On-line series makes Emmy history

The Netflix series House of Cards has become the first digitally-distributed show to earn a major nomination for the 65th annual Primetime Emmy Awards, picking up a ‘Best Drama’ nomination.

The show received nine nominations overall, including one each for Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, who portray the scheming husband and wife at the centre of the political thriller, being nominated in the lead actor and actress categories, Advanced TV reports.

Netflix’s other successful series Arrested Development received three nominations, including lead comedy actor for Jason Bateman.

Digitally-distributed shows have been eligible to enter the main Emmy categories for seven years. Emmy speculation surrounded House of Cards from February 1, when Netflix premièred all 13 episodes of Series 1 at the same time online.