Netflix’s Death by Lightning starring Michael Shannon hits 91% on Rotten Tomatoes

Netflix‘s Death by Lightning has rocketed to 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. The limited series premiered on Nov. 6, 2025. Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen lead the stellar cast. This four-episode drama tells the true story of President James Garfield and his assassination.

What Happened: A Presidential Tragedy Unfolds

Death by Lightning dramatizes an unforgettable chapter of American history. The show chronicles President James Garfield, who rose from poverty to lead the nation. After just four months in office, Charles Guiteau shot him at a Washington D.C. train station.

Michael Shannon portrays Garfield as a weary, intelligent leader. Matthew Macfadyen plays Guiteau as a delusional office seeker consumed by madness. The limited series explores both men’s twisted fates with stunning cinematography and meticulous historical detail.

“Death by Lightning is a delightful showcase for undersung character actors.” The show champions Shannon‘s nuanced portrayal and Macfadyen‘s magnetic performance.

Why This Matters: Forgotten History Goes Mainstream

President Garfield remains one of America’s most overlooked leaders. His presidency lasted just 80 days before his death. Yet historians argue he could’ve become one of the nation’s greatest presidents had he lived.

This Netflix series rescues Garfield from obscurity. It shows his civil service reforms and commitment to racial justice. The show explores how his doctors actually hastened his death through poor medical practices.

For viewers, the series offers something rare: a gripping political thriller rooted entirely in fact. Benioff and Weiss bring their expertise from Game of Thrones to American history. The result is a truly binge-worthy prestige drama.

The Cast and Critical Reception Table

Critics have unanimously praised the ensemble cast and sharp storytelling. 55 professional reviews contributed to the 91% score. Audience reaction mirrors critical acclaim almost exactly.

Cast Member	Character	Notable Work
Michael Shannon	President James Garfield	Nocturnal Animals, Shape of Water
Matthew Macfadyen	Charles Guiteau	Pride and Prejudice, Succession
Nick Offerman	Chester Arthur	Parks and Recreation
Betty Gilpin	Crete Garfield	GLOW, The Haunting of Hill House
Bradley Whitford	James Blaine	The Handmaid’s Tale, Get Out

What To Watch For: Historical Accuracy and Medical Mystery

The series handles one of history’s most tragic ironies carefully. Garfield survived the initial gunshot wounds. His doctors’ failure to follow basic sanitation practices—repeatedly inserting unsterilized instruments—caused the infection that killed him.

• Medical incompetence as a historical villain in its own right
• Garfield’s unlikely rise from poverty to the presidency
• Guiteau’s psychological descent into murderous delusion
• The political machinations of the 1880s Republican Party
• First Lady Crete Garfield’s resilience and strength

Is This the Historical Drama You’ve Been Waiting For?

Death by Lightning proves historical dramas don’t need fictional intrigue. The real story of James Garfield rivals any prestige television. Michael Shannon‘s performance alone justifies streaming time. Matthew Macfadyen‘s descent into madness is genuinely unsettling.

The series masterfully balances political ambition with intimate character study. Shot with meticulous attention to period detail, every frame feels authentic. Critics call it a “19th-century West Wing.”

Watch the official trailer for a taste of what’s coming:

Sources

• Rotten Tomatoes – 91% Certified Fresh rating with 55 critic reviews
• Netflix Official – Series announcement and cast information
• The Guardian – Critical review and analysis