Review: 'Death by Lightning' Uncovers a Forgotten Presidential Tragedy
Netflix's four-part miniseries, adapted from Candice Millard's nonfiction book, reveals the little-known story of President James A. Garfield. The series, titled Death by Lightning, premiered Thursday on Netflix and introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.”
While Charles Guiteau, Garfield's assassin, is largely unknown to many in 2025, James A. Garfield remains a notable figure as one of only four American presidents to be assassinated. The series highlights a dramatic and tragic chapter in American history that is often overshadowed.
“Death By Lightning,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.”
The show chooses a compelling story that resonates with contemporary themes such as civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption, making it relevant to modern audiences. Garfield’s brief 200-day presidency ended abruptly, leaving many to wonder what kind of leader he could have been.
“Garfield, killed after only 200 days in office, might have made a very good chief executive.”
Unlike more familiar assassins or lesser-known presidents like John Tyler, this docudrama offers viewers a surprising narrative combined with built-in suspense from a historic murder.
Key Themes Explored
- Civil rights struggles
- Economic inequality
- Cronyism and political corruption
- The personal and national tragedy of an untimely death
Author’s summary: "Death by Lightning" uncovers the overlooked assassination of President Garfield, blending historical drama with issues still urgent today, highlighting a presidency cut tragically short.
Would you like the summary to be more formal or conversational?