Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

Netflix accidentally uploaded season 3 of House of Cards — then took it right down

Spoiler alert: in the House of Cards universe, The Colbert Report still exists.
Spoiler alert: in the House of Cards universe, The Colbert Report still exists.
Spoiler alert: in the House of Cards universe, The Colbert Report still exists.
Netflix

Without any warning, the third season of House of Cards went up on Netflix February 11 and was available for a short while.

“Due to a technical glitch, some Frank Underwood fans got a sneak peek. He’ll be back on Netflix on Feb. 27,” said Netflix in a statement.

There were 10 episodes available, which is three fewer episodes than seasons one and two had. Though it was assumed season three would have 13 episodes, like seasons one and two, Netflix never confirmed this, not even in its official renewal announcement. However, a later Tweet from the House of Cards account confirmed season three will, indeed, have 13 episodes. It also confirmed this was a mistaken release.

The season wasn't supposed to premiere until February 27, but you can watch it right now. Just like we are.

Update: And just as quickly, Netflix appears to have taken the episodes down. How far did you get? We got a few minutes into episode one.

Update 2: Added tweet from House of Cards account.

Update 3: Added statement from Netflix.

See More:

More in Culture

Life
What is an aging face supposed to look like?What is an aging face supposed to look like?
Life

When bodies and appearances are malleable, what does that mean for the person underneath?

By Allie Volpe
Video
What would J.R.R. Tolkien think of Palantir?What would J.R.R. Tolkien think of Palantir?
Play
Video

How The Lord of the Rings lore helps explain the mysterious tech company.

By Benjamin Stephen
Climate
The climate crisis is coming for your groceriesThe climate crisis is coming for your groceries
Climate

Extreme heat is already wiping out soy, coffee, berries, and Christmas trees. Farm animals and humans are suffering too.

By Ayurella Horn-Muller
Future Perfect
The surprisingly strong case for feeling great about your coffee habitThe surprisingly strong case for feeling great about your coffee habit
Future Perfect

Your morning coffee is one of modern life’s underrated miracles.

By Bryan Walsh
Good Medicine
Do health influencers actually know what they’re talking about?Do health influencers actually know what they’re talking about?
Good Medicine

Most health influencers don’t have real credentials — but they are more influential than ever.

By Dylan Scott
Life
Why banning kids from AI isn’t the answerWhy banning kids from AI isn’t the answer
Life

What kids really need in the age of artificial intelligence.

By Anna North