A new month is here, and it means a look for something else to watch. When it comes to period dramas, Netflix has a new one that looks both humorous and enlightening. It’s all about Death By Lightning.
When it comes to presidential assassination history, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy are often the ones that people remember. However, they were not the only presidents to be assassinated. James A. Garfield and William McKinley are two that are often overlooked, but one of those not anymore.
What is Death By Lightning about?
The new Netflix series will focus on the assassination of James Garfield in 1881. In history, you’ll learn that he was shot twice in the back by a man considered mentally ill, Charles Guiteau. Garfield didn’t die immediately, though, and succumbed to his wounds two months later.
The four-part miniseries takes us into the events that led up to Guiteau’s actions. It’s a chance to see why Guiteau was such a supporter at first, and then the events that made him decide that assassination was the answer. There are a few teases in the trailer, but I don’t feel like this one gives everything away.
Of course, it’s hard not to give a lot away in a trailer about a story based on real events. History books tell us what happened!
Take a look at the promo for Death By Lightning:
When will Death By Lightning come to Netflix?
There isn’t long to wait for the new series. All four episodes will drop on Netflix on Thursday, Nov. 6.
The episodes tend to drop at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT. It’s up to you if you’re going to stay away, but this is a show that will be around in the evening or into the weekend if you’re willing to avoid spoilers online!
Death By Lightning cast
Michael Shannon takes on the role of James A. Garfield, while Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles J. Guiteau. According to history, Guiteau believed that he was the reason Garfield was elected to office, and he thought that he deserved a position because of that. However, Garfield and his supporters believed otherwise.
Nick Offerman takes on the role of Chester A. Arthur, who would become president after Garfield’s death. He plays a prominent role in the trailer for the show.
The rest of the main cast includes:
- Betty Gilpin as Lucretia Garfield
- Bradley Whitford as James Blaine
- Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling
Game of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are executive producers along with Mike Makowskey, Bernie Caulfield, and Matt Ross. It’s also based on the story Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard, which is worth a read if you want to get into the details before the show drops.
Death By Lightning drops on Netflix on Thursday, Nov. 6.
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