"House of Cards" season 5 is presumably going to be the last season of the show but this does not mean the franchise will stop. Original author Michael Dobbs, who wrote the book the series is based on, explained in an interview with Daily Express that a spin-off series may continue its legacy.
Dobbs, who is also the executive producer of the U.S. series on Netflix, explained that every show has a natural end and yet "House of Cards" might still be able to continue even without the main anti-hero lead, Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), as its lead character.
"Look what they've done with 'Breaking Bad,' look what they've done with '24,'" he stated. "So is there life in the long term? Well, it's a hell of a brand. It's been going now for 30 years: it was a success as a book, it was a success as a BBC television series, it is a huge success as a U.S. series."
"Breaking Bad" in particular has seen massive success even when its spin-off show, "Better Call Saul," does not feature the former's main lead, played by Bryan Cranston. Many fans praise "Better Call Saul" and state that it can stand entirely on its own even without the few hints and nods to "Breaking Bad" characters and events.
This level of success and branching off may be applicable for "House of Cards" once season 5 is done and the series has been officially ended. Frank may even appear in a cameo role.
It has been reported that "House of Cards" may end with Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) having her husband assassinated so she can take over as the U.S. president, with Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) by her side. It is possible that the spin-off will focus on their work together or a prequel set before Frank's rise to power.
