House of Cards to Return for Fifth Season without Creator Beau Willimon

Now renewed for a fifth season, Netflix's hugely successful political-drama House of Cards has no end in sight. However, it's creative future is uncertain as the upcoming fourth season will be creator and writer Beau Willimon's last.

Willimon is responsible for crafting the morally destitute Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) whose desperation to reach the White House is only matched by his wife, Claire (Robin Wright), and consigliere, Doug (Michael Kelly). The trio are the essential force behind the shows thrilling pace.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Willimon is expected to focus his efforts on creating an original play.

"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," Willimon said in a statement. "After five years and four seasons, it's time for me to move on to new endeavors, 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."

Netflix confirmed on Friday that the series will return in 2017, before going on to thank Willimon for his part in turning the show into a global sensation.

"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," before going on to add: "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 short teasers released by the streaming service to date has given little away about the state and stability of Underwood's empire in season four.

House of Cards season four will be available to stream on Netflix on March 4.