Death by Lightning (2025)
TV series · Drama, Crime
Stream itif you appreciate a sharp, character-driven historical study anchored by powerhouse performances.
A focused historical drama that examines the tragic intersection of an unlikely president and his delusional assassin. It is a character-driven period piece that favors psychological depth and political maneuvering over broader historical sweeping.
What it is about
The story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America's 20th President — and Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him.
Trailer
What Death by Lightning is like, and who it is for
What it is like to watch
This series presents a methodical and claustrophobic look at nineteenth-century American politics, trading grand spectacle for intense, intimate psychological portraits. The pace is deliberate, mirroring the slow-motion collision between a reluctant leader and a man unravelling at the seams. It feels grounded and tactile, prioritising the internal lives of its subjects over typical biopic tropes.
Who it is for, and who should skip it
It is tailor-made for viewers who enjoy deep dives into political history and the anatomy of a crime. Those seeking high-octane action or a sprawling war epic should skip this, as the drama remains tightly focused on specific individuals. One caveat is that the tone is consistently somber, leaning heavily into the tragic inevitability of its central historical event.
The right evening for it
This is perfect for a quiet evening of focused viewing when you want to be fully immersed in a different era. It suits those who enjoy discussing the intricacies of ambition and madness after the credits roll.
Written by our AI from the facts on this page. It has opinions; it has not watched it.
How Death by Lightning leaves you
One line on the mood it ends on, with no plot. Some people count that as a spoiler, so it stays hidden until you ask.
Expect to come away feeling thoughtful and perhaps slightly unsettled by the fragility of power and the devastating impact of one man's obsession.
Stills
Images from TMDB.
If you like this, try
Manhunt (2024)
the same forensic focus on a presidential assassination and its aftermath
The Knick (2014)
the same gritty, authentic depiction of late 19th-century systems and society
Suggested by our AI for what they share with this one. Linked titles have a page here; the rest are worth a search on the browse page.
Death by Lightning soundtrack
Music by Ramin Djawadi
Death by Lightning (Soundtrack from the Netflix Limited Series)
Ramin Djawadi · 2025 · 27 tracks
Listen on Apple Music- 1Prove My Worth
- 2The Man from Ohio
- 3Daily Theocrat
- 4Meeting the President
- 5The Story of a Hero
- 6It's a Deadlock
- 7A Big Game
- 8The Nominee
- 9Show Me a Better Man
- 10A Sound Investment
Album and songs from Apple Music.
Questions people ask
- Is Death by Lightning an authentic series?
- Yes. On Watchlist Boosted it is tagged Authentic. A focused historical drama that examines the tragic intersection of an unlikely president and his delusional assassin. It is a character-driven period piece that favors psychological depth and political maneuvering over broader historical sweeping.
- How many seasons of Death by Lightning are there?
- 1 season and 4 episodes, at about 53 min an episode. It has finished, so you can watch the whole thing.
- Where can I watch Death by Lightning in Canada?
- In Canada, Death by Lightning is included with Netflix (all plans).
- Where can I watch Death by Lightning in the UK?
- In the UK, Death by Lightning is included with Netflix (all plans).
- Who composed the music for Death by Lightning?
- The music for Death by Lightning is by Ramin Djawadi. The soundtrack album, Death by Lightning (Soundtrack from the Netflix Limited Series), has 27 tracks.
- What songs are on the Death by Lightning soundtrack?
- Death by Lightning (Soundtrack from the Netflix Limited Series) has 27 tracks, including “Prove My Worth”, “The Man from Ohio”, “Daily Theocrat”, “Meeting the President” and “The Story of a Hero”, and more. It is on Apple Music.
- Is Death by Lightning worth watching?
- Stream it: if you appreciate a sharp, character-driven historical study anchored by powerhouse performances. IMDb users rate it 7.6 out of 10 from 20,091 votes and TMDB users 7.3.
More authentic titles
Same mood, saved by people here. See all authentic titles.
Secrets of the Neanderthals (2024)
documentary · Authentic · IMDb 6.4
An evocative and scholarly look at our ancient ancestors that balances scientific discovery with a sense of wonder. It is a thoughtful, steady-paced historical exploration narrated with gravitas.
Ballad of a Small Player (2025)
film · Authentic · IMDb 5.9 · In English, Cantonese and Mandarin
A moody and atmospheric drama set against the high-stakes world of Macau gambling, though its low critical score suggests it may struggle to hit its marks. It is a slow-burn character study for those who enjoy stories of desperate people in glamorous, neon-lit settings.
Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult (2024)
documentary · Authentic · IMDb 6.1
An unsettling examination of how social media ambition can be exploited by predatory structures. It is a disturbing and frustrating watch that focuses on personal testimonies and the emotional toll of manipulation.
Spaceman (2024)
film · Authentic · IMDb 5.7 · In English, Czech and Korean
A meditative and somber psychodrama that swaps space action for a slow-burn exploration of loneliness and regret. It is a quiet, demanding film that rewards patience but may alienate those looking for traditional sci-fi thrills.
A Jazzman's Blues (2022)
film · Authentic · IMDb 6.8
A sprawling, emotionally charged drama that blends a forbidden romance with the harsh realities of the Deep South's history. It is a stylishly made, heavy-hitting film for viewers who want a grand, character-driven story filled with secrets and music.
The Figo Affair: The Transfer That Changed Football (2022)
documentary · Authentic · IMDb 7.1 · In English and Spanish
A dense and fascinating breakdown of a sports scandal, blending interview perspectives to reveal the manipulation behind the scenes. It is a cynical, business-focused look at the beautiful game that feels more like a heist thriller than a highlight reel.