Despite mixed reviews from critics, Netflix's new series Zero Day has taken the streaming platform by storm, clocking nearly 100 million viewing hours just days after its release.
The mini-series, which debuted on February 23, 2025, features renowned actor Robert De Niro as the lead. It centers on the fictional story of a former U.S. president who is called back to unravel the chaos resulting from a catastrophic cyberattack.
Although the premise captured audience interest, the series has not won over critics, holding less than 55% approval on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and viewers. Yet, not all hope is lost for Zero Day. Many Netflix subscribers have found the series to be thrilling entertainment, drawing comparisons to other successful shows such as The Night Agent and Homelander.
What really stands out is the viewing numbers. Within four days of its premiere, Zero Day amassed approximately 98.5 million hours viewed worldwide, equaling roughly 19.1 million individual viewers. Such numbers propelled the series to the top of Netflix’s charts as the most-watched show during the week of February 17 to 23, surpassing other contenders like American Murder: Gabby Petito and Cassandra.
Despite the thumbs down from the press, the sheer volume of views has raised questions about what constitutes success for Netflix. Zero Day, with its engaging cast and thrilling storyline, has undeniably captured public interest, demonstrating how audiences can sometimes diverge from critics’ opinions.
Netflix seems to be on a roll this year, delivering diverse content catering to varying tastes. From adaptations of Harlan Coben’s dramatic novels to anime gems and thrilling dramas like Toxic Town, which debuted on February 27, 2025, Netflix continues to expand its reach.
Toxic Town offers viewers inspiration from real events, recounting the legal struggles of mothers from Corby, UK, who fought against hazardous waste negligence affecting their families. Led by acclaimed writer Jack Thorne, known for addressing heavy issues, the series provides depth alongside its engaging narrative.
Thorne expressed surprise at how many people were unaware of the true story behind Toxic Town. After delving deep, he realized the incredible strength of the women involved, who battled societal norms and governmental obstacles. “Their collective efforts not only shed light on their children's health issues but also unified their community,” he noted when interviewed.
Even with the varied reception on shows, Netflix's ability to generate significant viewership demonstrates the platform's hold on entertainment audiences. Despite some shows not receiving the critic's nod, their ability to engage the public remains undeniable.
So, will Netflix continue to invest in shows like Zero Day, where public response trumps critics' reviews? If the numbers suggest anything, it’s clear the streaming giant is committed to producing content appealing to its vast audience. The juxtaposition of Zero Day and Toxic Town reflects Netflix's strategy—diverse storytelling addressing both sensational and substantive themes.
One thing is certain: audiences are watching. With millions tuning to these productions, it raises the intriguing point of whether viewership metrics should redefine what makes a series successful.