Despite the public largely moving on from Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are continuing their success with new projects. Fresh off their hit show, 3 Body Problem, they’re now focusing on a historical drama about the life and assassination of President James Garfield.
So, I just finished hearing about this new limited series on Netflix, and it sounds amazing! The team behind Bad Education, Mike Makowsky, along with David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, tackled Candice Millard’s non-fiction book, Destiny of the Republic. They’ve turned it into a show called Death by Lightning, and the cast is seriously impressive – Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, Betty Gilpin, Nick Offerman, and Shea Whigham are all on board. Makowsky told Tudum he’s been working on this for six years, and he still can’t believe how true – and wild and tragic – the story of James Garfield and his time really is. He thinks it actually feels more relevant today, which is pretty powerful. I’m definitely adding this to my watchlist!
Death By Lightning Tells The Story Of A Nation At A Crossroads
Makowsky explains that despite being set almost 150 years ago, the series’ story feels surprisingly current. He points out that themes of political and bureaucratic corruption are always relevant, and the fight for government reform—something President Garfield championed—resonates strongly today. According to Makowsky, 1881 was a pivotal moment for America, a turning point that would shape the country’s future, and leaders like Garfield were key in defining what American society would become a century after its founding.
The story of Death by Lightning is truly captivating. It focuses on the life and presidency of James Garfield (played by Shannon), as well as Charles Guiteau (Macfadyen), a former admirer who ultimately assassinated him. The series has received high praise, currently holding a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic noted that while the story moves at a fast pace, it successfully humanizes historical events, reminding us that real people with their own hopes, fears, and imperfections are behind every headline and historical fact.
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2025-11-16 00:10