Netflix became a serious player in terms of television production this year, with shows like Orange is the New Black and the new episodes of Arrested Development proving significant successes for the ever-growing video streaming service. It was perhaps House of Cards, however, that proved the biggest success, so it's no surprise the company was keen to commission a second batch of episodes. The company has announced that Season 2 has finally returned with the increasingly corrupt - and increasingly dangerous - congressman Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey).

House of Card, which is a remake of a BBC series of the same name, instantly stood out from the crowd due to its highly cinematic production values: the guiding hand of executive producer and pilot director David Fincher is keenly felt. Similarly, it boasts a terrific cast, led by Spacey, Robin Wright and Kate Mara. While the story of Washington politics took a few suspect turns during the final chapters of season one (this viewer thought it sort of fell apart during a certain car park scene), the quality of production and acting ensured it was rarely less than compelling. The show's most unique feature - Underwood frequently breaking the fourth wall to address the audience directly - was also put to great use. 

Although Netflix do not release exact viewing figures, it seems as if the programme has been a major success for them, and rumours suggest they're keen to greenlight a third season. Critics have largely praised the show as an excellent early step for Netflix's 'original content'. The first season won three Emmy awards (out of nine nominations), and has received four Golden Globes nominations.

You can watch the official teaser for House of Cards season 2 below. Like the first season, all episodes have been released today: