Robert De Niro’s Netflix Debut ‘Zero Day’ Fails to Impress, veteran actor unsure of returning to TV

Robert De Niro’s much-anticipated television debut in Netflix’s political thriller Zero Day has failed to live up to expectations. The six-episode mini-series, which premiered on February 20, has received lukewarm reviews, with social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit reflecting disappointment from audiences.

Many viewers found the series tedious and overly reflective of real-world politics. “I watch TV to escape the political climate, and this show just feels like real life,” commented one Reddit user. Another viewer criticized the series’ execution, stating, “Intriguing premise and an inexplicably impressive cast completely wasted on an increasingly tedious, often nonsensical conspiracy plot,” wrote a user on X.

Zero Day follows De Niro as George Mullen, a former U.S. president pulled out of retirement to lead the Zero Day Commission, an expert task force investigating a catastrophic cyberattack. As the investigation unfolds, Mullen and his team uncover a web of deceit and political intrigue. Angela Bassett stars as President Evelyn Mitchell, a sharp political tactician who enlists Mullen for the commission. The ensemble cast includes Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, Joan Allen, Matthew Modine, and Dan Stevens.

Despite the powerhouse cast, many found the show lacking in execution, with criticisms directed at its slow pacing and heavy-handed political themes. De Niro, whose legendary career spans classics like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and The Godfather Part II, hinted at hesitancy in returning to television. “I don’t know. It’s a lot of work. It’s like doing three features back-to-back,” he remarked.

With a promising concept and an all-star lineup, Zero Day had the potential to be a standout hit, but for many, it ultimately fell short.