The acclaimed actor, now 82, took on his first leading role in a television series, tackling the complex character of former U.S. President George Mullen. His performance, coupled with a timely and suspenseful plot, captured audiences worldwide, pushing 'Zero Day' to the forefront of Netflix's offerings in 43 countries, including France.
According to official Netflix data, the miniseries accumulated 61 million views between January and June 2025, securing its position as the fourth most-watched series on the platform for the first half of the year. Industry site What's on Netflix further reported that the viewing figures have since climbed to an impressive 73.5 million, totaling 378.4 million hours watched.
'Zero Day' plunges viewers into a world thrown into chaos by an unprecedented cyberattack that paralyzes critical infrastructure across the United States. In the wake of this catastrophe, President Evelyn Mitchell, played by the formidable Angela Bassett, enlists the expertise of Mullen to lead a high-stakes investigation. As conspiracy theories proliferate and political tensions escalate, Mullen uncovers a web of manipulation and state secrets far more intricate than initially imagined, forcing him to question who he can truly trust.
Beyond De Niro and Bassett, the series boasts an stellar ensemble cast, including Jesse Plemons as a former presidential aide, Lizzy Caplan as Mullen's daughter and newly elected congresswoman, Connie Britton, Joan Allen, and Dan Stevens. The series was created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt, with all six episodes directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, known for her work on 'Homeland.'
De Niro’s involvement extended beyond acting; he also served as an executive producer. Co-creator Eric Newman highlighted the actor's unique suitability for the role, telling Variety, "If you have to pick someone to play a former president with credibility and gravitas, the list is very short. And Bob was at the top of that list." Despite the perfect fit, De Niro admitted the intense production schedule was demanding. "It's like making three films in a row," he shared with The Guardian, describing the experience as a grueling marathon, constantly requiring him to be at his best.
The series resonates deeply with current societal concerns, exploring themes of cybersecurity, disinformation, and the pervasive nature of conspiracy theories within a classic American thriller framework. Its concise six-episode format, offering a complete and satisfying narrative arc, has been particularly praised by viewers, earning a solid 3.5 out of 5 rating on the French entertainment site AlloCiné. For fans of suspense seeking a compelling story without a multi-season commitment, 'Zero Day' has delivered a powerful and timely cinematic experience, now available for streaming on Netflix.