Death by Lightning is a Netflix limited series that dramatizes one of the strangest and most tragic chapters in American political history: the assassination of President James A. Garfield. Adapted from Candice Millard's acclaimed nonfiction book Destiny of the Republic, the four-part drama was created by Mike Makowsky and executive produced by a team that includes David Benioff and D. B. Weiss of Game of Thrones fame.
Michael Shannon stars as Garfield, the reluctant, principled Ohioan swept into the presidency in 1880 almost against his will, while Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles Guiteau, the delusional, chronically failed office-seeker who came to believe he was destined to kill the president. The series braids their two lives together, tracing Garfield's improbable ascent and Guiteau's descent into fatal grandiosity, before turning to the grim aftermath in which the president's own doctors may have done more harm than the assassin's bullet. Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, and Bradley Whitford round out the ensemble.
Critics praised the series for its dark wit, its detailed period craft, and the performances of its two leads, with Macfadyen's twitchy, tragicomic Guiteau drawing particular attention. Both a political tragedy and a mordant character study, it revives a largely forgotten American story for a modern audience. Death by Lightning is streaming on Netflix.
"Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown" is a travel and food documentary series that aired on CNN from 2013 to 2018. The show was hosted by chef and author Anthony Bourdain, who traveled to various locations around the world to explore local cultures, cuisines, and customs.
Each episode of the series focused on a different destination, ranging from cities like Tokyo and New York to countries like Vietnam and Ethiopia. Bourdain would meet with locals and experts to learn about the region's history, politics, and cuisine. He also shared personal anecdotes and opinions about the places he visited, offering a unique perspective on the world.
The show was praised for its immersive and informative storytelling, as well as its cinematic visuals and musical score. It won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Informational Series or Special and Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming. "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown" was widely regarded as a landmark series that revolutionized the travel and food documentary genre.
"Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes" is a documentary television series that premiered on HBO in July 2021. The show is based on the podcast "Catch and Kill: The Podcast with Ronan Farrow," which explores the allegations of sexual misconduct against prominent figures in the entertainment and media industries.
The series features interviews with individuals who were involved in Farrow's investigations, including sources, journalists, and survivors of sexual assault. The show also includes audio recordings and excerpts from Farrow's interviews with high-profile figures, such as Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer, who were accused of sexual misconduct.
"Catch and Kill: The Podcast Tapes" provides a behind-the-scenes look at the reporting process and the challenges faced by journalists when investigating powerful individuals and institutions. The series sheds light on the ways in which victims of sexual assault are often silenced and ignored, and the importance of investigative journalism in holding those in power accountable for their actions.
"The Case Against Adnan Syed" is a true crime documentary television series that premiered on HBO in March 2019. The show investigates the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee, a high school student from Baltimore County, Maryland, and the subsequent conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed.
The series offers a detailed look into the case, featuring interviews with individuals involved in the investigation and trial, as well as friends and family members of both Lee and Syed. It also examines new evidence and developments in the case that have arisen since Syed's conviction in 2000.
"The Case Against Adnan Syed" raises questions about the fairness and accuracy of the trial, highlighting issues such as racial bias, ineffective legal representation, and the reliability of witness testimony. The show offers a nuanced and comprehensive perspective on the case, exploring the various factors that led to Syed's conviction and the ongoing efforts to appeal his sentence.
"The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst" is a true crime documentary miniseries that aired on HBO in 2015. The show investigates the life of real estate heir Robert Durst, who was suspected of involvement in several murders over the course of several decades.
The series features interviews with Durst, as well as with investigators, journalists, and friends and family members of the victims. It also examines evidence and developments in the cases, including Durst's 2003 acquittal for the murder of his neighbor, Morris Black, and his subsequent arrest in 2015 for the murder of Susan Berman, a friend and confidante.
"The Jinx" is notable for its dramatic ending, in which Durst is heard muttering an apparent confession to the murders while still wearing a live microphone. The show has been widely praised for its gripping storytelling, innovative use of audio and visual effects, and in-depth exploration of the complex and disturbing life of Robert Durst.
"Edge of the Earth" is an HBO documentary television miniseries that follows elite athletes as they undertake extreme sports expeditions in remote areas. The series showcases the outdoor sports of snowboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, and surfing. The athletes witness the impact of climate change and industry on the landscape and society during their travels. The show was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the athletes and filmmaking crew undergoing regular testing.
The series was created and directed by brothers Todd Jones and Steve Jones, founders of Teton Gravity Research (TGR). Talks to develop the series began between TGB and HBO in the summer of 2019. The show was originally planned to be filmed in China, but this did not occur due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The production team consisted of more than 60 people in total, with each location's cinematography being handled by experts in their respective sports.
The pandemic posed logistical challenges, as the team navigated areas with travel bans. However, the show's crew and athletes were regularly tested to ensure safety. "Edge of the Earth" showcases the skill and determination of the athletes and sheds light on the effects of climate change and industry on the environment. The series has received positive reviews for its stunning visuals and inspiring stories.
State of Play is a unique series on HBO that focuses on topics or individuals that have made a significant impact on the world of sports. The show takes a deep dive into their stories, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of their influence on contemporary sports.
The show's innovative approach to storytelling, combined with high-quality production, has made it a favorite among sports fans. Each episode provides an in-depth look at a specific topic or individual, using interviews, footage, and expert analysis to provide a well-rounded perspective.
Overall, State of Play is a must-watch series for anyone interested in the world of sports. It offers a fresh perspective on the most influential people and topics in sports today, and its high-quality production values make it a pleasure to watch. Whether you're a casual sports fan or a dedicated enthusiast, State of Play is a series that is sure to captivate and inspire.
"What's My Name: Muhammad Ali" is a documentary TV series that tells the story of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The series shows Ali's life, from his early days as Cassius Clay to his rise as a heavyweight champion, his political activism, and his battle with Parkinson's disease. Using archival footage and interviews with people who knew him well, the series provides an intimate look at one of the most important figures in sports and social justice history.
The series covers Ali's journey from a brash and confident athlete to a more thoughtful and socially aware activist. Ali's stance against the Vietnam War and his vocal support for the civil rights movement made him a controversial figure at the time, but his impact on American society and culture is significant.
"What's My Name: Muhammad Ali" pays tribute to Ali's life and legacy, both in and out of the ring. The series celebrates Ali's accomplishments as a boxer and his contributions to the fight for social justice, while also highlighting the challenges he faced as a black man in a divided society. Overall, the series is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.
