Death by Lightning (2025) is an American historical drama miniseries. It is a four-episode limited series created and written by Mike Makowsky and directed by Matt Ross.
The show stars Michael Shannon as President James A. Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Charles J. Guiteau, with Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, and Shea Whigham in supporting roles.
Based on Candice Millard’s book Destiny of the Republic, it dramatizes Garfield’s brief presidency and the events leading to his assassination; the series premieres on Netflix on November 6, 2025.
Death by Lightning Age Rating
Death by Lightning is rated TV-MA for mature audiences due to its serious subject matter. This is not a series suitable for children. The MA rating is based on the series’ heavy themes, tense political drama, and depictions of historical violence.
Violence and Intense Moments
The show is built around a political assassination, so be prepared for scenes of gun violence and its graphic aftermath, though the violence is focused on realism rather than gratuitous gore.
- Assassination Depiction: The central event—the shooting of President Garfield—is a key part of the plot.
- Tension and Threat: The series will show the assassin’s spiraling obsession and mental illness, leading to tense, psychologically threatening moments that build dread and shock.
- Historical Medical Scenes: The show touches on 19th-century medical practices and the resulting consequences of his treatment. These scenes are likely to be grim, realistic, and emotionally difficult to watch, showing the severity of trauma in a time before modern medicine.
Language
Expect some strong, adult language to be used throughout the series. It’s not the main concern for the MA rating, but viewers will hear occasional profanity in heated political arguments and private exchanges, reflecting the raw and dramatic nature of the story.
Mature and Psychological Themes
The most significant mature element is the series’ in-depth exploration of heavy, adult themes:
- Political Corruption and Power: The drama focuses on the complexity and dark side of 19th-century American politics, including corruption and the patronage system.
- Mental Illness and Obsession: A major storyline follows the assassin’s psychological state and delusional obsession, offering a complex look at mental illness and how it influenced a historical event.
- Legal Drama: There are emotionally demanding scenes covering the aftermath of the shooting, including Guiteau’s trial and his defense based on insanity.
- Death and Public Grief: The series handles themes of death, trauma, and public mourning following the attack on the president.
Is Death by Lightning Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: No. The central subject — an assassination and its medical aftermath — is too intense and historically complex for preteens. The violent event and mature themes may cause fear and confusion.
Ages 13–15: With guidance. Mature teens may handle the historical context but could be disturbed by the graphic or clinical aspects of medical aftermath and the moral darkness in politics. If a parent or guardian pre-screens and offers discussion, some 14–15 year-olds might watch with supervision.
Ages 16–17: Probably yes. Older teens who are historically curious and emotionally mature can likely watch this series, especially if paired with parental context about the history and Garfield’s story. Expect to pause for questions and talk about mental illness, political violence, and medical history.
Final recommendation: Best suited to viewers 16+. The series is intended for mature audiences and is rated TV-MA on Netflix.
What Parents Can Do
- Pre-screen one episode first. That helps you judge the tone, the realism of violent scenes, and whether your teen is ready.
- Prepare a brief historical primer. Explain who James A. Garfield and Charles Guiteau were, why the assassination matters, and what 19th-century medicine looked like. This reduces shock and turns viewing into a learning opportunity.
- Use it for guided discussion after viewing. Talk about mental health, the dangers of entitlement and political violence, and the difference between dramatization and historical record.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q1: What is the official rating for Death by Lightning?
A1: The series is rated TV-MA for mature themes and depictions of assassination and its aftermath.
Q2: Is Death by Lightning appropriate for teens?
A2: It may be appropriate for older teens (16–17) with context; younger teens should watch only with careful parental guidance.
Q3: Are there scary or violent scenes?
A3: Yes. The plot revolves around an assassination, so there are tense and violent moments, including the shooting and its medical consequences.
Q4: Is strong language used in the series?
A4: The series uses adult language in dramatic and heated scenes; language contributes to the mature tone.
Q5: Does Death by Lightning include sexual content or nudity?
A5: Early press and trailer coverage focus on political drama and violence. There’s no prominent reporting of sexual content as a core element; the mature rating is driven mainly by violence and adult themes. Parents should still pre-screen to be sure.
Q6: Where and when can I watch the series?
A6: All four episodes will be available on Netflix from November 6, 2025.