Quick Read
- Death by Lightning premieres on Netflix on November 6, 2025 as a four-part limited series.
- Michael Shannon stars as President James Garfield, with Nick Offerman playing a key historical figure.
- The series is executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss (Game of Thrones).
- The story is based on Candice Millard’s book about Garfield’s assassination.
- Nick Offerman is not the victim of a lightning strike; the title is metaphorical.
Death by Lightning: Reviving a Forgotten Chapter of American History
On November 6, 2025, Netflix unveils Death by Lightning, a limited drama series that dives into one of America’s strangest presidential stories. Centered on the life and tragic end of James Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, this four-part series promises to blend historical intrigue with the emotional gravitas of a true crime epic. But it’s not just the story itself that’s drawing attention—it’s the cast, the creative team, and the sense that this forgotten moment might speak to today’s world more than anyone expects.
The Cast: Michael Shannon, Nick Offerman, and More
At the heart of Death by Lightning is Michael Shannon, inhabiting the role of James Garfield, a leader thrust into the presidency and ultimately into the crosshairs of a determined assassin. Garfield’s killer, Charles Guiteau, is brought to life by Matthew Macfadyen, whose ability to toggle between charisma and menace makes him an inspired choice for the role. Joining them is Nick Offerman, whose presence in the series has sparked curiosity among fans. Offerman, known for his dry wit and steady screen presence, plays a notable historical figure from Garfield’s era, adding depth and texture to the ensemble. Betty Gilpin and Shea Whigham round out the cast, each contributing their own brand of intensity to a story that’s anything but ordinary.
Behind the Scenes: Game of Thrones Makers Return
Death by Lightning arrives with serious pedigree behind the camera. The series is created by Mike Makowsky, who spent six years crafting the narrative, and is directed by Matt Ross. But what’s truly turning heads is the involvement of David Benioff and D.B. Weiss—best known for their work on Game of Thrones and 3 Body Problem—as executive producers. Their return to historical drama signals a commitment to complex storytelling and production value, ensuring that Garfield’s saga won’t be just another period piece. The series draws its inspiration from Candice Millard’s acclaimed book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, which lays bare the bizarre and tragic circumstances surrounding Garfield’s assassination.
Stranger Than Fiction: The Garfield-Guiteau Saga
In the late 19th century, America stood at a crossroads. The Civil War was a recent memory, and the country was wrestling with what its future should be. Enter James Garfield—a reluctant president, whose tenure lasted only a few months before he was fatally shot by Charles Guiteau. Guiteau, initially Garfield’s fervent admirer, quickly became his executioner, believing himself destined for glory. The series doesn’t just focus on the act itself, but on the world that produced it: the rampant corruption in government, the heated battle over civil service reform, and the personal struggles of a president trying to redefine what leadership meant in a rapidly changing nation.
As Makowsky explained in an official Netflix statement, “Six years into working on this project, it’s a story I still can’t believe is true—in all its wild, tragic glory—and it somehow feels even more relevant to our world today than ever before.” The theme of political corruption, the fight for reform, and the dangerous intersection of fanaticism and power give the show a resonance that extends beyond its historical setting. It’s not just about the past; it’s about what we’re willing to remember, and why.
Nick Offerman: Not the Victim, But a Key Witness
Despite some confusion online, Nick Offerman does not play the victim of a lightning strike in the series. Instead, he portrays a significant figure from Garfield’s administration—his role intertwined with the political drama and backroom machinations that defined the era. The title Death by Lightning refers metaphorically to the sudden, electrifying nature of Garfield’s assassination, not to a literal event involving Offerman. His casting has sparked a wave of interest, especially among viewers familiar with his previous work in comedy and drama. Here, Offerman’s performance is expected to be both understated and powerful, helping to anchor the series’ exploration of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal.
Why Now? History’s Lessons for Today
So why tell this story now? As Makowsky noted, “The theme of corruption in politics and our bureaucracy feels particularly evergreen these days.” In 1881, America was choosing its path forward—grappling with questions about justice, equality, and the role of government. Garfield’s fight for civil service reform, and his ultimate sacrifice, mirror contemporary debates about integrity and leadership. The show’s creators hope that by revisiting these events, viewers will find parallels to our current political climate, and perhaps a measure of wisdom in Garfield’s struggle.
For those who crave historical drama with substance, Death by Lightning offers more than just period costumes and set pieces. It’s a story about the cost of change, the dangers of fanaticism, and the unpredictable nature of power. With Netflix’s resources and a world-class cast, the series is poised to bring this chapter of history to a new generation of viewers.
Streaming Details and Premiere
Death by Lightning premieres exclusively on Netflix on November 6, 2025, as a four-part limited series. The creative collaboration between Makowsky, Ross, Benioff, and Weiss ensures that the production is as ambitious as its subject matter. For history buffs, fans of political drama, or anyone curious about the real events that shaped America, the series promises both education and entertainment.
The Takeaway: Remembering What History Forgets
In the end, Death by Lightning isn’t just about one man’s demise—it’s about a nation at a crossroads, and the people who tried to steer it. With Nick Offerman, Michael Shannon, and a cast of heavyweights leading the charge, Netflix’s latest prestige drama may spark new conversations about how the echoes of history continue to shape the present.
By focusing on the complexities of Garfield’s presidency and assassination, ‘Death by Lightning’ challenges viewers to reflect on the cycles of political ambition and reform. The involvement of Nick Offerman adds a layer of nuance, making this retelling both timely and timeless. In a landscape crowded with superficial biopics, this series stands out for its willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths of American history—and to ask what lessons remain unlearned.
Image Credits To Tudum