Loved Bradley Whitford in Death by Lightning? Watch these 5 movies and TV shows of the actor next

Bradley Whitford recently starred in Death by Lightning and fans have been loving the actor in the Netflix miniseries.

If you were glued to the screens watching Bradley Whitford as Senator James G. Blaine, you are not the only one. The limited series on Netflix has hooked the whole world with its powerful, captivating depiction of the assassination of President James A. Garfield and the rough politics of the 1880s.

Whitford's powerful acting, the subtle depiction of tension and the dialogue delivery make Death by Lightning one of his most brilliant works so far.

If you are someone who was impressed by Death by Lightning and would like more of Bradley Whitford's greatness, then good news, his onscreen time is filled with outstanding performances in different genres. He has acted in political dramas, psychological thrillers and thought-provoking shows, thus creating a strong legacy in both film and television.

Here are 5 movies and TV shows of Bradley Whitford that you could watch after Death by Lightning

1. The West Wing (1999–2006)

The West Wing (1999–2006) ( Image via YouTube / The West Wing )

If the power struggles depicted in Death by Lightning have been a source of your enchantment, then you certainly have to watch The West Wing. The story of the Oscar-winning series by Aaron Sorkin tells the events happening behind the scenes of the White House during a made-up presidency.

Whitford's performance, sharp, witty and full of emotions, as Deputy Chief of Staff, made him one of the figures to stand out in the show. His character's brilliance, idealism and occasional irritation coincide with the political realism that makes Death by Lightning so engaging.

Throughout the period of seven seasons, The West Wing was one of the most revered political dramas on television and the role of Whitford still remains a milestone in his acting career. The show’s popularity even allowed for his subsequent partnerships with Sorkin, including Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

2. The Handmaid’s Tale (2017 - 2025)

The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–Present) ( Image via YouTube / Hulu )

Following Death by Lightning, if you want another series that has moral tension and layered storytelling, then The Handmaid’s Tale is a perfect choice. It is a show available on Hulu which is based on the dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood and examines in depth the intricacies of power and survival.

Whitford was cast as Commander Joseph Lawrence, an exceptionally intelligent but ethically questionable character whose motivations remain unclear to both viewers and characters. His character has been praised highly for its psychological complexity and ever-changing nature.

This series, similar to Death by Lightning, portrays the conflict of power, politics and morality and Whitford’s subtle yet powerful performance continues to be the very core of the drama.

3. Transparent (2014–2019)

If you liked the emotional subtleties in Death by Lightning, Whitford's role in Transparent will show you his versatility. The Amazon Studios series is about identity, family and acceptance and Whitford is in the cast playing Marcy May (ex-Mark), a character who is intricate and loving and whose journey is at once real, impacting, and touching.

His acting earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, a testament to his ability to engulf the audience with empathy and human traits. It’s a more personal and contemplative character study than Death by Lightning but still powerful in its effect.

4. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007)

Before being pulled back into the political arena, Whitford delved into the pressures of creative leadership in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. The show, which was created by Aaron Sorkin, is set in the world of a fictional live sketch comedy show and its backstage life. Whitford takes on the role of Danny Tripp, a producer caught between high expectations, artistic freedom, and TV politics.

The sitcom was short-lived but it received acclaim for its clever dialogue and brilliant performances. Whitford’s partnership with Matthew Perry and his seamless blending of humor and gravity charmed the spectators. It is a gem that has been overlooked through time, emphasizing once again the actor's skill of portraying strong but gentle characters, a talent that is also present in Death by Lightning.

5. Perfect Harmony (2019–2020)

If you are seeking something more comical after the intensity of Death by Lightning, Perfect Harmony is the one that offers a change of tone. In this NBC comedy show, Whitford plays a character named Arthur Cochran, a music teacher at Princeton who unexpectedly finds himself leading a church choir in a small town.

Not only a change of his serious roles but also Whitford’s humor and charm are all over the series. It is still a less serious show than Death by Lightning, but his ability to portray kindness and laughter on the screen is the same, a reminder to the audience that his range is not only drama and suspense.

Why Bradley Whitford keeps amazing us beyond Death by Lightning

For the audience, Bradley has the role of the devil's advocate and acts as a judge, letting the viewers see how perfectly he can mix mind, heart and precision in every single act. The trajectory of his career is that of a reluctant actor who exceptionally navigates the world of 19th-century politics, dystopias and personal change.

Bradley Whitford's lifetime performance is of a rare kind that combines the two extremes of being very subtle and, at the same time, very strong. His roles, like those in The West Wing and The Handmaid's Tale, show his meticulous attention to character detail.

In case Death by Lightning introduced you to Whitford, there is a list of 5 of his works to explore. It is clear that the actor continues to amaze audiences with his performances and there are several more projects of his that fans would love.