We Watched the Whole Thing… Netflix viewers say they only planned to watch one episode of this gripping historical drama — only to find themselves finishing the entire series in a single sitting.

Netflix viewers are racing through this gripping four-part historical drama

Finding a series that is compelling enough to watch in one sitting can be a challenge, but Netflix viewers say they have found exactly that in Death by Lightning.

The historical drama has emerged as a favourite among fans discussing the best shows currently available on the streaming service. Its four-episode format appears to be a major part of the appeal, with viewers repeatedly saying they intended to watch an episode or two before ending up finishing the entire series.

The show recently came up in a Reddit discussion where viewers were asked to recommend underrated Netflix programmes worth binge-watching.

One user explained that they had already watched many of the platform’s most popular shows and were looking for something less obvious. They asked fellow viewers to suggest hidden gems or newer series that had managed to keep them hooked.

Viewers say Death by Lightning is an easy binge

The response to Death by Lightning was immediate.

One viewer recommended it because it was “great” and particularly easy to binge because the story is told across only four episodes. Another agreed, adding that the series has a great cast as well as a compelling story.

Other viewers were even more enthusiastic about how quickly they became absorbed in the drama.

One fan said they had “binged it in one sitting”, singling out Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen for their mesmerising performances. They also praised Nick Offerman’s portrayal of Chester Arthur, along with the supporting cast.

Another viewer described a similar experience, explaining that they had sat down with their wife intending to watch just one episode, only to realise they had watched the entire series.

Others echoed the praise, with one saying they had finished the show that day and really enjoyed it. Another admitted that the series had been much better than expected and proved to be a particularly enjoyable watch.

The repeated reaction from viewers is clear: once the series gets going, stopping after a single episode can be difficult.

What is Death by Lightning about?

For anyone yet to discover the series, Death by Lightning is an American historical drama miniseries created by Mike Makowsky. It is based on Candice Millard’s 2011 book Destiny of the Republic.

Michael Shannon stars as James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, while Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles J. Guiteau, the man who ultimately assassinates him.

The four-part miniseries arrived on Netflix in November 2025 and received considerable critical acclaim following its release, with particular attention paid to the performances from its cast.

The American Film Institute subsequently selected Death by Lightning as one of the year’s finest television series.

The story centres on Garfield’s election and presidency, including his efforts to confront political corruption and his commitment to civil rights.

Running alongside that political story is Garfield’s increasingly tragic connection with Guiteau. Guiteau initially presents himself as a supporter of the president, but the relationship ultimately takes a devastating turn when he shoots Garfield, setting in motion the events that lead to the president’s death.

A cast that has won plenty of praise

Much of the enthusiasm surrounding Death by Lightning has focused on its performances.

Shannon takes on the central role of James A. Garfield, while Macfadyen portrays Charles J. Guiteau. Betty Gilpin plays Garfield’s wife, Lucretia Garfield, and Shea Whigham appears as Roscoe Conkling.

The combination of a relatively short four-episode run, a dramatic historical story and a cast that viewers have repeatedly praised has helped make the series a popular recommendation among Netflix subscribers looking for something they can finish in a single sitting.

For viewers with a spare afternoon or evening and a taste for historical drama, Death by Lightning is proving to be one of the shows fans are particularly keen to recommend.