"The road to power is paved with hypocrisy, and casualties," (fictional) President Frank Underwood once proclaimed on "House of Cards," and one such casualty seems to be showrunner Beau Willimon, who will no longer be on board when the Netflix hit show returns for a fifth season in 2017.

"After five years and four seasons, it's time for me to move on to new endeavors," Willimon told Entertainment Weekly in a statement. "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."

'House of Cards' Fanatics Excited Show Continues

But despite the surprising exit, "House of Cards" fans were relieved at the official confirmation that the political drama would not end after its fourth installment, which is set to premiere on March 4, the Guardian reported.

"Prior to its fourth-season premiere, Netflix and (producers) Media Rights Capital are thrilled to announce that House of Cards will return for a fifth season in 2017," the streaming service announced. "Netflix and MRC owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Beau Willimon for his strong narrative vision for House of Cards over the show's first four seasons."

Willimon was the creative mind who adapted the homonymous BBC miniseries for an American audience and helped pave the way for the original content that Netflix has since expanded upon. He also led "House of Cards" to rave reviews from critics and numerous awards, including three Emmys for its first season in 2013, the Hollywood Reporter reported.

New 'House of Cards' Season to Benefit Maryland

The renewal announcement, meanwhile, was particularly well received in Maryland, where the previous seasons of the drama were shot and where speculation had been rampant that the production might move to California, the Baltimore Sun noted.

But the soundstages and sets set up in the Maryland's Harford County will soon again host Kevin Spacey, who plays Underwood, as well as the remaining "House of Cards" characters.

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