Netflix is bringing a dramatic chapter of American history to life with Death by Lightning, a new limited series that tells the incredible true story of President James Garfield and the man who killed him. With a top-tier cast and a story that feels surprisingly modern, this is one historical drama you won’t want to miss. Here is everything you need to know before it arrives.
The Story Behind the Series
Death by Lightning is based on the stranger-than-fiction true story of James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, and Charles Guiteau, the man who was both his greatest admirer and his assassin. The series is adapted from Candice Millard’s acclaimed 2011 nonfiction book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President.
The title itself comes from a haunting quote by Garfield: “Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning; it is best not to worry about either.” The series explores the political landscape of 1881 America, a country at a crossroads between its past and its future. Showrunner Mike Makowsky says the themes are still relevant today, noting that the show deals with “corruption in politics and our bureaucracy” and Garfield’s battle to “clean up the grift in our government.”
“It’s a story I still can’t believe is true โ in all its wild, tragic glory,” Makowsky says, describing the project as “somehow feels even more relevant to our world today than ever before.”
Meet the Stars: A Powerhouse Cast
Netflix has assembled an award-winning ensemble to bring this historical drama to the screen. The cast is led by two powerhouse actors in the central roles.
- Michael Shannon plays James Garfield. Shannon is known for his intense performances in films and series like Waco, Nocturnal Animals, and Boardwalk Empire. He brings President Garfield to life as a reluctant leader thrust into the highest office.
- Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles Guiteau. Fresh off his Emmy-winning role in Succession, Macfadyen portrays the delusional and obsessive Guiteau, whose actions shocked a nation.
They are joined by a stellar supporting cast:
- Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur, the Vice President who succeeded Garfield.
- Betty Gilpin as Crete Garfield, the First Lady and Garfield’s wife.
- Bradley Whitford as Senator James Blaine.
- Shea Whigham as Senator Roscoe Conkling.
The series also features a deep bench of talented actors in key historical roles, including Vondie Curtis-Hall as Frederick Douglass, Kyle Soller as Robert Todd Lincoln, and ลฝeljko Ivanek as Dr. Bliss, one of the doctors who treated the wounded president.
Release Date and How to Watch
Mark your calendars: Death by Lightning will begin streaming on Netflix on November 6, 2025.
The series is a limited series with four episodes. Netflix is expected to release all episodes at once, making it perfect for a weekend binge. You will need an active Netflix subscription to watch the series when it premieres.
The Creative Minds Behind the Scenes
The series boasts an impressive creative team with a proven track record. It was created and written by Mike Makowsky (Bad Education), who was inspired to adapt the story after reading Millard’s book in a single sitting.
“Reading it in one sitting, because it was one of the most insane true stories I had ever heard,” Makowsky recalls. He found the story “unspeakably tragic and moving,” but also “weirdly funny in a very dark way.”
The series is directed entirely by Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic), who also serves as an executive producer. Notably, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the creators of Game of Thrones, are executive producers on the project through their overall deal with Netflix.
First Look and Trailer
Netflix has released first-look photos and an official trailer, giving fans a glimpse of the series’ tone and visual style. The images show the cast in period-accurate costumes, fully transformed into their historical counterparts. The trailer sets up the tense and dramatic relationship between Garfield and his killer, promising a gripping political thriller.
With its compelling true story, award-winning cast, and top-notch creative team, Death by Lightning is set to be a standout title in Netflix’s lineup this November.
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Credits: Netflix Tudum, Variety
