Netflix drops a stunning four-episode historical drama that tells America’s untold story. Michael Shannon stars as President James Garfield, while Matthew Macfadyen plays his assassin Charles Guiteau. The series premiered on Nov. 6, 2025. This gripping limited series blends tragedy, politics, and the unpredictable path to American history.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Death by Lightning premiered on Netflix on November 6, 2025
- Four-episode limited series created by Mike Makowsky
- Stars Michael Shannon as 20th President James Garfield
- Matthew Macfadyen plays assassin Charles Guiteau (Succession Emmy winner)
- Rated 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 7.8/10 on IMDb
- Based on Candice Millard’s bestseller “Destiny of the Republic”
- Executive produced by Game of Thrones‘ Benioff and Weiss
The Cast’s Stunning Performances Take Center Stage
Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen deliver magnificent performances. Shannon portrays Garfield as a humble congressman who unexpectedly becomes 20th U.S. President. The actor brings psychological depth rarely seen in period dramas. Macfadyen captures Guiteau’s desperation and delusion with chilling precision.
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The supporting cast includes Emmy-winner Betty Gilpin as First Lady Lucretia Garfield. Nick Offerman steals scenes as Vice President Chester Arthur. Bradley Whitford and Shea Whigham round out the ensemble as powerful senators.
“It’s not every day someone asks you to play an actual US president, and I like learning on the job.”
A True Story That’s Stranger Than Fiction
Death by Lightning dramatizes one of America’s most forgotten tragedies. On July 2, 1881, Charles Guiteau shot President Garfield at a Washington D.C. train station. Garfield died 79 days later from his wounds. This four-episode series reveals the shocking lead-up to this assassination.
Creator Mike Makowsky based the script on Candice Millard’s acclaimed novel “Destiny of the Republic.” The story explores how Guiteau became obsessed with Garfield. It details the political machine of 1880s America with stunning precision.
The series earned praise for its nuanced storytelling. Reviewers praise the show’s ability to balance tragedy with dark humor. It reveals forgotten historical details most viewers will find astonishing.
Where to Watch and Episode Details
All four episodes of Death by Lightning are now streaming on Netflix. The limited series is exclusively available on the platform. Each episode averages approximately 55-60 minutes.
The show premiered simultaneously across all regions on November 6, 2025. The series is rated TV-MA for language and violence. Netflix subscribers can binge all episodes immediately with no weekly releases.
| Title | Death by Lightning |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Release Date | November 6, 2025 |
| Episodes | 4 limited series |
| Creator | Mike Makowsky |
| Rotten Tomatoes Rating | 86% |
| IMDb Rating | 7.8/10 |
Why This Limited Series Matters Right Now
In 2025, Death by Lightning feels deeply relevant. The series explores political violence and presidential security. It examines obsession and mental illness with refreshing nuance. The show never portrays Guiteau as a simple villain.
Instead, the series presents him as a broken, desperate man. This humanizing approach gives viewers uncomfortable insights. It raises timeless questions about power, ambition, and violence in democratic systems.
The limited series also celebrates an underappreciated president. Garfield could have revolutionized American politics. He fought against the “spoils system” that plagued the era. His cut-short presidency raises the eternal question: what might have been?
What’s Next For Limited Series Streaming?
Netflix has signaled commitment to quality historical dramas. Death by Lightning proves audiences crave sophisticated storytelling. The show demonstrates that four-episode formats work beautifully for biographical narratives. Expect more high-profile limited series from the streamer.
The cast demonstrated why theatrical training matters in prestige television. Both Shannon and Macfadyen bring Shakespearean intensity to their roles. This limited series raises the bar for historical dramas across all platforms.
Watch the official trailer below and explore one of history’s most gripping untold stories. Stream all four episodes exclusively on Netflix now.
Watch the official trailer here:
Are you ready to discover why this assassination changed American history forever?
Sources
- Netflix Tudum – Official cast guides and creator interviews
- Roger Ebert – Critical review and historical analysis
- IMDb & Rotten Tomatoes – Critical ratings and audience reception
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.