Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ Reopens the Shocking Assassination of President James A. Garfield

Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ Revisits President James A. Garfield’s Assassination

The Netflix mini-series Death by Lightning explores the tragic story of President James A. Garfield, the 20th president of the United States. Actor Michael Shannon portrays Garfield, focusing on his journey from an unexpected Republican nominee to his narrow victory in the 1880 election.

The Assassination and Its Context

A few months into his presidency, in July 1881, Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, played by Matthew Macfadyen. Guiteau was an office-seeker who believed he deserved a government position for supporting Garfield during the campaign. At the time, the patronage system often rewarded such loyalty with jobs.

However, Garfield was a strong advocate for civil service reform and opposed patronage, favoring merit-based hiring instead. After Guiteau’s demands were denied, he attempted to assassinate Garfield to remove him from office. This act propelled Garfield’s vice president, Chester A. Arthur (portrayed by Nick Offerman), to become the 21st president.

Civil Service Reform and Garfield’s Legacy

“The idea of civil service reform and waging a battle to clean up the grift in our government—this is something that Garfield very much stood on the front lines of in his time,” said Mike Makowsky, creator of Death by Lightning, in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum.

The series highlights how politics, pride, and medical malpractice contributed to turning Garfield’s reform efforts into a largely forgotten tragedy.

Key Figures in Death by Lightning

Author’s summary: The series sheds light on Garfield’s fight against political corruption and patronage, revealing a dramatic and overlooked chapter in American history.

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Biography Biography — 2025-11-04

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