017.
The fourth season of "House of Cards" drops in its entirety on Friday, March 4, on Netflix.
