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Limited Series – Death by Lightning

Play trailer 2:11 Poster for Limited Series – Death by Lightning Nov 2025 History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 63 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Presenting the story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America's 20th President and Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him.
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Death by Lightning — Limited Series

Death by Lightning — Limited Series

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Critics Consensus

Handsomely mounted and electrified by Matthew Macfadyen's masterclass in slimy desperation, Death by Lightning concisely dramatizes a fork in history while wistfully hinting at what could've been.

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Critics Reviews

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Peter Travers The Travers Take The artful acting mischief of Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen makes the Presidential assassination that America forgot into one of the most memorable shows of the TV season Rated: 3.5/4 Nov 21, 2025 Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator Heaven knows what liberties the series has taken with the historical facts but it’s hugely entertaining. Nov 20, 2025 Full Review Bill Goodykoontz Arizona Republic “Death by Lightning” delivers the historical goods by way of incredibly entertaining performances. Nov 13, 2025 Full Review Kristen Meinzer Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR Podcast) [Death by Lightning] gave the excitement of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, the sincerity of John Adams, the sense of humor of Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter. Nov 16, 2025 Full Review Chloe Veltman Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR Podcast) The chief issue is the story of Garfield and Guiteau is a bit of a non-starter. Nov 16, 2025 Full Review Glen Weldon Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR Podcast) There was a definite "West Wing with sideburns" vibe that it's giving off, and I'm here for that. Nov 16, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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James G P Appreciate their bringing this story to light, and accept the dramatic license. The dialogue, offered in a sort of modern-day patois, is jarring coming from the mouths of characters arrayed in period costume, in scenes staged to look like the late 19th century. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 11/28/25 Full Review Coni V. Flat, ahistorical, and boomer slop. Engaging first episode with some good shots throughout, but felt too close to a ChatGPT script. Some great characters, but it insists upon itself far too much. Better served as a play Rated 2 out of 5 stars 11/27/25 Full Review André Ferreira F Fantástica temporada que retrata bem a vida de um presidente esquecido e um assassinato do qual poucos se lembram. (avaliação: 8.5/10) Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/26/25 Full Review Mike M I will watch and enjoy anything with Michael Shannon in it. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/26/25 Full Review Douglas K Very well acted history lesson about the times in the late 1800's and the story about James Garfield. I enjoyed this show! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/23/25 Full Review Audience Member Michael Shannon's acting is top notch. Matthew Macfayden is good, but feels a little too much at times. I didn't look away from the screen once. It's a great series that any history buff needs to watch. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/23/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Death by Lightning — Limited Series

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Nov 6, 2025 The Man From Ohio At the 1880 Republican National Convention, the lives of Ohio Congressman James Garfield and newly released convict Charles Guiteau are forever altered. Details Episode 2 Aired Nov 6, 2025 Party Faithful In the runup to Election Day, Garfield welcomes the nation to his front porch; Guiteau struggles to ingratiate himself with Party leadership. Details Episode 3 Aired Nov 6, 2025 Casus Belli Treachery from within the White House complicates Garfield's attempts to appoint a Cabinet; Guiteau tries everything to secure a Presidential audience. Details Episode 4 Aired Nov 6, 2025 Destiny of the Republic Conkling goes on the offensive as Garfield challenges the New York political machine; isolated and desperate, Guiteau weighs a history-making decision. Details

Season Info

Director
Matt Ross, Matt Ross
Creator
Mike Makowsky
Executive Producer
David Benioff, Bernadette Caulfield, D.B. Weiss, Matt Ross
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Nov 6, 2025
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