Netflix just dropped Death by Lightning, a gripping historical drama. This 4-episode limited series premieres Nov. 6, 2025. The show chronicles President James Garfield’s tragic 120-day presidency and assassination. Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen lead the stellar cast.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- James Garfield served only 120 days as president in 1881.
- Charles Guiteau shot him on July 2, 1881 at a railroad station.
- Michael Shannon plays Garfield; Matthew Macfadyen plays Guiteau.
- All 4 episodes premiered on Netflix November 6, 2025.
- The series adapts Candice Millard’s bestselling book “Destiny of the Republic.”
What Happened: A President’s Short Tragedy
Death by Lightning tells an unbelievable true story spanning 1880 to 1881. James Garfield rose from obscurity to the presidency. His campaign centered on civil rights for Black Americans. Everything changed when Charles Guiteau shot him just four months later.
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Guitarist was a disgruntled office-seeker desperate for recognition. He believed he deserved a government position for supporting Garfield. When rejected, he became obsessed with destruction. The passionate but unstable man would change American history forever.
“Assassination can be no more guarded against than death by lightning. And it’s best not to worry too much about either one.”
The doctors treating Garfield faced another disaster catastrophe. They refused to believe in Joseph Lister’s antiseptic methods. Constant probing of his untreated wound caused massive infection. He died 79 days after the shooting, essentially murdered by mistreatment.
Why This Story Matters Today
This tragedy reveals America’s vulnerabilities in the post-Civil War era. Garfield possessed the vision to heal a fractured nation. His death robbed America of a potentially transformative president. Chester Arthur assumed power, though ultimately passed Garfield’s civil service reforms.
The show explores political chaos and patronage systems. Sound familiar? Viewers see uncomfortable parallels to modern politics. Charles Guiteau’s delusions resemble modern obsessions with public figures. The series demonstrates how individual madness can derail national progress.
Creator Mike Makowsky wanted audiences to understand this forgotten president. Garfield’s legacy faded from American consciousness. Netflix‘s dramatization resurrects his remarkable, tragic story. The limited series proves historical drama still captivates modern audiences.
The All-Star Cast Takes On History
Michael Shannon delivers a nuanced performance as the idealistic president. The Oscar-nominated actor brings tragic complexity to Garfield. Matthew Macfadyen transforms the assassin into a sympathetic yet terrifying figure. His portrayal of Guiteau’s desperation feels uncomfortably real and contemporary.
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Shannon | James Garfield | 20th President |
| Matthew Macfadyen | Charles Guiteau | The Assassin |
| Betty Gilpin | Lucretia Garfield | First Lady |
| Bradley Whitford | James Blaine | Secretary of State |
| Nick Offerman | Chester Arthur | Vice President |
Betty Gilpin shines as a complex first lady. Bradley Whitford and Nick Offerman bring gravitas to supporting roles. Shea Whigham steals scenes as the ruthless political operator. Every performance feels historically authentic yet utterly contemporary.
Here’s What to Watch For
- The political machinations of the 1880 Republican Convention
- Garfield’s brief, passionate struggle for civil service reform
- The psychological descent of Charles Guiteau into obsession and violence
- Historical medical malpractice that actually killed the president
- How Vice President Arthur transformed after assuming power
Will This Limited Series Get Renewed For Season 2?
Death by Lightning‘s 4-episode arc completes the entire story. The narrative follows Garfield’s rise and tragic death conclusively. A second season seems unlikely given the ending. However, Netflix’s unexpected historical hits sometimes spark spinoffs.
The limited series format works perfectly for this tragic tale. Creator Mike Makowsky crafted a complete narrative arc. Everything resolves in four tight episodes. The story doesn’t need extension; it simply deserves retelling.
Watch the official trailer showcasing the drama’s intensity:
If you crave more historical political intrigue, check out The Crown and The Diplomat on Netflix. Both explore power, leadership, and personal consequences.
Sources
- Netflix – Official Death by Lightning series page and promotional materials
- Biography.com – James Garfield assassination historical context
- USA Today – Death by Lightning series review and analysis
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.