House of Cards season 3 leaked on Netflix for around 30 minutes on Wednesday afternoon, almost two weeks before its scheduled release date. As fans began sharing news of the early arrival on Twitter, the streaming service was on the case and duly yanked the highly anticipated series.

House of CardsKevin Spacey [L] and Robin Wright [R] return for season 3 on House of Cards, which leaked early on Netflix

The entire season was listed with episodes and title descriptions and, according to the Guardian, the first episode began with "a shot of an intersection" and the second included a meeting of President Frank Underwood and his advisers. 

"Due to a technical glitch some Frank Underwood fans got a sneak peak," a Netflix spokesman said.

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The official House of Cards Twitter page posted a numerous message addressing the blip, writing, "This is Washington. There's always a leak. All 13 episodes will launch February 27."

Other spoilers from the leak include the BIG NEWS that Claire Underwood appears to have died her hair brown, and that Russian politics is likely to be the focus of the season's narrative. The Underwood's travel to the country to meet with a Prime Minister who looks an awful lot like Vladimir Putin. Oh, and Frank pees on Calvin Underwood's grave - who we imagine is his father. 

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House of Cards is a reboot of the original series screened by the BBC in 1990, based on the novel by Michael Dobbs. The setting was moved from Westminster to Washington, while Mr Underwood represents the Democrats whereas Francis Urquhart was a Conservative in the show's predecessor. 

So for now guys, we're all just going to have to wait until February 27, 2014. 

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