"Death by Lightning": Unpacking the Assassination of a Forgotten President

November 09, 2025

"Death by Lightning": Unpacking the Assassination of a Forgotten President

A compelling new Netflix series, "Death by Lightning," sheds light on the tragically short presidency of James A. Garfield and the bizarre circumstances of his assassination. This historical drama has quickly captured audience attention, skyrocketing to the top of streaming charts and earning praise for its stellar cast and gripping narrative.

The four-part miniseries delves into the life of James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, whose promising tenure was cut short just months after he took office. The series, created by Mike Makowsky and produced by the creators of "Game of Thrones," offers a nuanced look at a pivotal yet often overlooked moment in American history.

The Cast of "Death by Lightning"

At the heart of the series' acclaim is its exceptional cast. Michael Shannon delivers a powerful performance as the intelligent and reform-minded James A. Garfield. His portrayal captures the unexpected rise of a man who never sought the presidency but was thrust into the role by a deadlocked Republican convention.

Starring opposite Shannon is Matthew Macfadyen, known for his role in "Succession," who gives a haunting performance as Charles Guiteau, Garfield's assassin. Macfadyen masterfully embodies the deluded and disgruntled office-seeker who believed he was responsible for Garfield's election and deserved a political appointment in return.

The ensemble cast also includes Betty Gilpin as the First Lady, Lucretia Garfield, Nick Offerman, and Shea Whigham.

The True Story Behind the Series

"Death by Lightning" is based on the true story of James A. Garfield's assassination in 1881. The series draws from Candice Millard's bestselling book "Destiny of the Republic" to explore the parallel lives of Garfield and his killer, Charles Guiteau. The title itself is a reference to a chillingly prophetic quote from Garfield, who once remarked, "Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning."

On July 2, 1881, just four months into his presidency, Garfield was shot by Guiteau at a Washington, D.C. railroad station. However, the bullet was not immediately fatal. The series explores the harrowing 79 days that followed, during which Garfield's condition worsened due to unsanitary medical practices of the era. In fact, many historians now believe it was the subsequent infection, not the bullet itself, that ultimately led to his death.

Accuracy and Reviews

"Death by Lightning" has been lauded for its historical accuracy, with reviewers noting its faithful depiction of the political climate of the Gilded Age and the personal stories of its main characters. The series currently holds a strong rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its compelling storytelling and the standout performances of Shannon and Macfadyen. The show is being called a "must-binge" true crime political drama that draws eerie parallels to the modern political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Death by Lightning a true story?

Yes, "Death by Lightning" is based on the true and tragic story of the assassination of U.S. President James A. Garfield by Charles Guiteau in 1881. The series is adapted from Candice Millard's award-winning book, "Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President."

Is Death by Lightning a good series?

By all accounts, "Death by Lightning" is a critically acclaimed series. It has received high praise for its compelling narrative, historical detail, and powerful performances by its lead actors, Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen. It has quickly become a trending show on Netflix.

Who was the president in Death by Lightning?

The president depicted in "Death by Lightning" is James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Garfield was a former Civil War general and a Republican congressman from Ohio who was unexpectedly nominated for the presidency in 1880. His presidency was tragically cut short after only a few months in office.