Overview
- Netflix released the four-part limited series on November 6, adapting Candice Millard’s Destiny of the Republic, created by Mike Makowsky and executive produced by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss.
- Michael Shannon portrays President James A. Garfield opposite Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau, with Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford and Shea Whigham in key supporting roles.
- People reports Offerman gained about 20 pounds and used a custom fat suit and period costuming to play Vice President Chester A. Arthur.
- The Independent and The Guardian praise the lead turns—highlighting Shannon, Macfadyen and Offerman—while noting stretches of drag and a compressed feel in the storytelling.
- Collider commends the ensemble and a compelling finale despite tonal quips, and FandomWire faults rushed pacing and limited depth, as broader themes of corruption, reform and institutional failure frame the narrative.