The docudrama was aired in memorial tribute to producer Tony Scott, who was developing the film at the time of his death. The program averaged 3.4 million viewers, scoring about 1 million viewers in the 25–54 demographic. This is currently National Geographic's highest-rated television airing surpassing Inside 9/11, which drew 3 million in August 2005.[1]
Killing Lincoln was made available on Blu-ray Disc on June 11, 2013. It features commentary by Erik Jendresen, an interview with Bill O'Reilly, and multiple behind-the-scenes featurettes.[2]
Principal photography began on July 16, 2012, in Richmond, Virginia.[4] It was at this time in which actor Billy Campbell was announced to play President Abraham Lincoln.[5] On August 19, 2012, producer Tony Scott committed suicide.[6] The film was dedicated in his memory.[7]
On September 13, 2012, Tom Hanks, also a 3rd cousin 4 times removed of Lincoln, was announced as the film's "host, narrator and historical commentator".[8]
Cast
Jesse Johnson as John Wilkes Booth, a famous actor from 1855 until his death, and the leader of the plot to kill Lincoln.
Billy Campbell as Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, and the main target of the assassination.
Benjamin Perkinson as Tad Lincoln, President Lincoln's youngest son.
Logan Bennett as John McCullough
Geoffrey Culbertson as Honor Guard Soldier
Leiv Clegg as Proud Slave
Paul D'Elia as Charles Forbes, Lincoln's valet.
Robin Lord Taylor as Sgt. Silas Cobb, who led Booth cross the Navy Yard Bridge.
Reception
Ratings
Killing Lincoln aired on February 17, 2013, on National Geographic Channel, setting records for the cable network. The network's first factual drama project, Killing Lincoln's 3.4 million viewers[10] was NGC's single highest telecast viewership since its launch in late 1997, only to be topped by 3000 viewers by Killing Kennedy on November 10, 2013. The viewership was especially high for individual broadcasts, with a 175 percent increase from typical broadcasts in that time slot.[11]
Critical response
On Metacritic, the series has a weighted average score of 56 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[12]
