Death by Lightning has arrived on Netflix with a stellar cast delivering outstanding performances. The 4-part limited series premiered on November 6, 2025. Critics are praising the ensemble’s work in this historical drama. The story combines political intrigue with a shocking assassination that changed America forever.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Release Date: All 4 episodes available now on Netflix
- Starring: Michael Shannon as President James Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as assassin Charles Guiteau
- Supporting Cast: Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman, Shea Whigham
- Critical Reception: 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic
- Creator: Mike Makowsky adapts Candace Millard‘s bestseller Destiny of the Republic
Michael Shannon Shines as President Garfield
Michael Shannon delivers a career-defining performance as the 20th President. His portrayal captures Garfield‘s quiet complexity and moral conviction. Shannon shows the president’s belief that leadership means public service, not power.
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The actor found the role deeply rewarding. “It’s not every day someone asks you to play an actual US president,” Shannon told Netflix. He appreciated learning history through embodying the character. The experience transformed how he views historical storytelling.
“He’s one of the foremost talented actors of our generation, and he brings so much gravity.”
Garfield ascended to power 15 years after the Civil War ended. He understood the monumental challenges facing a divided nation. Shannon‘s nuanced work reveals a man shaped by bloodshed and committed to healing America.
Matthew Macfadyen’s Compelling Turn as Guiteau
Matthew Macfadyen transforms the deluded office-seeker into something unexpectedly sympathetic. His Charles Guiteau obsesses over Garfield with sad desperation. Yet the actor maintains enough likability to make audiences question their disgust.
Creator Mike Makowsky chose Macfadyen deliberately to complicate the narrative. “I think that this doesn’t work if all you feel for Guiteau is pure contempt,” Makowsky explains. Macfadyen‘s charm prevents the story from becoming simply a tale of evil.
“He’s a fascinating and, in many ways, sad and strangely sympathetic character,” Macfadyen told Netflix. The actor found Guiteau deeply frustrating despite his understanding. This tension makes the assassination’s inevitability hit harder.
Supporting Cast Shines in Ensemble Drama
The supporting ensemble brings 1880s Washington to vivid life. Betty Gilpin plays First Lady Lucretia Garfield with intelligence and warmth. She read Garfield‘s actual letters to understand “Crete” intimately.
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Shannon | James Garfield | 20th U.S. President |
| Matthew Macfadyen | Charles Guiteau | Presidential Assassin |
| Betty Gilpin | Lucretia Garfield | First Lady |
| Nick Offerman | Chester Arthur | Vice President |
| Bradley Whitford | James Blaine | Senator & Secretary |
| Shea Whigham | Roscoe Conkling | Republican Stalwart |
Nick Offerman brings warmth to Vice President Chester Arthur. Bradley Whitford, returning to political drama after The West Wing, plays ambitious Senator James Blaine. Shea Whigham dominates as the dandy powerbroker Roscoe Conkling.
Critics Praise Historical and Emotional Depth
The series earned widespread critical acclaim since November 6. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 90% fresh status. Metacritic scored it 81, indicating universal praise.
The Guardian praised the drama’s tribute to Garfield while centering Guiteau‘s tragedy. USA Today called it “the historical TV drama you simply cannot miss.” Decider highlighted the “spot-on performances” across the cast.
Viewers appreciate the show’s energy and dark humor. Despite serious subject matter, the 4 episodes maintain engaging pacing. The final episode grows appropriately somber as Garfield fights for his life.
Where Can You Watch Death by Lightning Right Now?
All 4 episodes are now streaming exclusively on Netflix. The complete limited series dropped on November 6, 2025. No waiting between releases—binge the entire assassination drama this week.
The show received a TV-MA rating for language and violence. Streaming requires a valid Netflix subscription. The series is available in most territories worldwide.
The limited series format means there’s no wait for renewal news. Death by Lightning tells its complete story across four perfectly paced hour-long episodes. This makes it perfect for weekend viewing.
Will Death by Lightning Return for Season 2?
Death by Lightning is a limited series with a complete story arc. Creator Mike Makowsky adapted Candace Millard‘s book “Destiny of the Republic” fully.
The 4-episode format allows the narrative to unfold without padding. All plot threads resolve within the concluded story. Netflix has not announced any continuation plans.
This self-contained approach enables powerful storytelling. Viewers get satisfying resolution rather than cliffhangers. The cast delivered a complete work that stands alone.
Sources
- Netflix – Official cast guide and series information
- Rotten Tomatoes – Critical aggregation and audience scores
- The Guardian – Professional television review
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.