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David Fincher's upcoming drama House of Cards has been given a release date.



The entire 13-episode first season will be available to Netflix users from February 1, 2013 in the UK, Ireland, North America, Latin America and in the Nordic nations.

Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are among the cast of the director's political drama, which was picked up for two seasons by the online streaming service in March 2011.

House of Cards stars Spacey as a "wily, murderous politician" attempting to work his way into the White House.

It has been adapted by Beau Willimon (The Ides of March) from the British miniseries of the same name, which centred on a similar character hoping to become Prime Minister at the end of Margaret Thatcher's reign.

Netflix's Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos said of the series: "House of Cards combines the best of filmmaking with the best of television. Beau Willimon's compelling narrative, David Fincher's unparalleled craftsmanship, indelible performances by Kevin Spacey and the rest of the cast unite to create a gripping story and a new kind of viewing experience for Netflix members to immerse themselves in.

"In offering the entire season at once, Netflix is giving viewers complete control over how and when they watch the show."

Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Kristen Connolly, Michael Kelly and Sakina Jaffrey also star in the project.

Fincher directed the show's first two episodes, while the series' other directors include James Foley (Glengarry Glen Ross), Joel Schumacher (Falling Down), Charles McDougall (The Good Wife), Carl Franklin (Devil in a Blue Dress) and Alan Coulter (The Sopranos).

The second season will begin production in spring 2013.