Death by Lightning (2025)
A riveting Netflix limited series tracing the extraordinary rise of President James Garfield and the unraveling mind of the man who killed him.
Death by Lightning - Series Information
- First Air Year: 2025
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Mike Makowsky
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (53 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 4
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: November 6, 2025 (United States - TV-MA), November 6, 2025 (Canada - 18+), November 6, 2025 (United Kingdom - 15), November 6, 2025 (Germany - 16), November 6, 2025 (France - 16), November 6, 2025 (India - A), November 6, 2025 (New Zealand - 16), November 6, 2025 (Australia - MA 15+), November 6, 2025 (Brazil - 16), November 6, 2025 (Mexico - C)
- Networks: Netflix
- Production Companies: Bighead Littlehead
- Production Countries: United States of America
Death by Lightning - Plot
The story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America's 20th President — and Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him.
Death by Lightning - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story of ambition and obsession unfold:
Where to Watch Death by Lightning
Looking for where to watch Death by Lightning?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Death by Lightning - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mike Makowsky
Main Cast
- Michael Shannon
- Matthew Macfadyen
- Nick Offerman
- Shea Whigham
- Bradley Whitford
- Betty Gilpin
- Alfie Tempest
- Anders Grundberg
- Dylan Hughes
- Jack Alldridge
Writers
- Mike Makowsky
Executive Producers
- David Benioff
- D. B. Weiss
- Matt Ross
- Mike Makowsky
- Bernadette Caulfield
Death by Lightning - FAQs
Is Death by Lightning based on a true story?
Absolutely. Death by Lightning dramatizes the real-life assassination of President James Garfield in 1881. Garfield was shot by Charles Guiteau just months into his presidency and died weeks later from his wounds — a tragedy that reshaped American political history and is faithfully explored throughout the series.
Where can you stream Death by Lightning?
Death by Lightning is available exclusively on Netflix. You can watch it with a standard Netflix subscription or through Netflix Standard with Ads. All four episodes of the limited series were released on November 6, 2025.
Who plays James Garfield and Charles Guiteau?
Michael Shannon takes on the role of President James Garfield, bringing quiet gravitas to the self-made statesman. Matthew Macfadyen portrays Charles Guiteau, the delusional office-seeker who assassinated him. Their dynamic forms the emotional and dramatic core of the entire series.
What happens to Charles Guiteau after the assassination?
After shooting President Garfield at a Washington train station in July 1881, Guiteau was arrested, tried, and convicted of murder. He was hanged on June 30, 1882. His trial became a landmark moment in American legal history, raising early questions about the insanity defense.
How many episodes does Death by Lightning have?
Death by Lightning is a compact limited series consisting of four episodes, all released simultaneously on Netflix on November 6, 2025. Each episode runs approximately 53 minutes, making the full series a focused, binge-worthy watch of just over three and a half hours.
Who created Death by Lightning?
The series was created and written by Mike Makowsky, with executive producers David Benioff and D. B. Weiss — the duo behind Game of Thrones — alongside Matt Ross, Bernadette Caulfield, and Makowsky himself. It is produced by Bighead Littlehead for Netflix.
Is Death by Lightning worth watching?
For fans of prestige historical drama, it's a compelling watch. The pairing of Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen anchors a richly crafted portrait of ambition, delusion, and political violence. Its tight four-episode format keeps the pacing sharp, and the true-story stakes give every scene real weight.
What are some shows similar to Death by Lightning?
If Death by Lightning gripped you, try Manhunt (2024), which covers Lincoln's assassination aftermath, or 11.22.63 (2016) for another presidential tragedy lens. Paradise (2025), Zero Day (2025), and House of Cards (2013) also offer sharp political intrigue for fans of the genre.
More About Death by Lightning
Explore further details, cast information, and community discussions about the series.