“Death By Lightning” has hovered over the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s list of top shows — and for good reason. The four-part historical drama is an intriguing look at the assassination of James Garfield (Michael Shannon) after his fast rise to the presidency and its even faster end.
Matthew Macfadyen is incredible in his role as Charles Guiteau, a delusional Garfield fan who seeks a role in the administration. And when he doesn’t get it, he seeks revenge. Garfield, who was elected as the Republican candidate at the 1880 Republican National Convention, was shot by Guiteau several months into his presidency on July 2, 1881. He died that September.
“Death By Lightning” somehow manages to make a dark moment in history educational, engrossing and, at times, extremely funny. Macfadyen channels some of that erratic Tom Wambsgans energy that “Succession” fans know and love in portraying the failed lawyer-turned-assassin Guiteau. Nick Offerman is also perfectly cast as Vice President Chester Arthur, who reluctantly takes on the presidency after Garfield’s death. Shannon is strong as he portrays a politician who unexpectedly becomes president.
Shea Whigham plays the powerful New York figure Roscoe Conkling, and Bradley Whitford is Secretary of State James G. Blaine. Vondie Curtis-Hall has a recurring role as abolitionist and author Frederick Douglass; Shaun Parkes is Dr. Charles Purvis, the Black doctor who attended to Garfield immediately after he was shot.
The series explores how Garfield actually died due to infection, since his doctor, Willard Bliss, refused to adhere to new research about the effectiveness of antiseptics. (I promise those scenes with Dr. Bliss will infuriate you.)
Betty Gilpin steadily portrays Garfield’s wife, Lucretia, who gives a stern yet palpable speech to Guiteau as he awaits execution in the final moments of the series.
“Death By Lightning” is only four episodes; it’s the perfect length to get you totally engrossed in these characters and then feel fulfilled enough to move on to the next show. I could go for another 10 four-part dramas from Netflix with this kind of star-studded cast and intriguing lesser-known history lessons.
Fans on social media are also praising the series.
#DeathByLightning is terrific. Historically accurate, and some fantastic performances. Also, surprisingly funny, until obviously it turns very dark.
— Vidor (@Vidor1) November 12, 2025
Matthew Macfadyen and Michael Shannon are simply BRILLIANT in #DeathByLightning! Shannon perfectly plays a stoic and warm-hearted Garfield and Macfadyen plays the dastardly lout Guiteau so magnificently. Both are sure to earn Emmys for their laudable performances. @netflix pic.twitter.com/BaoxTOp54r
— Jamie Steinberg ♡ (@NotYerAvgChick) November 13, 2025
Matthew Macfadyen is exceptional in #DeathByLightning, which is a thrilling, compelling portrait of an American statesman and his untimely demise. The ensemble cast is uniformly strong, but Macfadyen plays Guiteau as so convincingly unhinged, he completely steals the show.
— Osa’etin (@Osa_kenzua) November 9, 2025
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“Death By Lightning” is streaming on Netflix.
