How accurate is Death by Lightning? Exploring facts vs fiction in the latest Netflix drama

How Accurate Is Death by Lightning?

Death by Lightning opens by asking a simple but crucial question: “Who is Charles Guiteau?” This sets the tone for Netflix’s latest historical mini-series, which blends political thriller elements with tragedy, focusing closely on historical truth.

The series urges viewers to question how much of what they see is grounded in actual American history. The answer is that much of it is accurate. While some creative liberties are taken to engage the audience, Death by Lightning largely remains faithful to the real story of President James Garfield’s rise and tragic fall.

A Blend of Fact and Dramatic Flair

Despite a few artistic choices and shuffled timelines, the show delivers a historical narrative that sometimes feels too cinematic to believe. Netflix portrays James Garfield (played by Michael Shannon) as a modest man who never aspired to the presidency.

"The show starts off with him literally building a table as if it were to remind us that this guy’s hands were made for work and not politics."

Remarkably, this detail is authentic—Garfield was indeed more content working on his Ohio farm than navigating the halls of Washington.

Summary

Death by Lightning effectively balances historical accuracy with engaging drama, offering viewers a faithful yet compelling portrayal of James Garfield's life and presidency.

Would you like the tone to be more formal or conversational?

Soap Central — 2025-11-07