Netflix renewed the series for a fifth season in January 2016 (before the fourth season premiered), but it was a bittersweet announcement, as it was also revealed that creator and showrunner Beau Willimon would be departing. "Netflix and MRC owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Beau Willimon for his strong narrative vision for House of Cards over the show's first four seasons," read the statement from Netflix. "As an Academy Award-nominated writer, he made his first foray into television and built a riveting and critically acclaimed series, establishing his place in TV history. The producers, cast, and crew join us in wishing Beau the best in his next creative adventure."
Frank Pugliese and Melissa James Gibson, who joined the show as senior writers in its third season, are now sharing showrunner duties.
