Death By Lightning has Netflix viewers in a chokehold. It seems like a well-made limited series can still bring in quite an audience. Death By Lightning also has the added bonus of being supported by a shocking historical event. Namely, the assasination of United States President James Garfield. Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, and Betty Gilpin all star in this dramatic look back at the 20th president. This kind of drama, period piece flare, and acting talent are usually a winning formula in the era of streaming.
Of course, Netflix is no stranger to taking a real life story and adapting it to the screen. (Sometimes, missing the point or editing the story to the point of incredulity.) But, it seems like Death By Lightning hews a bit closer to the text of the book it was based-on. That’s part of what has so many people wrapped-up in the doomed tale of Andrew Garfield. TUDUM caught up with showrunner Mike Makowsky to talk about the series and the ways a shocking story like this still speaks to audiences.
