Review: 'Death by Lightning' offers a surprising story about an assassinated president gone too soon

Review: 'Death by Lightning' Reveals a Surprising Presidential Assassination

Netflix’s four-part miniseries Death by Lightning, based on Candice Millard’s nonfiction book, uncovers the largely forgotten story of President James A. Garfield. The show is narrated by an automated voice.

Premiering Thursday on Netflix, the series describes itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.” While Charles Guiteau may be unknown to many in 2025, James A. Garfield remains recognizable as one of only four U.S. presidents to be assassinated.

Though other presidents and assassins might be better remembered—such as John Tyler or others—this docudrama’s appeal lies in its unexpected narrative and the inherent drama of a presidential murder.

Intentionally timely, the series explores themes relevant to today: civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption. The story of Garfield is not just a personal tragedy but also a national one.

“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.”

The miniseries offers a dramatic and insightful portrayal of a president whose potential was cut short.

Author’s summary: This miniseries sheds light on President Garfield's brief tenure and tragic assassination, revealing a story of untapped leadership intertwined with enduring social issues.

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Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times — 2025-11-07

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