House of Cards – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

House of Cards

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2013

22%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Ruthless politicians murder and manipulate their way to power in this dark, adults-only political thriller that's more cynical than The West Wing.

8.6/10

77%

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House of Cards

show

TV-MA, 2013

22%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Ruthless politicians murder and manipulate their way to power in this dark, adults-only political thriller that's more cynical than The West Wing.

8.6

77%

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8.6/10

77%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, House of Cards was a cultural phenomenon when it launched Netflix into prestige TV territory. The acting is solid, the plotting is clever, and if you enjoy watching Machiavellian schemers manipulate their way to power, it delivers.

But let's be clear: this is dark, cynical, and morally bankrupt by design. People get murdered. Affairs happen. Everyone lies. And the show doesn't really condemn any of it—it invites you to admire Frank's ruthlessness. For adults who can handle that and enjoy political thrillers, fine. But the Kevin Spacey allegations hang over the whole thing now, making it hard to separate art from artist.

This is nowhere near appropriate for kids or teens. Keep it off the family Netflix profile. If you're looking for political drama that's actually enriching, try The West Wing instead.

Age Fit

This is strictly adult content, 18+. Despite Common Sense Media's 16+ rating, the combination of graphic violence, sexual content, and morally bankrupt characters makes it inappropriate for teens. It's designed for adults who enjoy dark political dramas.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a show about manipulation, murder, and moral corruption at the highest levels of government. Characters routinely betray each other, lie, cheat, and kill to gain power. There's no modeling of kindness or cooperation—it's the opposite. The entire premise celebrates ruthlessness and amorality.

Imaginative

The show is well-crafted with compelling political intrigue and clever plotting. The fourth-wall-breaking direct addresses to the camera are a creative device. However, it's not particularly original—it's adapted from a British series and follows familiar political thriller tropes. It invites thinking about power dynamics and strategy, but doesn't inspire creative expression or exploration.

Safe

Multiple murders (some gruesome and shocking per IMDb), recurring sexual content, infidelity, and dark themes throughout. Common Sense Media recommends 16+. This is absolutely not something a child should stumble upon—the violence is used strategically to shock, and the sexual content is explicit. The entire show is built around morally reprehensible behavior presented without clear condemnation.

Enriching

For adults, it offers insight into political maneuvering, power dynamics, and institutional corruption. The acting (particularly Spacey and Wright) is strong, and it can spark conversations about ethics in politics. However, it's cynical without much redemptive value—it's more about entertainment through darkness than meaningful growth. The real-world Kevin Spacey allegations also cast a shadow over any attempt to find enrichment here.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Sophisticated political thriller with strong performances and clever plotting—if you're into watching terrible people do terrible things
The fourth-wall breaks and direct camera addresses create an unsettling intimacy with Frank Underwood's scheming
Can spark conversations about political ethics, institutional corruption, and the abuse of power
High production values and compelling narrative momentum (at least in early seasons)

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic violence including multiple murders, some shocking and gruesome
Explicit sexual content, infidelity, and manipulative relationships throughout
Zero moral compass—characters lie, cheat, kill, and face minimal consequences
Kevin Spacey's real-world allegations make this uncomfortable viewing for many
This is emphatically not for kids or teens—Common Sense Media says 16+ but honestly 18+ is more appropriate

Conversation Starters

"Do you think political systems actually work like this, or is the show exaggerating for drama?"
"When Frank breaks the fourth wall to talk to us, does that make you feel complicit in his schemes?"
"What would you do if you discovered your boss or colleague was doing something illegal to get ahead?"
"Why do you think audiences are drawn to watching morally corrupt characters?"

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