Netflix's latest political conspiracy thriller, Zero Day, starring the legendary Robert De Niro, hit the streaming platform on February 20, 2025. With an ensemble of A-list actors including Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Angela Bassett, Dan Stevens, and Matthew Modine, the series has generated significant buzz but has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
At the center of Zero Day is De Niro's portrayal of George Mullen, a former president who becomes embroiled in the investigation of a grave cyberattack hitting America. The series attempts to navigate through themes of political unrest, surveillance, and civil liberties, providing viewers with what some might see as timely commentary on contemporary issues.
According to reviews, the star power of De Niro is most often cited as the main draw of the series. The Daily Telegraph noted, "The main reason to keep watching is De Niro, whose star power drives the show. Enjoy watching a master at work, even if he looks as if he could do this stuff in his sleep." This highlights the sheer weight of his presence on screen, which many fans likely appreciate.
Meanwhile, The Times offered slightly more optimistic insights, writing, "This manages to meld the addictive nature of traditional network TV with Netflix’s glossy production values to produce a highly watchable drama." This sentiment acknowledges the balance the series finds between compelling storytelling and high production quality.
Yet not all feedback has been rosy. Vanity Fair observed, "Zero Day is not quite as sleek and sure-footed as it probably wants to be. It is nonetheless compelling, a sprawling mystery unfolded at steady pace over six episodes." This remarks on the series' attempt to tackle complex narratives, even if it sometimes feels unwieldy.
Turning to RogerEbert.com, the review suggests the highly qualified cast does help keep Zero Day engaging but cautions viewers: "One of the most overqualified ensembles in the history of television keeps Zero Day watchable, but you have to turn off your brain to stop it from making you crazy." This indicates a sense of frustration with the material, implying the show might not stand up to close scrutiny.
TheWrap chimed in, critiquing its length: "At six episodes, Zero Day still feels too long, a sign it probably should have just been a Netflix movie." Such opinions seem to reflect growing criticism of the trend toward extended series duration suffering from pacing problems.
Lastly, AV Club states, "There are so many groan-worthy lines here, and far-fetched scenarios, it's hard to take any of the insights this show has about our current political climate all seriously." This sharp critique points out fundamental flaws within the writing, which some viewers may find off-putting.
Despite the mixed reviews, Zero Day boasts moments of high drama and insight—qualities viewers expect from such powerful actors. For those intrigued by political thrillers and complex narratives, the series offers enough intrigue and star power to warrant attention.
Whether hailed as entertainment gold or dismissed as folly, Zero Day exemplifies the vast spectrum of opinion it has generated since its release. Currently streaming on Netflix, the decision to tune in remains up to viewers who may revel more in the cast's brilliance than the story's execution.