Quick Takeaways:
- Netflix’s Death by Lightning has a penetrative, four-episode retelling of President James Garfield’s story.
- The circumscribed series features standout performances from Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen.
- Its unrelenting runtime makes it an idealistic, low-tension Thanksgiving binge.
A Limited Series That Won’t Start a Family Fight
Netflix’s Death by Lightning arrives at a perfect moment. Thanksgiving table debates can turn chaotic fast, especially in a heated political climate. This series gives families a safer topic: 19th-century politics and a gripping presidential tragedy.
A Flying and Powerful Retelling of Garfield’s Story
The Four-installment series explores the emanation and blackwash of President James P. Garfield.
Michael Shannon’s work in Garfield is calm and intense, while Matthew Macfadyen saves a chilling performance as Charles J. Guiteau, the man who shot him. The story is miserly, compelling, and never drags.
Bite-Sized Episodes You Can Eat Up in One Sitting
The intact serial runs four times of day. The episode straddles from 47 to 66 mo, defecating the show promiscuously to binge or dissever across the holiday weekend. Its brusque data formatting mirrors the length of Garfield’s presidency, which terminated after only 200 days.
Critics Congratulations Strong Performances
Reviewers have mentioned the stamp’s exceptional work. Critics highlight Shannon and Macfadyen’s chemical science and the standout digest public presentation from Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, and Shea Whigham. The serial publication holds a warm 90% paygrade on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and audiences.
A Series Originally Written to Be Longer
According to creator Mike Makowsky, the show was first conceived as a six-episode run. It was only greenlit after being condensed into four episodes.
Despite that, the pacing stays sharp, and the story remains focused. Some critics wanted more historical depth, but most agree the series delivers a complete arc.
Steady Viewership Since Release
Death by Lightning debuted as the fifth most-watched Netflix show during its first week, earning 32 million views in four days. It matched those numbers once again in its first full workweek.
That consistency speaks strongly to Word-of-mouth talk for a historic drama aimed at a recession but pleasing the audience.
Perfect Timing for a Holiday Watch
The series premieres just after Election Day, tallying unexpected relevance without leaning into modern political tension. Makowsky says the timing was a “happy accident, ” but the spill coordinated well with viewers telling a meaningful tale during a polarized season.
A Safe, Smart, and Engaging Choice for Thanksgiving
If you postulate an appearance that flirts with without triggering heated debates, Death by Lightning is an ideal pick. It is dramatic without being divisive and educational without palpable profundity. This Thanksgiving, skim the contention and double-dyed about Garfield instead.