New Netflix Show by Game of Thrones Creators Earns Strong Rotten Tomatoes Score
Netflix has recently released its much-anticipated historical series, Death by Lightning. This miniseries, created by Mike Makowsky and executive produced by the famed duo behind Game of Thrones, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, chronicles the events leading to the assassination of U.S. President James A. Garfield, portrayed by Michael Shannon.
Strong Reception from Critics
Upon its debut, Death by Lightning achieved a commendable 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This score is an early indicator based on nine reviews. As more critics weigh in, this score could see changes.
Notably, the series has yet to accumulate an audience score, as it just premiered. Critics largely praise the miniseries for its insightful representation of Garfield’s presidency and the circumstances surrounding his assassination by Charles J. Guiteau, played by Matthew Macfadyen.
Performances That Stand Out
- Michael Shannon as President James A. Garfield
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles J. Guiteau
- Nick Offerman
- Betty Gilpin
- Bradley Whitford
- Shea Wingham
Critics have highlighted the performances of Shannon and Macfadyen as particularly compelling, with Macfadyen being singled out as a standout in the series. Reviewers have also noted the relevance of the show’s themes in today’s politically charged environment.
Production Details
Death by Lightning consists of four episodes, all directed by Matt Ross and based on Candice Millard’s acclaimed book, Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, published in 2011. The book not only became a national bestseller but also earned the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime in 2012.
Availability
All four episodes of Death by Lightning are currently available for streaming on Netflix.
