'Death By Lightning' Ending Explained, How 'James Garfield's' Execution By 'Charles' Changed History

Death by Lightning is a new Netflix series that was released on November 06, 2025. The series directed by Matt Ross tells the real story of US President James A. Garfield, whose life and death changed America's history. For those who don't know, the series is based on the book, Destiny of the Republic and it stars Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen. Read on to know how the series, Death by Lightning ends.

Plotline of Death by Lightning

Death by Lightning follows two people, 'President James A. Garfield' and 'Charles Guiteau' (the man who kills him). The series explores 'Garfield’s' surprising rise and quiet leadership, and 'Guiteau’s' growing obsession and desperate need for recognition. Rather than showing just the obsession and killing, the series shows how a humble man like 'Garfield' is chosen for the presidency and then he becomes the leader, who wants to change the government. 

The series also shows 'Charles Guiteau' as a failed, hungry-for-attention man, who drifts through life, joins odd groups and tries to attach himself to power. He believes a speech he wrote helped Garfield win and expects a government job and when he doesn’t get it, his disappointment turns into a violent plan. Later, 'Guiteau' shoots 'Garfield' in a public train station. Later, 'Guiteau' is arrested and put on a highly public trial. 

How does Death by Lightning end?

The series concludes by showing how 'President James A. Garfield’s' promising tenure ends in tragedy and how 'Charles J. Guiteau', meets his downfall. Towards the end, viewers will see how 'Charles' shoots 'James'. He initially survived but infection and poor treatment killed him. In the final episodes, 'Garfield's' death motivates political reform in the U.S., especially efforts to clean up the “spoils system” of government jobs. Later, 'Charles' is tried, convicted and executed. In the end, the series asks the viewers to think how one man's life changed the entire history and how another man's ambition became a cautionary tale. 

Is Death by Lightning based on a true story?

Death by Lightning is a Netflix original series, directed by Matt Ross was released on November 06, 2025. The series is based on real events from U.S. history, but it dramatises the events. The series follows actual people and events from 1881. The show's creator, Mike Makowsky adapted the story from the book, Destiny of the Republic. The series stars Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, Betty Giplin, Nick Offerman, Laura Marcus and more. For those who want to watch the series, it is available for streaming on Netflix.

More about Michael Shannon

Michael Corbett Shannon was born on August 7, 1974. His father, Donald worked as an accounting professor and his mother is a lawyer. Before being a recognised actor, he co-founded A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago. He made his film debut with Groundhog Day and later worked in projects like Revolutionary Road, Nocturnal Animals, Boardwalk Empire, Man of Steel, The Flash and more. 

Have you watched Death by Lightning? Share your reviews with us. 

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