Review: 'Death by Lightning' Offers a Surprising Story About an Assassinated President Gone Too Soon
Netflix's four-part miniseries, based on Candice Millard's nonfiction book, tells the little-known story of President James A. Garfield. Premiering Thursday on Netflix, Death By Lightning introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.” While few in 2025 may recognize the name Charles Guiteau, many know James A. Garfield, one of only four American presidents to be assassinated.
There are less remembered presidents—does the name John Tyler ring a bell?—and assassins better known than Guiteau. However, a docudrama benefits from a story that surprises viewers and already includes a built-in murder. The series seems intentionally made for our times, addressing themes such as civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption.
The Garfield story is filled with drama—a tragedy not only for his family but for the entire nation. From Death by Lightning and the historical record it depicts, one senses that Garfield, killed after only 200 days in office, might have been a very good chief executive.
“Death By Lightning,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.”
For 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.
Author's summary: The series reveals the overlooked yet impactful story of President Garfield, highlighting themes relevant to today's society and his unrealized potential as a leader.