The Tragic True Story Behind 'Death by Lightning'

The series Death by Lightning, starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen, chronicles the assassination of President James Garfield. Garfield was shot on July 2, 1881, just four months into his presidency, and succumbed to his wounds a few months later at age 49.

Plot Overview

The four-episode series begins at the heated 1880 Republican National Convention in Chicago. U.S. Senator John Sherman (Alistair Petrie) chose Ohio congressman and farmer James Garfield (Michael Shannon) to speak for his presidential bid, knowing Garfield's powerful oratory skills.

Delegates struggled to decide between Sherman, Maine’s Senator James Blaine (Bradley Whitford), and General Ulysses S. Grant (Wayne Brett). After 36 ballots, they ultimately nominated Garfield because his speech deeply inspired the convention.

Garfield's Presidency

Garfield, along with Vice President Chester Arthur (Nick Offerman), was inaugurated as the 20th President of the United States on March 4, 1881. His presidency was tragically short-lived.

The Assassin: Charles Guiteau

The series also explores Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen), an eccentric man who became obsessed with Garfield after his 1880 speech. Guiteau relentlessly sought a government job but, facing rejection, shifted from admiration to deadly intent.

"The series follows Guiteau’s attempts to get a job in the administration and how he went from adoring Garfield to killing him."

Death by Lightning was released on Netflix on November 6.

Author's summary: The series vividly portrays the brief presidency of James Garfield and the tragic obsession of Charles Guiteau, culminating in a historic assassination that shocked the nation.

Time Magazine — 2025-11-06