12 Shows Like Death by Lightning You Must See

Created by Mike Makowsky, Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ is the true story of the trials and tribulations of the 20th President of the US, James Garfield (Michael Shannon). On the other hand, it also narrates the life story of a great admirer of the president named Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen), a political aspirant who ultimately assassinated Garfield. The historical drama series chronicles the various stages in the lives of the two men as they navigate the complexities of politics in the post-Civil War era. While James rises through the ranks of the Republican Party, Charles wishes to contribute to politics in his own way.

As the aspirant tries to get some influence over the president, he is faced with numerous challenges in the series based on the book ‘Destiny of the Republic’ by Candice Millard. Faced with a sense of irrelevance and desperation, Charles aims to make his voice heard, no matter the cost. If the historical incidents, the unique characters, the visual elements, and the narrative tension in the story entertained you, these shows, similar to ‘Death by Lightning,’ will be worthy of your time.

12. Designated Survivor (2016-2019)

ABC’s ‘Designated Survivor’ centers on the life of a Cabinet member of the US Federal Government named Thomas Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), who unexpectedly becomes the president of the US due to a devastating attack on Washington, D.C., which kills the sitting president and members of Congress. Created by David Guggenheim, the political thriller drama series navigates the challenges faced by the new president as he has to tackle both domestic and international crises. As he takes up the highest office in the country, his family life also becomes challenging. On the heels of ‘Death by Lightning,’ the show delves into the politics surrounding the office of the US president, while also examining assassination plots and the dangers of wielding power.

11. The Comey Rule (2020)

Showtime’s ‘The Comey Rule’ dramatizes the conflict between former FBI Director James Comey (Jeff Daniels) and President Donald J. Trump (Brendan Gleeson). Their opposing personalities, ethics, and ideas cause chaos at the federal executive level. Created by Billy Ray, the political drama series explores the issues surrounding Hillary Clinton’s controversial emails and their impact on the election’s outcome. Based on the book ‘A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership’ by James Comey, it also focuses on the functioning of the government and the complexities of working under Donald Trump. As alliances shift and loyalties are questioned, the political landscape becomes increasingly complex. Akin to ‘Death by Lightning,’ it explores the intrigues surrounding the inner workings of the establishment, while also delving into the personality of the president.

10. Political Animals (2012)

In ‘Political Animals,’ Elaine Barrish (Sigourney Weaver), after conceding the Democratic presidential nomination to Paul Garcetti (Adrian Pasdar), serves as Secretary of State two years later. The loss prompts her to divorce her husband, Bud Hammond (Ciarán Hinds), a former president of the US, known for his extramarital affairs. Barrish, also a former Governor of Illinois, manages State Department affairs while struggling to keep her family unified in the face of political pressure and uncertainty. While she is faced with the challenges of politics, she also develops an alliance with a journalist named Susan Berg (Carla Gugino), who had previously opposed her. Created by Greg Berlanti, the comedy-drama series, like ‘Death by Lightning,’ features the secrets behind positions of power. Characters in both shows try to achieve political ambitions while also navigating personal challenges.

9. The Night Agent (2023-)

Netflix’s ‘The Night Agent’ is set in the perilous realm of spycraft and deception. It chronicles the experiences of Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), who is tasked initially with the seemingly mundane assignment of monitoring a secret telephone line for spies in the White House basement. However, he quickly finds himself entangled in a massive existential threat to US security. Based on the eponymous book by Matthew Quirk and created by Shawn Ryan, the espionage thriller series sees Peter team up with Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan), with whom he strives to safeguard national interests, navigating danger while forging a bond of loyalty and love. Due to its portrayal of political dynamics, secrets, and presidential intrigues, the show is spiritually connected to the world of ‘Death by Lightning,’ and its characters.

8. John Adams (2008)

HBO’s ‘John Adams’ is the dramatic visual telling of the ups and downs in the life of the titular character (Paul Giamatti), the second President of the US. One of the founding fathers of the country, his life’s story is presented poignantly in the drama series written by Kirk Ellis and directed by Tom Hooper. Based on the eponymous biography by David McCullough, the show delves into important moments in the life of the protagonist, including the Boston Massacre of 1770, and his experiences serving as the country’s ambassador in Europe. The challenges he faced in his life on the route to the presidency are the crux of the narrative. Resembling ‘Death by Lightning,’ it is based on real historical incidents and also highlights the life journey of a former president. The protagonists in both shows undergo a series of challenges to attain the highest office in the country.

7. House of Cards (2013-2018)

‘House of Cards’ tells the story of the complicated and intriguing life of Majority House Whip Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey). As he works through the ranks of power in the nation’s capital, he comes up with his own schemes and deceptions to achieve ultimate power. He also seeks revenge against those he believes betrayed him, including the sitting President. Alongside his charming wife, Claire Underworld (Robin Wright), he attempts to forge a brutal path towards success in the game of power. Based on the eponymous novel by Michael Dobbs and the eponymous British series by Andrew Davies, Netflix’s political thriller series is a navigation of desire and secrets. Created by Beau Willimon, its exploration of power, politics, the presidency, and the social structures of Washington establishes a connection with ‘Death by Lightning,’ and its unique characters.

6. The Plot Against America (2020)

HBO’s ‘The Plot Against America’ envisions an alternate reality during World War II in America. Aviator Charles Lindbergh (Ben Cole), a xenophobic populist, becomes president, steering the US toward fascism. Created by David Simon and Ed Burns, the drama series, based on Philip Roth’s eponymous novel, follows a working-class Jewish family in New Jersey as their lives are dramatically impacted by the advent of the new regime and its dangerous ideologies. While the show is based on an imagined alternate reality, it reflects the social struggles and political realities of the time period. On the lines of ‘Death by Lightning,’ it talks about the intricacies of power and also comments on the idea of public opinion. The stories are connected at a greater level due to similar visual tones.

5. Favorite Son (1988)

In NBC’s ‘Favorite Son,’ following an attempt on the life of a vice-presidential hopeful named Terrence “Terry” Fallon (Harry Hamlin), an investigator uncovers a deep and mysterious plot involving the current presidential staff, who are prepared to utilize extreme measures to secure a second term. The corridors of power and the inner workings of the federal government’s top level are examined in the political thriller based on the eponymous novel by Steve Sohmer, who serves as the writer of the show, directed by Jeff Bleckner. On the lines of ‘Death by Lightning,’ it explores the concept of relevance in politics and the dangers associated with the office of the president. In both stories, the concept of political assassination also plays a significant role.

4. Hoover vs. the Kennedys: The Second Civil War (1987)

‘Hoover vs. the Kennedys: The Second Civil War’ chronicles the bitter feud between FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Jack Warden) and the powerful Kennedy family of the US. The nucleus of the story is the examination of Hoover’s intense animosity toward the politically affluent family. As Hoover tries to undermine their name, the family attempts to resist his influence. The political drama series directed by Michael O’Herlihy spans the period from John Kennedy’s (Robert Pine) election to the presidency until Bobby Kennedy’s (Nicholas Campbell) assassination. Written by the aforementioned director, along with Lionel E. Siegel, it delves into the heart of political disagreements at the highest level of American politics, just like ‘Death by Lightning.’ The stories look at the highs and lows in the relationships between the main characters. In the shows, presidential authority and the act of assassination are vital elements.

3. The Kennedys (2011)

‘The Kennedys’ is the story of one of the most powerful and popular families in American history. Written by Stephen Kronish and Joel Surnow, it highlights the tragedies and achievements of individuals like John F. Kennedy (Greg Kinnear) and Robert Kennedy (Barry Pepper) as members of the family and important political figures. The political drama series is narrated through the viewpoint of Joseph Kennedy Sr. (Tom Wilkinson), a businessman who achieves relevance through his children. Directed by Jon Cassar, the show, akin to ‘Death by Lightning,’ is based on true happenings. The two shows are connected as they both deal with assassinations, political aspirations, and the nature of power in America.

2. Kennedy (2023)

Created by Ashton Gleckman, History’s ‘Kennedy’ looks at the important and defining moments in the life of President John F. Kennedy. The documentary series examines the rise of the man by shedding light on the early parts of his life, his foray into politics, and his contributions to the country’s history at large. The documentary reflects various perspectives on the life of John F. Kennedy, from famous personalities like Conan O’Brien. Narrated by Peter Coyote, the visual product is spiritually connected to ‘Death by Lightning,’ as it covers real events that shaped America’s history. Despite the genre and tonal differences, the two shows are grounded explorations of the lives of former presidents.

1. Manhunt (2024)

Apple TV+’s ‘Manhunt’ deals with the events after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater). After the shocking killing carried out by John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle), the Secretary of War Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies) leads a national manhunt for the assassin and also attempts to safeguard the ideology of the assassinated leader, reflected in Lincoln’s Reconstruction plans for the country. Based on ‘Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer’ by James L. Swanson, the show created by Monica Beletsky dives deep into the heart of political intrigues. Like ‘Death by Lightning,’ the historical drama series is based on true events and examines the mysteries behind a presidential assassination. The psyche of the perpetrator is an important part of the stories, which also include similar visual elements.