How does a show with a 54% Rotten Tomatoes score become a global streaming hit? That's the question surrounding Robert De Niro's Zero Day, a political thriller that debuted on Netflix on February 20, 2025. Despite critics panning its first episode and De Niro's performance, the series has climbed to the top of Netflix's global charts, even outpacing the wildly popular American Murder: Gabby Petito. What's going on here? Is Zero Day a hidden gem, or is it riding on the coattails of its A-list cast? Let's dive in.
The Good, the Bad, and the Intriguing
A Plot That Grabs You
Zero Day kicks off with a bang—literally. The show's titular event, a nationwide cyberattack that knocks out all communication in the U.S., leaves thousands dead and the country in chaos. Phones and computers ominously display the message: “This will happen again.” It's a chilling premise that feels ripped from today's headlines, tapping into our collective anxiety about technology and political instability.
President Evelyn Mitchell (played by the ever-magnetic Angela Bassett) enlists former President George Mullen (De Niro) to lead the “Zero Day Commission” and uncover the culprits. What follows is a twisty, high-stakes thriller that keeps viewers guessing. The show's creators, Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim, clearly know how to craft a compelling narrative, even if the execution isn't always flawless.
A Cast That Shines (Mostly)
The ensemble cast is a who's who of Hollywood talent. Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, Joan Allen, and Matthew Modine all deliver standout performances. Bassett, in particular, is a force of nature, bringing gravitas and emotional depth to her role as the beleaguered president.
But then there's De Niro. While it's a thrill to see the legendary actor in his first TV series, his performance has drawn criticism. As MovieWeb's Matt Mahler put it, “Robert De Niro seems a bit out of his depth here, especially as the lead of a series.” It's a rare misstep for the two-time Oscar winner, whose portrayal of Mullen feels oddly subdued and disconnected from the show's high-energy tone.
Mixed Reviews, Strong Audience Response
Critics haven't been kind to Zero Day, with many pointing to its clunky first episode as a major flaw. However, audiences seem to disagree. The show holds a 55% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid 7/10 on IMDb, based on over 14,000 reviews. This divide between critics and viewers is fascinating—what are audiences seeing that critics aren't?
Perhaps it's the show's willingness to tackle timely issues, from political corruption to the fragility of modern infrastructure. Or maybe it's the sheer star power of its cast. Whatever the reason, Zero Day has struck a chord with viewers, proving that sometimes, a show's success can't be measured by reviews alone.
A Show Worth Watching?
Zero Day is a paradox—a show that's both flawed and fascinating. While its first episode may leave you scratching your head, the series finds its footing as it goes along, delivering a thought-provoking exploration of power, trust, and survival in the digital age. De Niro's performance may not be his best, but the rest of the cast more than makes up for it.
The show's success raises an interesting question: In an era of endless content, what makes a show a hit? Is it the quality of the writing, the strength of the performances, or simply the buzz surrounding it? Zero Day suggests it might be a combination of all three.
As for a second season, De Niro and the creators seem open to the idea. “It could very well be an interesting second part of what we're going through,” De Niro said. Given the show's global popularity, it's hard to imagine Netflix passing up the opportunity.
So, is Zero Day worth your time? If you're a fan of political thrillers or just curious about the hype, give it a shot. You might find yourself hooked—despite what the critics say.
Do you think Zero Day deserves its streaming success, or are critics right to pan it? What makes a show a hit for you—stellar reviews or word-of-mouth buzz?
