Death By Lightning: When And Where To Watch The Historical Drama On James Garfield's Life

Death By Lightning: Historical Drama on James Garfield's Life

The limited series Death by Lightning stars Michael Shannon as President James Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as his assassin, Charles Guiteau. This historical drama, available on Netflix since November 6, revisits one of America's lesser-known political tragedies: the assassination of Garfield.

Plot Overview

The series explores Garfield’s journey from a rural Ohio schoolteacher and Civil War commander to becoming a respected statesman, celebrated for his vision, ethics, and political reform efforts. It highlights his ambition to unite a nation still healing from the Civil War’s aftermath.

Key Characters

Thematic Elements

Set in the turbulent post-Civil War era, the series delves into themes of power, ambition, and obsession, showing how political and personal tensions culminated in a tragic event that shook the nation.

"The series delves deeply into the interplay of power, ambition and delusion that defines this shocking historical story."

Death by Lightning offers a compelling look at a brief but impactful presidency marked by hope and an untimely end.

Author's summary: This series vividly portrays James Garfield’s rise and assassination, emphasizing the fragile political climate and personal obsessions that shaped this historical tragedy.

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News18 News18 — 2025-11-07

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