House of Cards on Netflix

[BBC 08]

Just got done watching the entire season. Anyone else on here watch it?

[MarvAlbert]

I'm just about finished with chapter/episode 10. I don't know what I can/should say about plot points in the show, I don't want to spoil it for anyone who is a few episodes behind me. I will say I am enjoying it. I was actually an extra in episodes 5 and 6 (I was a protester at the gala for CWI and a protester when they threw the foam bricks). After hearing Spacey's dialogue on the set, I had reservations about how well it would translate, but it seems like they might have rerecorded some of what I heard.

[blueblob06]

Wow, they released the whole season at once? I figured they'd space it out a bit.

I'll probably watch it if I hear it's good from most people.

[BBC 08]

It's extremely good. That's all I'll say for now unless we agree to have this be a full on discussion thread about the series.

[blueblob06]

It's extremely good. That's all I'll say for now unless we agree to have this be a full on discussion thread about the series.
Cool thanks. I'll probably see if my wife wants to watch it with me soon. Might help drown some mid-March sorrows IF the Muskies aren't dancing.

[Muskie]

Whats the premise of the show? Ive never heard of it.

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[XUglow]

I haven't watched it yet. I watched the BBC original series a couple of years ago and was underwhelmed. I am hoping this version is better.

[LA Muskie]

Wow, they released the whole season at once? I figured they'd space it out a bit.
It's primarily a stunt to try to invigorate Netflix subscriptions, which have lagged. And it has worked. I just re-subscribed because I've heard outstanding things about the show in particular (and I'm a huge Kevin Spacey fan in general). Now whether I'll stick around after I roll through all the episodes in the span of a few weeks, I don't know...

Secondarily, it's an attack on the network and cable ad-supported TV model.

PS: Netflix is also reviving Arrested Development and will exclusively distribute the new series starting in May.

[Jumpy]

Its not a stunt. Netflix has been working towards original content for a while now. This isn't even the first original program as Lilyhammer was released in 2011. Also of note is the return of Arrested Development as Netflix-only programming.

[LA Muskie]

Its not a stunt. Netflix has been working towards original content for a while now. This isn't even the first original program as Lilyhammer was released in 2011. Also of note is the return of Arrested Development as Netflix-only programming.

"Stunt" is a term of art used in the entertainment industry. It basically means releasing something on an unusual schedule to spark interest in the network. For example, starting American Idol on 4 consecutive nights the first few weeks, so that 4 different shows get its lead-in. In this case, it is a "stunt" in that they are releasing the entire series at once, instead of forcing viewers to wait a week for each new episode. Because they don't have the same ad-supported model, the "stunt" is intended to drive subscriptions. People are more likely to join if they think they can easily cancel when the series is done, but Netflix is banking on them staying -- especially with Arrested Development following shortly thereafter.

[Jumpy]

My apologies, not knowing the industry definition of the word "stunt", I took your post as being derogatory towards Netflix's new business model. It's not simply a stunt to draw attention and a few subscribers. They truly believe that this is the future of media consumption and are working toward that goal.

The old guard networks are fighting hard to maintain control, but it is a losing battle. With services like Netflix offering always on, always ready media, the traditional method of watching original programming is becoming obsolete and its demise will only quicken when the current generation of high school and college age kids grow up and move to their own places. They are already used to going to the internet and not their cable company for tv and movie watching. I doubt that they will be willing to shell out $100+/month for an outdated method of delivery of their favorite shows.

Frankly, the only thing that's stopping me from "cutting the cord" is the current lack of a reliable on-line provider of streaming live sports. I don't think one will be far off, so I'm willing to bide my time, but I truly believe we will see this area of need filled within the next few years. ESPN has made the first steps towards disavowing the cable companies by offering live programming through ESPN3 and the Watch ESPN apps. True, they require that you are a subscriber of one of their partner cable providers for full access to the site and apps, but it won't be that way forever.

I can't wait for the day that all programming will be available a la carte and I have the freedom and flexibility to pay for only what I want to watch and am no longer forced to subsidize 400 channels of crap for the dozen or so channels that I find value in. Any effort on the part of Netflix, ESPN, Apple or whomever to hasten that future along has my full support.

[xu95]

i would have stuck with the streaming services of Netflix if it wasn't for the shitty content they have available.

[ballyhoohoo]

Maybe Netflix can work to pick up Freaks and geeks

[BBC 08]

Maybe Netflix can work to pick up Freaks and geeks

Complete series is already on there. Same with the even better Undeclared.

[Titanxman04]

Started House of Cards and while I usually make it a point to disagree with BBC on everything, I must say that the show is absolutely worth your time. It is an incrediblely well-written series and Kevin Spacey is truly awesome. Watch it.

[nkymuskie]

Awesome show. Watching episode 11 now. Anyone who doesn't watch it needs to start, right up there with the quality of HBO and Showtime series.

[GuyFawkes38]

It's the anti- "The West Wing" (which I can't stand). So I loved it.

I'm not an expert on accents. But Kevin Spacey's sounds a bit off. I wish it was more subtle. Still, a fun show.

[ballyhoohoo]

Great how. KS is awesome. Watch it.