Robert De Niro has officially made his first big foray into television with the Netflix political thriller Zero Day, which premiered on February 21, 2025. Known for his iconic roles in films like Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Godfather Part II, the Oscar-winning actor is taking on the challenge of television with fervor. He described the experience as comparable to filming "three feature films back to back."
De Niro revealed to TheWrap how the opportunity to jump into the TV space arose through conversations with his agent. "I was talking with my agent about doing something in New York, where I could be there for five or six months and the limited series was the way to go and he introduced me to Eric," he stated. Showrunner Eric Newman, along with writers Noah Oppenheim and Michael Schmidt, crafted what De Niro described as "really good script together." This led him to commit to the project without hesitation.
The story of Zero Day centers around a shocking event—every electronic system across America shuts down for exactly one minute. This unprecedented event induces widespread panic, leaving even the CIA scrambling to understand its origins. To combat the rising uncertainty, President Mitchell takes decisive action by forming a special investigative committee, tapping former President George Mullen to lead it.
Despite his retirement, Mullen is thrust back into the political arena. His character, portrayed by De Niro, commands immense public trust, making him the ideal choice to unravel the mystery surrounding the outage. “The whole notion of him being pulled back suggests the seriousness of the situation and Mullen's past experience,” remarked one of the series' fans.
Throughout this low-key yet gripping political thriller, Mullen encounters relentless obstacles as he digs deep to understand the attack. The narrative is woven with elements of deception and danger, forcing him to navigate treacherous waters to bring the perpetrators to justice. This tension is compounded by the political undertones, making the series not just entertainment but also reflective of real-world concerns.
De Niro’s foray into this genre showcases his versatility as he transitions from the silver screen to the small screen, marking a significant shift in his long-spanning career. Critics have lauded the series for its timely relevance and engaging storytelling, ensuring audiences are both entertained and provoked to think deeply about issues central to modern society.
There’s no denying the significance of De Niro’s involvement—his reputation amplifies the impact of the series. "It was destined to be meaningful," he remarked, tying his artistic ambitions to the pressing issues presented by the show’s narrative. With Zero Day already making waves, it remains to be seen how viewers will respond to the challenges and dilemmas Mullen faces.
With viewers on the edge of their seats, Zero Day is not just another series; it endeavors to capture the complex interplay of technology, government, and public trust. It prompts one to ask: if every electronic system failed for just one minute, how would society react?
This new venture marks De Niro’s entry into the world of episodic television and opens doors for future projects, broadening the horizons of what he can achieve as an actor. The blend of compelling storytelling and high-stakes drama ensures Zero Day will be closely watched by both fans and newcomers alike.