Over three months ago, fans were treated to another explosive season of Netflix's signature political drama, "House of Cards." Most of the viewers have finished all 13 episodes of Season 4 already, and are already wondering when the next ones will be released.

According to MasterHerald.com, "House of Cards" Season 5 will most probably be released early next year. This prediction is highly likely, since the past four seasons premiered during the first quarter of the past four years.

If the pattern followed by the past four "House of Cards" seasons is to be followed, then the fifth installment of the critically-acclaimed show will likely premiere in February or early March.

The fifth season of "House of Cards," however, will return without original creator and showrunner Beau Willimon. In an article on Variety.com, the executive said it was already time to "move on" after running the show for the past four years.

"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 the Variety report.

"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," he added.

The Hollywood Reporter meanwhile said that the next season will likely be about the Underwood couple's fight for power. The lead characters, the report said, "are more vulnerable than ever, leaving the opportunity for new players to turn their lives upside down."

These new players may include a new journalist that may threaten the couple's hold onto the White House, the head of the Secret Service, and the running mate of their rival, Will Conway.