Netflix’s “Death by Lightning” drops a stranger-than-fiction true story of America’s 20th President. Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen headline the gripping drama. The limited series premieres on Nov. 6, 2025, and tells one of history’s most bizarre political tales.
🔥 Quick Facts:
- 4-episode limited series features Emmy winners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss as executive producers
- Based on bestselling book “Destiny of the Republic” by Candice Millard
- Storyline chronicles 1881 assassination and tragic aftermath of President Garfield
- Star-studded cast includes Nick Offerman, Bradley Whitford, and Betty Gilpin
- Streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide on November 6th
The Stranger-Than-Fiction Story Unfolds
“Death by Lightning” dramatizes one of American history’s most incredible true events. James Garfield rose from complete obscurity to become U.S. President. His life took an unimaginable turn when Charles Guiteau — his greatest admirer — became his assassin.
Creator Mike Makowsky spent six years developing this project. He was inspired after reading Millard’s acclaimed historical novel in one sitting. “It’s one of the most insane true stories I’ve ever heard,” he tells Netflix Tudum, adding the narrative feels “unspeakably tragic and moving.”
“The theme of corruption in politics and our bureaucracy feels particularly evergreen. Garfield fought battles to clean up grift in government—something incredibly relevant today.”
The story unfolds during 1881 at a critical moment in American history. The nation stood at a crossroads between its past and future. President Garfield championed civil service reform to eliminate patronage politics. His push for change made powerful enemies.
A Powerhouse Cast Brings History to Life
Michael Shannon (“George & Tammy”, “Waco”) embodies President James Garfield with complexity and depth. Matthew Macfadyen (“Succession”, “Pride & Prejudice”) plays Charles Guiteau as the tormented man obsessed with presidential power.
The ensemble cast reads like an Oscar roll call. Betty Gilpin portrays First Lady Crete Garfield, Garfield’s devoted wife. Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”, “The Last of Us”) commands the screen as Vice President Chester Arthur. Bradley Whitford (“The Handmaid’s Tale”, “The West Wing”) plays Senator James Blaine.
| Actor | Character | Notable Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Shannon | President James Garfield | Waco, Nocturnal Animals, George & Tammy |
| Matthew Macfadyen | Charles Guiteau | Succession, Pride & Prejudice, Operation Mincemeat |
| Betty Gilpin | First Lady Crete Garfield | American Primeval, GLOW, Mrs. Davis |
| Nick Offerman | Vice President Chester Arthur | The Last of Us, Parks and Recreation, Fargo |
| Shea Whigham | Senator Roscoe Conkling | Boardwalk Empire, Take Shelter |
Additional cast members include Bradley Whitford as Senator James Blaine, Shea Whigham (“Boardwalk Empire”) as Senator Roscoe Conkling, and Vondie Curtis-Hall as Frederick Douglass. Tuppence Middleton (“Downton Abbey”, “Mank”) and Kyle Soller (“Andor”) round out the stellar lineup.
Emmy Winners Lead Creative Vision Behind Cameras
Emmy-winning duo David Benioff and D.B. Weiss serve as executive producers on this project. Their partnership with Netflix continues their ambitious storytelling ventures. Mike Makowsky (“Bad Education”) created and wrote all four episodes personally.
Director Matt Ross (“Captain Fantastic”, “Gaslit”, “28 Hotel Rooms”) helmed every episode. Ross brings cinematic expertise to the period drama format. The production was filmed in Budapest from July through October 2024.
Composer Ramin Djawadi (“Game of Thrones”, “Westworld”) scored the dramatic soundtrack. The creative team assembled represents some of Hollywood’s most acclaimed talent working today.
Why This Story Matters More Than Ever
Set during 1881, the narrative feels shockingly contemporary to modern viewers. Garfield battled political corruption and bureaucratic graft in his era. The same themes of governance dysfunction resonate throughout today’s political landscape.
“In 1881, America stands at a crossroads,” Makowsky explains. The nation was deciding what kind of society it would become 100 years after its founding. Garfield stood front and center fighting for institutional reform. His assassination and tragic medical treatment created historical tragedy.
The series explores how Guiteau’s delusions and mental instability led to unthinkable violence. It also examines the failed medical response following the shooting. Doctors of the era used outdated techniques that likely accelerated Garfield’s death rather than saving him.
Everything Coming to Netflix This November
“Death by Lightning” arrives as a major prestige release during Netflix’s busy November lineup.
- Four-episode limited series (TV-MA rating)
- Available worldwide on Netflix starting Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
- Based on bestseller “Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President” by Candice Millard (published 2011)
- Official trailer released Oct. 9, 2025 with 2.25 minutes of footage
- Viewers worldwide can marathon all episodes same day
Is Netflix’s Garfield Drama Worth Your Time?
Given the pedigree involved, absolutely. “Death by Lightning” reunites Emmy-winning producers Benioff and Weiss with Netflix for another prestige drama. The cast lineup rivals major film productions. Michael Shannon’s dynamic range and Macfadyen’s intensity promise compelling performances.
The true story itself captivates audiences unfamiliar with Garfield’s extraordinary life. Rising from poverty to the presidency makes for powerful cinema. Guiteau’s obsessive delusions and assassination attempt create psychological thriller elements.
Critics anticipated strong reception given the creative team. The 1881 setting allows exploration of themes still confronting modern democracies. Civil service reform, political corruption, and institutional change drive the narrative forward.
Will you start streaming “Death by Lightning” on November 6th to witness this stranger-than-fiction American tragedy unfold?
Sources
- Netflix Tudum – Official coverage of cast, crew, and premiere details
- IMDb – Comprehensive cast and production information
- Wikipedia – Historical context and air date confirmation
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.