Netflix viewers praise new historical drama from Game of Thrones creators
A new Netflix miniseries has quickly become a favorite among viewers. Death by Lightning, starring Matthew Macfadyen from Succession and actor Michael Shannon, recreates the true story of the assassination of US President James Garfield.
Told through two intertwined narratives, the series depicts Garfield’s rise from obscurity to the White House and the obsessive descent of his assassin, Charles Giteau. The four-part drama is produced by the creators of Game of Thrones and is already being hailed as both powerful and compelling.
Audience reactions
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“I binge watched ‘Death By Lightning,’ which chronicled one of the most significant events in American history that’s rarely discussed — the assassination of James Garfield.”
— @KMBAussie on X
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“One episode in & I already love ‘Death by Lightning’ on Netflix. The Gilded Age is such a rich area to be explored and the politics of the era are pure bare-knuckle drama. Shannon’s big screen menace becomes warmly paternal on the small screen.”
— @Maxfretless on X
Behind the production
The series unites the creative talent behind Game of Thrones with award-winning actors known for their intensity and depth. Fans and critics alike describe it as a gripping, historically immersive portrayal of a rarely retold chapter in American history.
Author’s summary: Netflix’s Death by Lightning brings a dramatic retelling of President Garfield’s assassination, blending history and emotional storytelling that captivates audiences worldwide.