As of 2026, . The streaming giant would likely have to pay a significant additional fee to MRC and Sony to amend the contracts, making it a premium-only experience on the platform. This means that while the show is available on Netflix, it is only available to subscribers on its ad-free plans . For those on the "Standard with Ads" plan, the Underwoods' world of corruption remains frustratingly locked behind a paywall.

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Check your local public library. Many libraries carry House of Cards Season 1 on DVD or Blu-ray, which you can borrow completely free.

Yes. While we focused on streaming, your local library likely has the DVD box set of House of Cards Season 1. This is the ultimate "free" method, requiring only a library card. No internet needed.