Death By Lightning is one of the big new shows debuting on Netflix!
The series made its debut Thursday (November 6), and is a drama series that brings to life the epic and stranger-than-fiction true story of James Garfield, reluctant 20th president of the United States, and his greatest admirer Charles Guiteau — the man who would come to kill him.
The limited series consists of four episodes, created and written by Mike Makowsky.
Keep reading to find out more…
The series stars Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, Nick Offerman, Bradley Whitford, Shea Whigham, and Betty Gilpin.
Guest stars include Alistair Petrie, Archie Fisher, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ben Miles, Kyle Soller, Laura Marcus, Paula Malcomson, Shaun Parkes, Tuppence Middleton, Vondie Curtis Hall, and Zeljko Ivanek.
The first reviews are now in for the series…
Death by Lightning currently has a 90% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
LA Times writes: “Created by Mike Makowsky, it isn’t free from theatrical effects, dramatic overreach or obvious statements, but as period pieces go, it’s unusually persuasive, in big and little ways. Only occasionally does one feel taken out of a 19th century reality into a 21st century television series. The effects budget has been spent where it matters, with some detailed evocations of late 19th century Chicago and Washington that don’t scream CGI. ”
THR says: “The series offers [Bradley] Whitford his latest opportunity to express general bemusement with the American political process, this time sporting a bushy white beard, and [Shea] Whigham his latest opportunity to be an uncouth bull in an otherwise genteel china shop. These are very good actors doing, in a small sample size, what they do best.”
USA Today writes: “Lightning, like last year’s Apple series Manhunt, about the search for Lincoln’s assassin, is a superb reminder that we need not look across the pond to find fascinating tales from the past. On the eve of the nation’s 250th birthday, amid our own political chaos and strife, there has never been a better time to look back at how we got here.”
Variety says: “While Death by Lightning isn’t the most riveting political drama, it is refreshing to see a depiction of a forgotten man who could have put our country on an alternative course. ”
The Independent says: “Period dramas about politics face as difficult a fight to ‘cut through’ to a wider audience as politicians themselves. And despite its stellar performances, this one probably won’t convince swing voters.”