Review: 'Death by Lightning' offers a surprising story about an assassinated president gone too soon
Netflix's four-part miniseries, based on Candice Millard's nonfiction book, tells the little-known story of President James A. Garfield. “Death By Lightning,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.” While many may not recognize Charles Guiteau in 2025, Garfield is widely known as one of only four American presidents assassinated.
There are presidents less remembered—does the name John Tyler ring a bell?—and assassins more famous than Guiteau. Yet a docudrama benefits from a story that surprises viewers and features a built-in murder mystery. The series seems intentionally relevant to modern audiences, exploring themes such as civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption.
Most aspects of Garfield's story are dramatic — a tragedy affecting not only his family but the entire nation. The sense conveyed by “Death by Lightning” and historical records is that Garfield, who was killed after only 200 days in office, might have been a very capable president.
“Death By Lightning,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.”
“...Garfield, killed after only 200 days in office, might have made a very good chief executive.”
Author's summary: This miniseries reveals a gripping, lesser-known chapter in American history, spotlighting President Garfield's brief tenure and tragic assassination against themes still relevant today.