New Trailer for ‘Death by Lightning’ Series – Shannon, Offerman, Gilpin
by Alex Billington
October 9, 2025
Source: YouTube
“What line of work are you in?” “Politics.” Netflix has revealed the first official trailer for their upcoming mini-series titled Death by Lightning, a fascinating tale of American history. It is the story of President James Garfield and his greatest admirer Charles Guiteau, the man who would come to kill him. It’s a look back at a turbulent time in the USA, after the Civil War, when James Garfield would rise from poverty to become the 20th president before being assassinated. The new series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield, Betty Gilpin as Crete Garfield, Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Giteau, Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur, Bradley Whitford as James Blaine, Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling. Death by Lightning is a drama series that brings to life the epic and stranger-than-fiction true story of Garfield. With many other guest stars. The title comes from an actual Garfield quote: “Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning; it is best not to worry about either.” Quite prophetic. He was shot by a Republican officer seeker in 1881. This looks pretty damn good! Not only a fascinating look back at US political history, but also a kooky fun tale of men, power, fame, and politics. And of assassination, too, of course. View below.
Here’s the official trailer (+ poster) for Netflix’s series Death by Lightning, direct from YouTube:
⚡ “Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning; it is best not to worry about either.” –President James Garfield. Death by Lightning 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. Death by Lightning is a series created by producer / writer Mike Makowsky, screenwriter on Take Me, I Think We’re Alone Now, and Bad Education previously. The 4-episode historical mini-series is entirely written by Makowsky. Based on the history book titled “Destiny of the Republic” by Candice Millard. With episodes directed by Matt Ross. Made by Bighead Littlehead Productions and Slater Hall. Produced by Olly Robinson, David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Bernie Caulfield, Hameed Shaukat, Mark Taylor. Executive produced by former “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; Bernie Caulfield & Matt Ross. Netflix debuts the Death by Lightning series streaming on Netflix starting on November 6th, 2025 this fall. Look any good? Anyone interested?