Review: 'Death by Lightning' Reveals a Surprising Story of an Assassinated President
Netflix's four-part miniseries, based on Candice Millard's nonfiction book, tells the little-known story of President James A. Garfield. Premiering Thursday on Netflix, Death by Lightning introduces itself as "a story about two men the world forgot."
While few in 2025 may recognize the name Charles Guiteau, many will know Garfield, one of only four American presidents assassinated. There are presidents less remembered, such as John Tyler, and assassins more famous than Guiteau, but choosing Garfield's story makes for a compelling docudrama, combining a surprising tale with a built-in murder mystery.
The series seems intentionally tailored to current times, exploring themes like civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption. The story of Garfield is deeply dramatic — a tragedy affecting not only his family but the entire nation.
“Death By Lightning,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.”
For the sense one gets from “Death by Lightning” and from the historical record it fairly represents, is that Garfield, killed after only 200 days in office, might have made a very good chief executive.
This miniseries portrays Garfield's potential as a president cut tragically short after just 200 days, offering viewers both historical insight and contemporary relevance.
Author's summary:
The miniseries Death by Lightning uncovers the poignant, lesser-known story of James A. Garfield, blending historical drama with issues still relevant today.