Netflix’s new miniseries, Death by Lightning, offers a gripping look at one of post-Civil War America’s most shocking stories. Premiering Thursday, the four-part series explores corruption, a last-minute presidential nomination, and an assassination that ended the life of President James Garfield. The series also probes the question: Who was Charles Guiteau?
Showrunner Mike Makowsky adapted Candice Millard’s 2011 book, Destiny of the Republic, after realizing how little he knew about Garfield, one of four U.S. presidents to be assassinated. “I wound up reading the entire book in one sitting,” Makowsky admits. The series aims to educate viewers while delivering a gripping drama about a president whose potential was cut short.
Directed by Matt Ross, Death by Lightning features a standout cast. Michael Shannon plays Garfield, a brilliant and principled president. Matthew Macfadyen portrays Guiteau, the delusional office-seeker who ultimately shoots him. Betty Gilpin stars as First Lady Lucretia Garfield, and Nick Offerman plays Garfield’s successor, Chester A. Arthur. Ross chose the actors deliberately against type, giving depth to their portrayals.
Guiteau is depicted as a deeply disturbed man, alienated from others and driven by delusions of grandeur. He is shown as a proto-incel and a stark opposite to Garfield’s lawful, heroic nature. The series explores the societal pressures and personal trauma that shaped Guiteau, making him more than a simple villain. Makowsky compares him to characters from Martin Scorsese films, such as Rupert Pupkin from King of Comedy, emphasizing the psychological dimensions behind his actions.
The series also highlights Garfield’s extraordinary achievements. A war hero, polymath, and reformist, Garfield advocated civil rights, education, and government transparency. He worked alongside Black leaders like Frederick Douglass and Blanche Bruce and emerged from relative obscurity to become president after a persuasive speech at the 1880 Republican National Convention. Makowsky calls him “the greatest president we never really had.”
Lucretia Garfield’s intelligence and strength are central to the narrative. Betty Gilpin researched the role extensively, reading the couple’s correspondence and capturing Lucretia’s intellectual prowess. Meanwhile, Nick Offerman’s portrayal of Arthur shows a charismatic, hard-drinking successor, adding complexity and humor to the story.
Death by Lightning is not a history lesson but a dramatic exploration of human ambition, obsession, and political intrigue. The series balances historical accuracy with sharp, occasionally irreverent dialogue that brings 1880s America to life. It also contrasts Garfield’s nobility with Guiteau’s instability, allowing viewers to see the era through two very different perspectives.
The miniseries combines compelling performances, historical insight, and dark humor to create a nuanced portrait of a pivotal moment in American history. Garfield’s assassination and the rise of Guiteau illustrate the fragile nature of democracy, ambition, and legacy. Ross emphasizes that the story remains relevant today, showing how individual actions can shape the nation’s course.
Netflix’s Death by Lightning promises to captivate viewers with its mix of historical drama, psychological depth, and stellar acting. It examines not just a president’s life and death but the societal forces and personal flaws that intersected to change history forever.
