Historical dramas have a knack for keeping the past alive. The best ones provide an engaging narrative while also teaching you something in the process. If the characters are particularly memorable, even better.
Death by Lightning is no exception. Recounting the story of the 20th American president, it’s often wilder than fiction. So much so that it’s currently the fifth most-watched show on Netflix, with 3.2 million views this week. Does that mean we should expect a sequel?
Death by Lightning Season 2
At the time of writing, Death by Lightning season 2 is unlikely. Netflix lists the title as a limited series. Moreover, the story is self-contained. The show feels complete, even though it only consists of four episodes.
That said, you never know. Some limited series have received sequels after viewers showed a big interest.
Death by Lightning could turn into an anthology, each season depicting another interesting moment or complicated relationship in American history. For now, however, the story seems to be a one-and-done affair.
Death by Lightning Cast
- Michael Shannon as James A. Garfield
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles J. Guiteau
- Betty Gilpin as Lucretia Garfield
- Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling
- Bradley Whitford as James Blaine
- Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur
What Is Death by Lightning About?
Death by Lightning is based on the book Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard. It centres on United States President James A. Garfield and his eventual assassin, Charles J. Guiteau.
Garfield rises from humble beginnings at a time when the nation is grappling with corruption and the struggle to reform its civil service. An idealistic man, he’s committed to public service rather than power.
Meanwhile, Guiteau is a delusional figure who once admired Garfield, but becomes convinced that he’s owed a political position. When his pleas are ignored, his mental instability spirals, and he takes violent action.
Besides political intrigue, the series showcases the flawed state of 19th-century medicine. Garfield’s fate is sealed not just by a bullet, but by a cascade of medical missteps. In his absence, Vice President Chester Arthur is forced to step up.
By the time the show concludes, both main characters are dead. Death by Lightning season 2, while unlikely, could follow Arthur, unless it takes the anthology route. For now, though, the four episodes available tell a full (and satisfying) story.
Are There Other Shows Like Death by Lightning?
Fans of Death by Lightning might like some of the other popular period dramas streaming on Netflix. We recommend checking out House of Guinness, Peaky Blinders, and The Crown.
