'Zero Day,' the highly anticipated Netflix series starring Robert De Niro, made its debut on February 20, 2025, marking the legendary actor's first major venture onto the small screen. De Niro, celebrated for his roles in classics like 'Raging Bull' and 'Goodfellas,' steps boldly as former U.S. President George Mullen, who returns from retirement to tackle the aftermath of a catastrophic cyberattack.
According to De Niro, the transition from film to series was no small feat. He likened the production schedule of 'Zero Day' to making 'three feature films back to back' due to its rigorous pacing and the need for continuous on-set presence. This shift required more exposition and adaptiveness than his previous projects, underscoring the show’s ambitious aim to weave meaningful narratives within the constraints of modern television. "It was different than a feature, especially than with certain directors I’ve worked with, but it was good. It’s just another structure, if you will," he remarked, highlighting the dynamics of episodic storytelling.
The series revolves around Mullen as he leads the Zero Day Commission, which investigates the cyberattack wreaking havoc across American systems and leading to thousands of deaths. Co-created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt, 'Zero Day' weaves together intense political intrigue and conspiracy, echoing real-world tensions of truth versus deception.
Newman described the ethos behind the show, emphasizing its exploration of power and ethical dilemmas. "We called upon our network of relationships to ask people, ‘Hey, if this actually happened in the real world, how would the government respond?'" This input from former industry professionals lent authenticity to the character arcs and plots, ensuring they resonate with current societal issues.
'Zero Day' sports a stellar ensemble cast, including Angela Bassett as the current President, Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, and Matthew Modine. The cast not only adds depth to the narrative but also enhances the impact of Mullen's investigative efforts as they confront challenges and revelations about trust and integrity.
The thrilling conclusion of the show’s six episodes reveals Speaker Dreyer’s intentions behind the attack—forged out of desperation to unite the divided nation. Dreyer crafted the cyberattack as a means of creating a common enemy, weaving his narrative with the storied legacy of political retaliation. Newman explained, “They weren’t looking for money, they weren’t looking for revenge; they were looking to make the world a safer place.” This poignant statement captures the sometimes ambiguous morality explored throughout the show.
Despite its ambitious narrative, 'Zero Day' has garnered mixed reviews, holding only a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 49% from audiences. Critics pointed to pacing issues and initial episodes struggling to hook viewers, yet many agree the show improves significantly with time. Filmmaker Matt Mahler, reporting for MovieWeb, noted, "If you can get past the terrible first episode, the series does improve. 'Zero Day' is much more nuanced and well-plotted than it initially seems." Such insights reflect the challenges facing new series establishments as they strive to engage and entice viewers.
De Niro’s long-standing appeal as one of cinema's titans undoubtedly provides the spark necessary for initial interest, but 'Zero Day' shines through the orchestrated complexity of its plotting. Its concept digs deep—delving not only at the surfaces of political correctness but also penetrating the very fabric of American culture, replete with conspiracy and paranoia. Oppenheim asserts, “We are interested in exploring the fact we now live in a world where people can retreat to their own realities; this fractured relationship with truth makes confronting real dangers increasingly difficult.”
What emerges from 'Zero Day' is not just another entry within the crowded streaming space but rather, it is framed as both entertainment and commentary—a mirror to the modern world. Each episode draws viewers through its highs and lows, challenging perceptions and evoking thoughts about governance and individual carrying capacities under duress.
With its intriguing premise and calculated cast, 'Zero Day' stands as not only De Niro’s first foray but also as Netflix’s latest title to stir conversation among audiences. The political thriller now streams exclusively on Netflix, positioning itself as not to be missed for fans of the genre.