Death by Lightning Draws Steady Netflix Viewership for Historical Drama

Netflix’s new historical drama, *Death by Lightning*, is attracting a consistent audience. The series premiered on the streaming platform in early November 2024. It chronicles the brief presidency and assassination of James A. Garfield.

The show’s performance demonstrates a solid interest in prestige historical content. According to Netflix’s own viewing data, the series has held its ground among a competitive slate of programming.

Series Holds Strong in Netflix Top Ten

For its debut week, the miniseries landed at number five. It garnered 3.2 million views in just four days. The following week, it maintained the same position and viewership count.

This steady hold is notable for a biographical political drama. It suggests strong word-of-mouth and a dedicated core audience. The show has not seen a significant drop-off, which is a positive sign for its longevity on the platform.

Why The Show Resonates With Modern Audiences

The series explores political violence and a fractured national climate. Its creators have noted the timeliness of these themes. This relevance may be a key factor in its appeal beyond typical history buffs.

Critics have praised the show’s pacing and powerful performances. The condensed, four-episode format makes it an easy binge. This approach has been credited for making a 19th-century story feel immediate and engaging for today’s viewers.

The consistent performance of Death by Lightning proves that a well-told historical story can find a dedicated modern viewership on a global platform like Netflix.

Thought you’d like to know

How many episodes does Death by Lightning have?

The series is a limited run of four episodes. This makes for a concise and bingeable viewing experience. The entire story is contained within this brief season.

Is Death by Lightning based on a true story?

Yes, it is a historical drama based on real events. It follows the life and assassination of President James A. Garfield. The show is adapted from the book *Destiny of the Republic* by Candice Millard.

Who stars in the Netflix series?

Michael Shannon plays President James Garfield. Matthew Macfadyen portrays his assassin, Charles Guiteau. The supporting cast includes Nick Offerman and Bradley Whitford.

What is the critical reception for the show?

The series has been well-received by critics. It holds a high score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Performances from the lead actors have been particularly highlighted.

Why was the series shortened from six episodes?

The creator has suggested the project was only greenlit as a four-episode series. A tighter format was seen as more viable for production and audience engagement. The story was originally conceived for a longer run.