UK Netflix subscribers have discovered their next obsession, a 'must-binge' historical drama from the acclaimed producers behind Game of Thrones.
A Tale of Power and Obsession
The new four-part miniseries, Death by Lightning, dramatises the stranger-than-fiction true story of the assassination of former US President James Garfield. Released on November 9, 2025, the series boasts an impressive cast, featuring Succession star Matthew Macfadyen as the obsessive assassin Charles Guiteau and Michael Shannon as the reluctant president, Garfield.
Using a compelling dual narrative structure, the show charts Garfield's unlikely rise from relative obscurity to the highest office in America, while simultaneously tracing Guiteau's disturbing descent into murderous fixation.
Viewers Are Binge-Watching and Praising
Since its release, social media has been alight with praise from viewers who have been captivated by the series. One fan on X, @KMBAussie, reported binge-watching the show, calling it an 'excellent series' that tackles a significant yet rarely discussed event in American history.
Another viewer, @Maxfretless, expressed their immediate admiration after just one episode, praising the exploration of the Gilded Age and its 'pure bare knuckle drama'. They also highlighted Shannon's 'warmly paternal' performance, a shift from his often menacing big-screen roles.
@NoblePhares added to the chorus of approval, describing the miniseries as 'fantastic' and asserting that the real-life characters of Garfield and his successor, Chester A. Arthur, are 'far better than any comic book series'.
A Broader Slate of Compelling Dramas
Death by Lightning arrives on the platform as Netflix continues to release a stream of impactful dramas based on true events. This news follows reports of viewers being left 'in tears' by another recent series depicting the 1993 MS Jan Heweliusz ferry disaster, a tragedy in the Baltic Sea that resulted in 56 deaths after hurricane-force winds capsized the vessel.
Of the 65 people on board, only nine survived, many succumbing to hypothermia in the frigid 2-degree waters, making it the largest peacetime maritime disaster in Polish history.
For those seeking a gripping, politically charged story brought to life by a top-tier cast and production team, Death by Lightning is available to stream now on Netflix.
