Netflix made it official today: The company has ordered its first original television series.

Netflix has commissioned 26 episodes of a television series called 'House of Cards,' which will star Kevin Spacey and be executive produced by director David Fincher. According to a Friday press release, you'll be able to put 'House of Cards' in your Netflix queue in late 2012.

Netflix going from content-delivery system to a content-creation company raises a lot of questions in my mind, but the primary one is this: Won't this lead to a lot of studios taking their shows and movies off Netflix at some point?

I can't imagine they're too happy about facing competition from a company they'd essentially viewed as a pipeline into people's homes.

Not content to remain a middle man in the "getting quality television programming directly to consumers" game, Netflix is teaming up with Oscar-snubbed director David Fincher and Kevin Spacey to air the duo's original series 'House of Cards.'

Deadline reports that Neflix outbid premium cable networks for the drama by offering a two-season, 26-episode commitment. The company had previously said it wasn't interested in getting into original programming, but with competitors like Amazon nipping at their heels, it seems like a smart move.

In other TV news ...

• Could Ricki Lake return to TV? Depends on what Katie Couric wants to do. If the CBS anchor doesn't renew her contract and heads to daytime instead, Lake's out of luck. [Broadcasting & Cable]

• Joan and Melissa will be back for more hijinks in 2012. WE tv renewed the mother-daughter duo's reality show for a second season. [The Hollywood Reporter]

• Another taxidermy show? As Sarah Palin might say, you betcha! The Discovery Channel announced a new special called 'Taxidermy USA' that's scheduled to air March 31. Do we really need to explain what it's about? [Discovery]

Charlize Theron is investigating a new role on the small screen.

According to Variety, the Oscar-winning actress has teamed with producer-director David Fincher to develop a new drama series for HBO and Fox 21. Titled 'Mind Hunter,' the series will reportedly involve the investigation of various serial killers -- a familiar subject matter for Fincher, the director behind such big-screen hits as 'Se7en' (1995) and 'Zodiac' (2007).

Hot off the film success of 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' director David Fincher is teaming up with Media Rights Capital in developing a series entitled 'House of Cards,' according to the Hollywood Reporter.

No networks have signed on yet, but with Fincher's proven track record, that could change pretty quickly. The show is an adaptation of a British book and miniseries of the same name, depicting a lead character with strong political ambitions at the end of Margaret Thatcher's tenure as prime minister. This version will be set in the U.S. with a focus on "issues of political ambition and blackmail."

The folks at our sister site Cinematical are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:

• I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates Pretty in Pink's ending. Cinematical discusses why it sucks so much and tries to right a wrong.
• Have you been as confused about those "Clean Coal" commercials as I have? Apparently the Coen Brothers have, because they've directed a commercial for Clean Coal Air Freshener. It's as good of an idea as it sounds.
• Does it seem quieter than usual today? It's because all of the tweens are at the movies checking out Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. Is it any good? Does it really matter? Check out the review here.
• Joss Whedon takes the time to discuss why DC Comics movies won't work. I wonder if he drops any insight into why Dollhouse isnt working either.
• I had absolutely no idea that David Fincher directed music videos before he broke into movies. Cinematical Seven takes a look at other directors who followed the same path.

David Fincher, the director of the best movie ever made Fight Club is developing a new comedy series for FX. The story is about a psychologist who becomes a hot item among the Hollywood elite because of his tendency to be brutally honest. M*A*S*H* writer Larry Gelbart is signed on to executive produce. If FX picks up the yet-untitled comedy, it'll be the first television series for David Fincher, who also directed Se7en and Panic Room.

[Via TV Tattle]

FX wants more Courtney Cox. The cable network has ordered up a full season (13 episodes) of her drama, Dirt, about the world of tabloid magazines. There is one caveat: FX wants parts of the pilot to be re-shot to add more of Courtney Cox's character. She plays the editor of a tabloid and the powers-that-be at FX think she really shines in the role. Some of the supporting characters will also be re-cast. The show is about the world of celebrities, although most of the 'celebrities' on the program are fake, with the exception of David Fincher, director of Fight Club, who makes an appearance as himself in the pilot. The drama is being produced by the company owned by Cox and her husband, David Arquette.

While FX is sure about Dirt, it's still mulling over the drama, Lowlife, starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver.