In what Netflix is calling a “technical glitch,” “House of Cards” Season 3 went live for a short time roughly two weeks before its Feb. 27 premiere date.
“Due to a technical glitch, some Frank Underwood fans got a sneak peek. He’ll be back on Netflix on Feb. 27,” a Netflix representative told TheWrap.
Quickly, Netflix took time to capitalize on “the leak” with a message on Twitter: “This is Washington. There’s always a leak. All 13 episodes will launch February 27.”
Contrary to other reports, only the first 10 episodes of 13 were available for viewing Wednesday afternoon — not the full season.
Apparently, members who discovered that the episodes went live can continue watching until they refresh the page. Otherwise, it appears that Netflix has pulled the episodes.
Fans of the series will recall at Season 2’s end, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) had successfully positioned himself to move from the vice presidency to the Oval Office itself after undermining sitting President Garrett Walker (Michael Gill).
Now, Frank will return to Washington with the stakes now higher than ever. As president, Frank must fight to secure his legacy. Meanwhile, Claire (Robin Wright) wants more than being First Lady. The biggest threat they face is contending with each other.
Based on the BBC miniseries of the same name, the third season of “House of Cards” is executive produced by David Fincher, Joshua Donen, Beau Willimon, Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti, John David Coles and Eric Roth. The one-hour drama is produced by Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix.
This is Washington. There's always a leak. All 13 episodes will launch February 27.
— House of Cards (@HouseofCards) February 11, 2015