Inside ‘Death by Lightning’: The Presidential Murder History Forgot
Death by Lightning: The Netflix Series About President James Garfield Explained Simply
What Is "Death by Lightning"?
Imagine a TV show about a president most people barely remember from history class. That’s exactly what "Death by Lightning" is—a Netflix limited series about James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States.
Quick Show Facts
- Platform: Netflix
- Format: Limited series (means it tells a complete story in one season)
- Main Star: Michael Shannon as James Garfield
- Also Starring: Bradley Whitford as James Blaine, Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau
The Story: From Convention to Tragedy
The series follows a fascinating true story that sounds almost made up:
- The Unexpected Nominee – Garfield goes to the 1880 Republican National Convention to support another candidate (James Blaine)
- The Surprise Speech – He gives such an amazing speech that the crowd goes wild
- The Reluctant Candidate – Against his wishes, he becomes the presidential nominee
- The Short Presidency – He wins with a low-key, accessible campaign
- The Tragic End – His presidency is cut short by an assassin’s bullet (Charles Guiteau)
Meet the Creator: Mike Makowsky
Mike Makowsky wrote and created the series. In a recent interview, he shared some really interesting thoughts about why this show exists and who it’s for.
The "Nobody Asked for This" Challenge
Important Insight
Makowsky admits most people are "astounded the show somehow got made at all." He knows 98% of viewers start with zero interest in James Garfield or his assassin Charles Guiteau.
His Secret Goal: Make You Care
Makowsky compares his challenge to another famous historical drama:
The "Chernobyl" Effect
"I was quite certain I did not care about Chernobyl. Then you watch five episodes… and all of a sudden, you want to spend ten hours on Wikipedia learning everything."
His hope: Do the same thing for Garfield’s story—turn "I don’t care" into "I need to know everything!"
Sticking to the Truth
Makowsky tried hard to use actual documented dialogue from history. He wanted the show to feel authentic, not like a made-up drama.
Why This Show Actually Matters
You might wonder: Why spend time on a president who served only 200 days? Here’s why Makowsky thinks it’s worth your time:
- It’s a great story – Political drama, unexpected rise, tragic ending
- It’s real history – Not exaggerated for TV
- It connects to today – Themes of politics, ambition, and violence feel surprisingly modern
- It fills a gap – Garfield is often skipped in history books, but his story matters
Where to Watch
Death by Lightning is streaming now on Netflix. Just search for it and hit play!
Summary
Death by Lightning is a Netflix series about President James Garfield’s surprising rise and tragic assassination. Creator Mike Makowsky knew most people wouldn’t care about Garfield going in—his mission was to make you care by telling a true, compelling story with historical accuracy. Think of it like Chernobyl but for 1880s American politics. It’s streaming now if you want to give this forgotten president a chance.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Do I need to know history to enjoy this show?
Not at all! The show is designed for people who know nothing about Garfield. Makowsky specifically wanted to hook the "98% who don’t care."
How many episodes are there?
It’s a limited series, meaning one complete season that tells the whole story. Exact episode count hasn’t been widely publicized, but limited series typically run 6–10 episodes.
Is it historically accurate?
Yes, that was a top priority. Makowsky tried to use actual documented dialogue and stick closely to real events.
Who would like this show?
- History buffs who want deep accuracy
- Regular viewers who just want a great political drama
- Fans of shows like The Crown, Chernobyl, or John Adams
Will there be a season 2?
No—it’s a limited series. The story has a clear beginning, middle, and end (Garfield’s assassination). Makowsky mentioned possibly exploring other presidential history in future projects, but not this story again.