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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 14m•Peaking at 9.0/10

Betrayed by the White House, Congressman Frank Underwood embarks on a ruthless rise to power. Blackmail, seduction and ambition are his weapons.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    House of Cards Season 1 Episode 11 - Chapter 11
    9.0/10(6416 votes)

    S1:E11

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

    Director:Carl Franklin
    Writers:Kate Barnow, Keith Huff, Beau Willimon

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  2. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 13 - Chapter 13
    8.8/10(6043 votes)

    S1:E13

    Frank scrambles to keep his plan on track. Claire is haunted by choices old and new. Zoe poses a serious threat.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writer:Beau Willimon

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  3. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 10 - Chapter 10
    8.6/10(5818 votes)

    S1:E10

    Rebellion on all fronts. Claire defies Frank, Zoe finds comfort in someone new, and Peter makes an ultimatum.

    Director:Carl Franklin
    Writer:Sarah Treem

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  4. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 1 - Chapter 1
    8.5/10(9472 votes)

    S1:E1

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

    Director:David Fincher
    Writer:Beau Willimon

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  5. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 2 - Chapter 2
    8.5/10(7605 votes)

    S1:E2

    Frank uses a young reporter, Zoe Barnes, to spin a story that puts the White House on its heels. Claire makes a cold-blooded move at work.

    Director:David Fincher
    Writer:Beau Willimon

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  6. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 6 - Chapter 6
    8.5/10(6205 votes)

    S1:E6

    Frank strikes back at the striking teachers. Claire is caught off guard by a deathbed confession.

    Director:Joel Schumacher
    Writer:Sam Forman

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  7. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 12 - Chapter 12
    8.5/10(5572 votes)

    S1:E12

    Frank must make an unforeseen detour. Zoe, Lucas and Janine get closer to the truth.

    Director:Allen Coulter
    Writers:Beau Willimon, Gina Gionfriddo

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  8. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 9 - Chapter 9
    8.4/10(5740 votes)

    S1:E9

    Russo hits the road with V.P. Matthews. Frank and Stamper try to whip up support in Congress. Claire looks out for herself.

    Director:James Foley
    Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon

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  9. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 5 - Chapter 5
    8.3/10(6230 votes)

    S1:E5

    Frank's fight over the Education Bill threatens Claire's own ambitions. Zoe mixes work and play.

    Director:Joel Schumacher
    Writer:Sarah Treem

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  10. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 3 - Chapter 3
    8.2/10(6803 votes)

    S1:E3

    Frank must leave union negotiations to deal with a crisis in his home district. Zoe negotiates the politics of being a journalist on the rise.

    Director:James Foley
    Writers:Keith Huff, Beau Willimon

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  11. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 4 - Chapter 4
    8.1/10(6393 votes)

    S1:E4

    Frank shakes down the Congressional leadership. Peter Russo must choose between politics and family.

    Director:James Foley
    Writers:Rick Cleveland, Beau Willimon

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  12. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 7 - Chapter 7
    8.0/10(5852 votes)

    S1:E7

    Frank wins a major battle, but doesn't pause to rest on his laurels. Peter must face his past. Stamper hushes a secret.

    Director:Charles McDougall
    Writers:Kate Barnow, Beau Willimon

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  13. House of Cards Season 1 Episode 8 - Chapter 8
    7.6/10(6066 votes)

    S1:E8

    Frank is honored at his alma mater, while Peter returns to Philly. Both men tackle unfinished business.

    Director:Charles McDougall
    Writer:Beau Willimon

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Chapter 11" is the best rated episode of "House of Cards" season 1. It scored 9/10 based on 6416 votes. Directed by Carl Franklin and written by Kate Barnow, Keith Huff, Beau Willimon, it aired on 2/1/2013. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Chapter 13".