Netflix Announces November Release for James Garfield Drama

Netflix's upcoming limited series Death by Lightning, premiering November 6, 2025, dramatizes the brief presidency and assassination of James A. Garfield. Starring Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as his assassin Charles Guiteau, the four-episode series is based on Candice Millard's book Destiny of the Republic and explores the political corruption and civil service reform struggles of 19th-century America. Created and written by Mike Makowsky, with executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the show features a notable supporting cast including Nick Offerman as Chester Arthur and Betty Gilpin as Lucretia Garfield. The series aims to highlight the timeless themes of political grift and reform, with Garfield depicted as a reluctant president whose assassination was both a personal tragedy and a pivotal moment in American history. The production's period-accurate visuals and historical detail promise an engaging portrayal of this lesser-known episode of U.S. history. The entire series will be available for streaming at once, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in this dramatic retelling ahead of other major releases.