Enjoyed watching Netflix's Death by Lightning? Watch these 5 drama adaptations next and you won't regret it 

If you just finished watching Death by Lightning, you are probably on the same page with me: it is a well-made historical drama that has a great deal of grip! The limited series from Netflix, which ran for a short period, consequently came into the public spotlight starting from November 6, 2025. It is a retelling of the unfortunate incident revolving around President James A. Garfield (Michael Shannon) and his assassin Charles J. Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen).

A murder, as depicted in the series, embroils the audience to the extent of being visualized along with the characters. With political intrigue, personal drama, ambition, reform, and tragedy all combined, Death by Lightning not only narrates history but also involves you in it. If this mixture left you wanting more, there are still many historical dramas that present the same tension and complexity.

Death by Lightning easily turns historical figures into human beings, showing the angry clash of personal and political forces in the United States of the late 19th century. The series strands Garfield’s reformist agenda and the consequences of his assassination, while at the same time portraying the intimate characters of the historical events.

If that balance caught your attention, the next seven historical dramas will give you similar experiences, mixing political tension, human stories, and historical accuracy to keep you glued to the screen.

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Here are 5 drama adaptations that you can watch if you enjoyed watching Netflix's Death by Lightning

1. Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light (2025)

If Death by Lightning was appealing because of its political intrigue and the personal stakes involved, Wolf Hall is an obvious transition. This British historical drama shows Thomas Cromwell’s life in Tudor England and the ruin of his dreams, power pursuits, and everything that went along with him.

Cromwell, just like Garfield in Death by Lightning, is under huge political pressure, and he must navigate a deadly world of dangers in which a single error can lead to his death. Wolf Hall has received accolades for its historical accuracy, striking visuals, and the intricacy of its characters.

The strong and human-centric narrative style that was one of the reasons that made Death by Lightning appealing is also central to this series.

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2. John Adams (2008)

The story of John Adams, the second president of the United States, is told in the seven-episode miniseries produced by HBO, from the Boston Massacre up to his death. To some extent, Adams in Death by Lightning shares the challenges of a leader facing a national crisis during the tumultuous times of the American Revolution.

Both series explore themes such as political reform, institutional instability, and the ineluctable personal costs of steering a nation through critical historical moments.

Mixing political drama with intimate family moments, the John Adams miniseries offers viewers the same historical human connection that made Death by Lightning so memorable.

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3. Deadwood (2004–2006)

The narrative of this show unfolds in the lawless frontier town of Deadwood, South Dakota, where it focuses on government corruption, human ambition, and the community’s formation after the Civil War. Although the setting differs from Garfield’s D.C., Deadwood has comparable content to Death by Lightning: fragile institutions, ethical compromise, and the struggle between order and chaos.

The audience will likely enjoy Deadwood, as the latter’s honesty, historical accuracy, and depiction of the dirty fights for power in a fast-changing society are the main attractions.

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4. Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014)

Set against the disillusioned and carefree atmosphere of 1920s Atlantic City, Boardwalk Empire follows Enoch “Nucky” Thompson. He navigates political corruption and organized crime, revealing how ambition and greed can shape historical outcomes. The series also highlights the intersection of individual power with systemic corruption, showing how the struggle for power and monetary gain can potentially rewrite history.

The series, which received an Emmy award, is credited for its historical authenticity, complex characters, and superbly rendered storyline. It makes the series an excellent choice for followers of Garfield’s tale.

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5. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018)

This series is more recent, but it still presents the murder of Gianni Versace by Andrew Cunanan as a tragic incident, depicting the collision of unstable characters with the powerful. Likewise, Death by Lightning also focuses on the killing of a famous leader and presents its impact on society and history as a ripple effect.

The two series share the drama of human nature, the shortcomings of institutions, and the unintended outcomes of violence.

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Why these shows are perfect for Death by Lightning fans

Each of the above-mentioned dramas has one or more of the core elements of the plot:

Historical accuracy and depth: Real events and people are not only resurrected but also made vivid and real.

Political tension and reform: Leaders are seen confronting harshly entrenched systems, challenging the whole of society.

Humanized historical figures: The stories mainly focus on personal struggle and moral dilemma.

Consequences of ambition and instability: Sudden deaths, over-ambition in the political arena, and fragile political systems feature prominently.

No matter whether you root for U.S. history, Tudor England, the American frontier, or speculative political drama, each of the above-mentioned series offers high-quality storytelling. Like Death by Lightning itself, they also provide character-driven tension throughout the viewing experience.

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If Death by Lightning drew you into the world of political intrigue, reform, and human costs, the dramas described above will keep your curiosity alive. They may also lead you to discover even more compelling aspects of the topic. From the assassination of Garfield to the downfall of Cromwell, and through the Law of the West in Deadwood and the shady world of Boardwalk Empire, these dramas showcase pivotal historical events. Together, they highlight the enduring connection between people and history.

If you are among those interested in historical truths, delving into the lives of characters and high politics, these series will be the perfect next pick for you!

Also read: Netflix announces the release date for Death by Lightning starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen