Netflix left redfaced after 'technical glitch' releases House of Cards by accident

The third season of House of Cards has been accidentally posted online two weeks before its broadcast date.

17:40 12 February 2015

Netflix has apologised and released a statement after the third season of acclaimed political drama House of Cards was accidentally posted online two weeks early. 

"Due to a technical glitch, some Frank Underwood fans got a sneak peek," the streaming service said in a statement.

"He'll be back on Netflix on Feb. 27."

The show's Twitter account cheekily posted: "This is Washington. There's always a leak. All 13 episodes will launch February 27."

News of the “technical glitch” quickly spread online and fans reportedly tried to watch the series only to find out that it was taken down 20 minutes after it was accidentally uploaded.

The series, which features Hollywood icon Kevin Spacey, is based on a British mini-series about a ruthless politician who stops at nothing to get his way.