House of Cards renewed for season 5, but season 4 will be the creator’s last

'It’s time for me to move on to new endeavours'

(Netflix)

Good news and bad news for House of Cards fans this morning - we’ll definitely be getting a fifth season, but it will be under a new showrunner.

Creator Beau Willimon, who was crucial to all aspects of the first four seasons, will leave the Netflix show as he feels its time to “move on” to other projects.

“I’m grateful to Netflix and MRC, my fellow executive producers, our two incandescent stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, our talented writers, as well as the incredible cast and crew with whom I’ve had the privilege to work,” he said.

“After five years and four seasons, it’s time for me to move on to new endeavours, but I’m supremely proud of what we’ve built together, wish the show much continued success, and leave it in the hands of a very capable team.”

It’s fair enough, but also a little worrying. Would Breaking Bad have been able to maintain the same high standard if it lost Vince Gilligan? The Sopranos without David Chase?

“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,” the streaming service said in a statement.

“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.”

House of Cards season 4 premieres on 4 March, 2016.