10 Shows and Movies Like House of Cards (2013)

Description: Like 'House of Cards', 'The West Wing' delves into the intricacies of American politics, though it presents a more idealistic view compared to the ruthless pragmatism of Frank Underwood. Both shows explore the personal and professional lives of those in power, with sharp dialogue and complex characters. 'The West Wing' is known for its fast-paced walk-and-talk scenes, a stylistic choice that emphasizes the frenetic energy of political life.

Fact: Created by Aaron Sorkin, known for his distinctive dialogue style. Won 26 Primetime Emmy Awards, including four for Outstanding Drama Series. Martin Sheen's portrayal of President Bartlet is considered one of the greatest TV presidents.

Description: This British political satire, like 'House of Cards', provides a behind-the-scenes look at the machinations of government, though with a heavy dose of humor. Both shows feature sharp, witty dialogue and a cynical view of political operatives. 'The Thick of It' is particularly known for its inventive insults and fast-paced, improvisational style, much like the calculated rhetoric of 'House of Cards'.

Fact: Created by Armando Iannucci, who also created 'Veep'. The character Malcolm Tucker, played by Peter Capaldi, is infamous for his blistering insults. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of British politics, despite its comedic tone.

Description: 'The Good Wife' parallels 'House of Cards' in its exploration of power dynamics, legal and political maneuvering, and moral ambiguity. Both shows feature strong, intelligent protagonists who must navigate treacherous professional environments. The legal and political worlds often intersect in 'The Good Wife', providing a similar blend of personal and professional drama.

Fact: Julianna Margulies won two Emmy Awards for her role as Alicia Florrick. The show was lauded for its strong female characters and complex storytelling. Spin-off 'The Good Fight' continues the story in the same universe.

Description: 'Veep' offers a comedic take on the political world that 'House of Cards' dramatizes, but both shows share a sharp critique of the absurdities and ruthlessness of politics. The fast-paced, often profane dialogue in 'Veep' mirrors the clever, manipulative speech of 'House of Cards', though for laughs rather than drama. Both series highlight the personal sacrifices and moral compromises of political life.

Fact: Julia Louis-Dreyfus won six consecutive Emmy Awards for her role as Selina Meyer. The show was created by Armando Iannucci, known for his satirical take on politics. Many lines were improvised by the cast, adding to the show's spontaneity.

Description: 'Homeland' and 'House of Cards' both delve into themes of power, betrayal, and the psychological toll of high-stakes environments. While 'Homeland' focuses on counterterrorism and espionage, its portrayal of morally ambiguous characters and political intrigue aligns with 'House of Cards'. Both shows feature protagonists whose brilliance is matched by their personal demons, creating intense, gripping narratives.

Fact: Claire Danes won multiple Emmy Awards for her role as Carrie Mathison. The show was inspired by an Israeli series called 'Prisoners of War'. 'Homeland' was known for its unpredictable plot twists and high tension.

Description: 'Scandal' shares with 'House of Cards' a focus on political intrigue and power struggles, albeit with a more melodramatic and fast-paced approach. Both series feature protagonists who are master manipulators—Olivia Pope and Frank Underwood—using their intelligence and connections to navigate and control the political landscape. The show also highlights the darker side of politics, including corruption and scandal.

Fact: Kerry Washington's role as Olivia Pope made her the first African-American woman to lead a network drama in nearly 40 years. Created by Shonda Rhimes, a powerhouse in television known for 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'How to Get Away with Murder'. The term 'gladiator in a suit' was coined to describe Olivia Pope's team of crisis managers.

Description: Created by Aaron Sorkin, 'The Newsroom' shares with 'House of Cards' a focus on the intersection of media and politics. Both shows critique the systems they depict—'House of Cards' the political machinery, 'The Newsroom' the media landscape. The rapid-fire dialogue and high-stakes drama are hallmarks of both series, though 'The Newsroom' leans more toward idealism than cynicism.

Fact: Jeff Daniels won an Emmy for his portrayal of news anchor Will McAvoy. The show's pilot episode features a famous monologue about why America isn't the greatest country in the world. Many storylines were inspired by real-life news events.

Description: While 'The Americans' is a spy thriller, it shares with 'House of Cards' a focus on deception, power, and the personal costs of maintaining a facade. Both shows explore the duality of their protagonists—Frank Underwood's public charm vs. private ruthlessness, and the Jennings' suburban family life vs. their espionage activities. The tension between personal and professional lives is a key theme in both series.

Fact: Starring Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys as Soviet spies living undercover in the U.S. The show was praised for its attention to historical detail during the Cold War era. Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell began a real-life relationship during the show's production.

Description: This series, like 'House of Cards', centers on a high-ranking government official navigating the complexities of U.S. and international politics. While 'Madam Secretary' has a more diplomatic and less cutthroat tone, it similarly explores themes of power, morality, and the personal costs of public service. The show provides a behind-the-scenes look at the State Department, much as 'House of Cards' does with the White House.

Fact: Starring Téa Leoni as Elizabeth McCord, a former CIA analyst turned Secretary of State. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of diplomatic crises. Inspired in part by the real-life experiences of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Description: Like 'House of Cards', 'Designated Survivor' is a political thriller that explores the machinations of power in Washington, D.C. The show's premise—a low-level cabinet member suddenly becoming President after a catastrophic attack—mirrors the unpredictability and high stakes of 'House of Cards'. Both series delve into the challenges of leadership and the moral compromises it often requires.

Fact: Starring Kiefer Sutherland, known for his role in '24'. The concept of a 'designated survivor' is a real protocol in U.S. government. The show was initially developed by ABC but later moved to Netflix for its third season.