House of Cards fans got a short-lived surprise today when some episodes from the next season of the popular political drama appeared on Netflix. 

The new season of the show, starring Kevin Spacey as power-hungry politician Frank Underwood, is meant to start on Feb. 27. 

Eager fans expressed dismay online, bemoaning what was either a leak or a mistake. 

Despite the brief, baffling appearance online, the season is expected to be officially released as scheduled.

Netflix later issued a statement saying the shows had appeared early after a technical glitch.