'House of Cards' season 6 release date news, updates: Netflix halts production of upcoming season

Kevin Spacey plays Frank Underwood in the Netflix hit drama "House of Cards."REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Following the successful fifth season premiere of Netflix's political drama thriller "House of Cards," the streaming media giant decided to suspend season 6 production. Netflix has decided to stop filming of the upcoming chapter "until further notice," as one of the series' main cast member faces a huge controversy.

Netflix announced their decision to halt the production of "House of Cards" season 6 on Twitter, as actor Kevin Spacey, who plays series' the lead character Frank Underwood, was accused with sexual harassment earlier this week. To note, the filming for the upcoming season already began two weeks ago, according to IGN.

"Production on the final season of House of Cards is suspended until further notice," Netflix stated. "This will give us time to review the current situation with our producing partners at MRC. Execs are on set this week discussing with our cast and crew. More details to come."

Prior to Spacey's involvement in the sexual misconduct issue, Netflix already announced that "House of Cards" will wrap up by season 6. The management has decided to finish the show with another season months ago, and the current controversy surrounding Spacey has nothing to do with "House of Cards" nearing its end.

Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of sexual harassment in an interview published by BuzzFeed, revealing that the incident happened at a party in 1986. Rapp, who was 14 at the time of the incident, described his alleged unwanted experience with the "House of Cards" actor "like a groom picks up the bride over the threshold."

The first season of "House of Cards" premiered in 2013, which was met with positive reviews among critics and fans. With the production put on hold, the season 6 release date is still uncertain, although it was reported that a "House of Cards" spinoff series is under development.