Death by Lightning cast praised for Shannon, Macfadyen performances on Netflix

Netflix’s “Death by Lightning” arrives with stellar performances from Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen. The four-part limited series dropped on November 6, 2025. Critics are raving about both lead actors’ nuanced portrayals. The show already holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Michael Shannon Shines as Troubled President

Critics heap praise on Michael Shannon’s portrayal of President James Garfield. Shannon brings psychological depth to the underdog politician. His performance captures Garfield’s genuine desire to serve the nation.

The veteran actor spent time learning about his character’s historical context. “I was going to school, I didn’t find things like this interesting,” Shannon told Netflix. “But when acting out a historical story, you experience the details.” His commitment shows in every scene.

“Beautifully designed, wonderfully performed and wildly entertaining.”

Shannon’s two Academy Award nominations showcase his acting prowess. His work in “Revolutionary Road” and “Nocturnal Animals” demonstrated range. Here, he adds gravitas to presidential history.

Matthew Macfadyen Captivates as Guiteau

The standout element of Death by Lightning is Matthew Macfadyen’s bizarre turn as assassin Charles Guiteau. Macfadyen makes audiences sympathize with an utterly unsympathetic character. His performance walks a remarkable tightrope.

Creator Mike Makowsky chose Macfadyen deliberately. “He’s an immensely likable person,” Makowsky explained to Netflix. The actor brings warmth to a deluded office-seeker from the 1880s.

Macfadyen’s Emmy Award-winning turn on “Succession” as Tom Wambsgans proved his mastery of pathetic ambition. Here, he portrays someone even more desperate. The Guardian called his performance “mesmerizingly weird.”

Supporting Cast Delivers Excellent Work

Betty Gilpin plays First Lady Lucretia Garfield with warmth and intelligence. She read Garfield’s love letters to research the role. Nick Offerman steals scenes as Vice President Chester Arthur.

Actor	Character	Background
Michael Shannon	President James A. Garfield	2x Oscar nominated, previously on Boardwalk Empire
Matthew Macfadyen	Charles J. Guiteau (assassin)	2x Emmy winner for Succession, Pride and Prejudice actor
Betty Gilpin	Lucretia Garfield	3x Emmy nominee for GLOW
Nick Offerman	Vice President Chester Arthur	Emmy winner, Parks and Recreation alum
Bradley Whitford	Senator James Blaine	The West Wing and Emmy-winning veteran

Bradley Whitford plays Senator James Blaine with political swagger. Shea Whigham brings menace as the ambitious Senator Roscoe Conkling. The ensemble work throughout proves exceptional.

Why Audiences Should Watch This History

“Death by Lightning” tells America’s forgotten tragedy from 1880-1881. President Garfield‘s assassination remains misunderstood by modern viewers. His six-month presidency was cut tragically short.

The series balances historical drama with contemporary political themes. Corruption, ambition, and broken promises feel painfully relevant. The show asks: what could have been different with more time?

Netflix delivers accessible history wrapped in quality storytelling. The dialogue sparkles between moments of genuine tension. Pacing remains tight across all four episodes. Viewers won’t experience dull stretches.

Where Can You Stream It Right Now?

All four episodes of “Death by Lightning” are available exclusively on Netflix. The series dropped on November 6, 2025 in full. No waiting between episodes—binge the entire story today.

The show carries a TV-MA rating for violent content and language. Expect period violence and political brutality throughout. Some scenes involving the assassination aftermath prove quite graphic.

• Stream all 4 episodes on Netflix starting November 6
• Perfect for history buffs and prestige drama fans
• Run time: Approximately 90 minutes total
• Watch on any device with a active Netflix subscription
• No subscription needed to see official trailer on YouTube

Will There Be a Second Season?

Netflix designed “Death by Lightning” as a complete four-part limited series. Creator Mike Makowsky crafted the story as a finite historical narrative. The assassination concludes the tale definitively.

Limited series have become Netflix’s preferred format for historical dramas. This allows filmmakers to tell complete stories without stretching thin. Viewers appreciate knowing exactly what they’re getting.

The show’s critical acclaim suggests Netflix would greenlight more Makowsky projects. However, this particular story concludes satisfyingly in four episodes. Don’t expect a second season announcement.

Sources

• Netflix Tudum – Official cast and production details from Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen interviews published November 2025
• Rotten Tomatoes – Death by Lightning series critical consensus and audience ratings showing 91% critical score
• The Guardian UK – Television review praising Matthew Macfadyen’s performance published November 6, 2025