Netflix’s DEATH BY LIGHTNING Trailer Brings a Twisted Slice of American History to Life
Netflix just dropped the first trailer for its upcoming historical mini-series Death by Lightning, and it looks like a darkly captivating dive into one of America’s strangest political stories.
The series tells the true story of President James Garfield, played by Michael Shannon, and his obsessive admirer-turned-assassin Charles Guiteau, portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen.
Set in the turbulent years following the Civil War, it follows Garfield’s rise from poverty to becoming the 20th President of the United States, and the tragic path that led to his assassination.
Betty Gilpin stars as Crete 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 supporting lineup of guest stars who help bring this volatile era of American politics to life.
The series’ title comes from an eerily prophetic Garfield quote: "Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning; it is best not to worry about either."
Death by Lightning was created and written by Mike Makowsky (Take Me, I Think We're Alone Now, Bad Education), based on Candice Millard’s acclaimed book Destiny of the Republic.
The four-episode mini-series is directed by Matt Ross and produced by Bighead Littlehead Productions and Slater Hall. It’s executive produced by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
The trailer hints at a show that’s part historical epic, part psychological thriller, a story of ambition, ego, and obsession that feels just as relevant today as it did in 1881.
Death by Lightning premieres on Netflix on November 6, 2025, and from the look of it, this is going to be a gripping and slightly mad journey through one of the strangest chapters in U.S. history.