With Netflix announcing the end of hit political show "House of Cards," what will the show's end mean for Maryland's state revenue?
This image released by Netflix shows Kevin Spacey, center, and Robin Wright in a scene from “House Of Cards.” Netflix announced an end to the show on Monday, amid fallout from an allegation of sexual assault against Spacey.
(David Giesbrecht/Netflix via AP)
David Giesbrecht/Netflix via AP
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright seen at Netflix ‘House of Cards’ Los Angeles Season 2 Special Screening, on Thursday, Feb, 13, 2014 in Los Angeles. Netflix announced an end to the show on Monday, amid fallout from an allegation of sexual assault against Spacey.
(Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Netflix/AP Images)
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Netflix/AP Images
This image released by Netflix shows Kevin Spacey in a scene from “House Of Cards.” Netflix announced an end to the show on Monday, amid fallout from an allegation of sexual assault against Spacey.
(David Giesbrecht/Netflix via AP)
David Giesbrecht/Netflix via AP
From left to right, Kate Mara, Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright and Beau Willimon on the red carpet at the Washington D.C. premiere of Netflix’s first original series “House of Cards” on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013 at the Newseum in D.C. Netflix announced an end to the show on Monday, amid fallout from an allegation of sexual assault against Spacey.
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Invision/AP Images)
Photo by Paul Morigi/Invision/AP Images
This image released by Netflix shows Kevin Spacey, as Francis Underwood, left, and Molly Parker, as Jackie Sharp, in a scene from “House of Cards.” Netflix announced an end to the show on Monday, amid fallout from an allegation of sexual assault against Spacey.
(AP Photo/Netflix, Nathaniel E. Bell, File)
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Amid fallout from a sexual assault accusation against “House of Cards” star Kevin Spacey, Netflix announced the series’ end Monday. The Maryland Film Office included the hit Netflix show in its promotional materials, touting the jobs it has generated and the economic impact the production had on the state.
WTOP contacted the Maryland Film Office about the potential economic impact the loss of the show could have. In response, Karen Glenn Hood, director of media relations and public affairs for Maryland’s Department of Commerce, wrote in an email: “We are not making any statements and any further inquiries on ‘House of Cards’ should be directed to Netflix.”
Since 2011, “House of Cards” has received $55.1 million in state tax credits. Production of the show’s sixth season is underway in Maryland.
In 2014, Maryland legislators bristled when the producers of the show said they’d move to another state if lawmakers didn’t boost the incentives offered by another $3.5 million. In a publicity campaign designed to sway legislators, Spacey schmoozed with state House politicians at a local wine bar, with several lawmakers snapping selfies with the star.
According to the Maryland Film Office’s website, the fourth season of “House of Cards” resulted in the employment of 2,678 crew, cast and extras, and generated business among 1,963 local businesses and vendors.
Spacey was accused of making sexual advances in 1986 toward an underage actor, who was 14 years old at the time. Actor Anthony Rapp first made the named allegation public in a Buzzfeed News interview.
Although Netflix made the announcement Monday, the decision to pull the plug on the political thriller was made some months ago, The Associated Press reported.
As a member of the award-winning WTOP News, Kate is focused on state and local government. Her focus has always been on how decisions made in a council chamber or state house affect your house. She's also covered breaking news, education and more.
