Zero Day on Netflix: why this political thriller starring Robert De Niro is a massive hit

At 82 years old, legendary actor Robert De Niro shows no signs of slowing down. Having already left an indelible mark on cinematic history, the two-time Oscar winner took on a brand new challenge by headlining his very first television series. This transition to the small screen immediately turned into a massive global triumph upon its release.

A high-stakes political thriller

Available since early 2025, Zero Day quickly climbed to the top of streaming charts worldwide. The numbers speak for themselves: the limited series has pulled in over 73 million views and nearly 380 million hours watched on the platform, proving that audiences remain hungry for dark, gripping geopolitical thrillers.

Zero Day kicks off with an unprecedented catastrophe. A massive cyberattack paralyzes America's critical infrastructure for sixty seconds, triggering widespread chaos and tragedy. To investigate and root out the culprits amidst a climate of paranoia, the US President—played by Angela Bassett—calls upon George Mullen, a respected and popular former head of state portrayed by Robert De Niro. However, the investigation quickly spirals into a labyrinth of state secrets and high-level manipulation.

A stellar cast and a demanding shoot

Alongside the leads, the series boasts an exceptional supporting cast featuring Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, Joan Allen, and Dan Stevens. Behind the camera, all six episodes were directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, known for her mastery of tension on shows like Homeland, while creation duties were handled by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt.

However, this first television outing was far from a walk in the park for the Hollywood icon. Also serving as an executive producer, De Niro admitted that carrying a project of this magnitude felt like shooting three feature films back-to-back. It was an exhausting artistic marathon that ultimately paid off, offering a tight six-episode arc with a satisfying conclusion, perfect for suspense lovers looking for a self-contained binge.

Why you should stream Zero Day

Tackling timely themes of cybersecurity, conspiracy theories, and modern disinformation, Zero Day follows in the footsteps of classic American paranoid thrillers. If you are looking for a short, gripping narrative anchored by a living legend at the top of his game, this Netflix hit belongs at the very top of your watchlist.