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The Best Episodes of House of Cards Season 1

Every episode of House of Cards Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of House of Cards Season 1!

Binge this in 11h 14mPeaking at 9.0/10

Set in present day Washington, D.C., House of Cards is the story of Frank Underwood, a ruthless and cunning politician, and his wife Claire who will stop at nothing to conquer everything. This wicked political

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    House of Cards Season 1 Episode 1 - Chapter 1
    8.5/10(9186 votes)

    #1 - Chapter 1

    S1:E1

    When the newly elected President reneges on a promise, Francis and Claire decide to sever all allegiances and toss the rules out the window.

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  2. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 2 - Chapter 2
    8.5/10(7374 votes)

    #2 - Chapter 2

    S1:E2

    Francis and Doug plan to frame Secretary of State nominee, Michael Kern. Meanwhile, Zoe's popularity at the Washington Herald continues to grow.

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  3. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 3 - Chapter 3
    8.2/10(6581 votes)

    #3 - Chapter 3

    S1:E3

    Francis heads for his hometown to deal with a crisis. Zoe negotiates the politics of being a journalist on the rise. Claire finds herself a new business partner.

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  4. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 4 - Chapter 4
    8.1/10(6185 votes)

    #4 - Chapter 4

    S1:E4

    Francis shakes down the Congressional leadership. Zoe is offered the promotion of White House Correspondent and doesn't know if she should take it or not.

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  5. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 5 - Chapter 5
    8.4/10(6025 votes)

    #5 - Chapter 5

    S1:E5

    A feud starts between Francis and Marty Spinella. Russo goes into depression about the job losses at the shipyards.

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  6. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 6 - Chapter 6
    8.5/10(5999 votes)

    #6 - Chapter 6

    S1:E6

    The strike between Frank and Marty starts to get out of hand. Russo has decided to run for Governor of Pennsylvania.

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  8. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 7 - Chapter 7
    8.0/10(5652 votes)

    #7 - Chapter 7

    S1:E7

    Frank helps Peter get ready for his governor race, but Peter is starting to have second thoughts. Doug tries to help a young hooker in trouble.

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  9. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 8 - Chapter 8
    7.6/10(5872 votes)

    #8 - Chapter 8

    S1:E8

    Frank has a library named after him at his old military school. Peter tries to win back the support of his hometown.

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  10. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 9 - Chapter 9
    8.4/10(5558 votes)

    #9 - Chapter 9

    S1:E9

    Frank tries to do whatever it takes to get the new bill passed in Congress. Russo goes on a bus campaign with the Vice President, but the VP is not making it an easy trip for him. Zoe's relationship with Frank gets a little bumpy.

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  11. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 10 - Chapter 10
    8.6/10(5634 votes)

    #10 - Chapter 10

    S1:E10

    Claire fuels an old flame. Peter wrestles with his demons. Francis crosses the point of no return.

    Director:Carl Franklin

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  12. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 11 - Chapter 11
    9.0/10(6219 votes)

    #11 - Chapter 11

    S1:E11

    Zoe extends her time away from The Hill while Francis tracks down Russo and engages in damage control.

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  13. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 12 - Chapter 12
    8.5/10(5404 votes)

    #12 - Chapter 12

    S1:E12

    The President sends Frank to St. Louis to persuade Raymond Tusk into becoming the new Vice President. Zoe and Janine investigate Peter Russo's death.

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  14. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 13 - Chapter 13
    8.8/10(5863 votes)

    #13 - Chapter 13

    S1:E13

    Frank scrambles to keep his plan on track. Gillian is planning to sue Claire. Zoe, Janine, and Lucas investigate Rachel Posner and her relationship with Peter Russo.

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Chapter 1" is the best rated episode of "House of Cards" season 1. It scored 8.5/10 based on 9186 votes. Directed by David Fincher and written by Beau Willimon, it aired on 2/1/2013. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Chapter 2".