Netflix has just released the first trailer for its upcoming historical miniseries Death by lightningand it feels like a darkly captivating dive into one of America’s strangest political stories.
The series tells the true story of the president James Garfieldplayed by Michael Shannonand her obsessive admirer-turned-murderer Charles Guiteau, played by Matthew Macfadyen.
Set in the turbulent years following the Civil War, it follows Garfield’s rise from poverty to become the 20th President of the United States, and the tragic path that led to his assassination.
Betty Gilpin plays Creta Garfield, Nick Offerman plays Chester A. Arthur, Bradley Whitford appears as James Blaine, and Shea Whigham joins the cast as Roscoe Conkling.
The show also features a strong lineup of supporting guest stars who help bring this volatile era of American politics to life.
The title of the series comes from a strangely prophetic quote by Garfield: “You can no more protect yourself from assassination than death by lightning; it is better to worry about neither.”
Death by lightning was created and written by Mike Makowski (Take me, I think we’re alone now, bad manners), based on the acclaimed book by Candice Millard The fate of the Republic.
The four-episode miniseries is directed by Matt Ross and produced by Bighead Littlehead Productions and Slater Hall. It is produced by game of Thrones creators David Benioff AND DB Weiss.
The trailer hints at a show that is part historical epic, part psychological thriller, a story of ambition, ego and obsession that seems as relevant today as it was in 1881.
Death by lightning will premiere on Netflix on November 6, 2025, and by the looks of it, it will be a gripping and slightly crazy journey through one of the strangest chapters in US history.
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
