Love him or hate him, Robert De Niro is heading into uncharted territory: television.
He does what only De Niro can do – playing a former U.S. president caught in the chaos of a devastating cyber attack in Netflix’s Zero Day.
The six-episode limited series, premiering on February 20, 2025, stars De Niro as George Mullen, a respected but complex former president.
He was recalled to lead an investigation after a cyberattack killed thousands.
As head of the Zero Day Commission, Mullen must defuse a crisis rife with disinformation, conspiracies and power struggles.
But the stakes are not just politics; They are personal. Mullen’s relentless pursuit of answers forces him to face his own demons, risking his family, reputation, and legacy in the process.
The premise alone feels surprisingly relatable. Cybersecurity threats, rampant misinformation, and distrust in leadership dominate today’s headlines, making zero-days not only timely but urgent.
This series isn’t just about entertaining – it’s about making you think.
What happens when a system we rely on fails catastrophically? How do we rebuild trust when every institution feels compromised?
The issues feel disconnected from reality, and De Niro’s presence adds a gravitas that ensures this isn’t just another political thriller.
Clearly, this isn’t escapist entertainment, at least not in the traditional sense.
De Niro’s move to television was a big deal in itself.
Known for his classic roles in The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas and many others, the Oscar-winning actor has been a dominant force on the big screen.
His decision to star in a streaming series speaks volumes about how television has evolved into a serious, high-stakes storytelling medium.
But this isn’t just a vanity project. De Niro, who is also an executive producer, was deeply involved in bringing the story to life.
For fans, it’s a chance to see him flex his legendary talents on a new stage; for doubters, it’s a bold experiment that could redefine his career.
Of course, De Niro doesn’t take on the show alone. The supporting cast is made up of strong talent, starting with Angela Bassett (American Horror Story) as the current President of the United States, Evelyn Mitchell.
Mitchell, a brilliant strategist, invited Mullen to join the investigation because he knew his influence and expertise were unparalleled.
Lizzy Caplan (“Party Down”) adds depth to the story as Maron’s daughter Alexandra, a congresswoman determined to escape her father’s shadow.
Their father-daughter dynamic is sure to add emotional weight to the show, especially as the investigation threatens to reveal buried secrets.
Joan Allen (“The Murder”) stars as Sheila Mullen, a poised and ambitious former first lady whose own career ambitions cause tension within the family.
Jesse Plemons (“The Irishman”) brings his signature blend of charm and insecurity to Mullen’s former assistant Roger Carlson, who’s eager to reclaim himself on the national stage status.
and Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”) as Evan Green, a charming but divisive political commentator who becomes Mullen’s most outspoken critic.
With such a strong cast, the show is expected to deliver drama on a personal, political and global level.
The creative team behind Zero Day is equally impressive. Eric Newman (“Narcos”), Noah Oppenheim (“Jackie Chan”) and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael S. Schmidt craft the series to ensure it’s as smart as it is thrilling .
Schmidt’s investigative background adds a layer of authenticity, and Leslie Linka Glatt (“Homeland”) directs all six episodes, ensuring a polished, high-stakes experience.
This isn’t just a big-name show; it’s a carefully crafted story designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
At its core, “zero days” are more than just cyberattacks. This is a reflection on the costs of power, truth, and leadership.
The series explores how disinformation and conspiracy theories can destabilize countries, but also raises deeper questions:
How much of the chaos we face is of our own making? What happens when those in power are forced to face the consequences of their actions?
These questions are sure to linger in your mind after watching the show, making it both thought-provoking and entertaining.
De Niro’s real-life political outspokenness added another layer of intrigue to his portrayal of George Mullen.
Known for his fiery critiques of modern politics, De Niro throws himself into the role, bringing a poignant, almost personal intensity that makes it impossible to look away.
Hopefully this won’t be another misstep like The Irishman did. Oh, I know some of you like it, but let’s face it – it’s a complete fabrication and not entirely Scorsese’s or De Niro’s finest hour – well, three hours.
Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Robert De Niro’s new venture will get people talking.
In today’s polarized climate, “Zero Day” feels like the perfect platform for the kind of nuanced, impactful storytelling that De Niro excels at.
So mark February 20th on your calendars. 》are guaranteed to meet your needs.
With its exploration of power, truth and responsibility, it’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
And you? Are you ready to see De Niro on TV?
Did the premise of Zero Day appeal to you, or do you have reservations about big screen legends making the leap to streaming, like Nicole Kidman?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
