is Netflix's 'zero day' worth watching?
- Binge God
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
Netflix’s Zero Day is a high-intensity conspiracy thriller that doesn’t take long to draw you in. With a powerhouse cast, gripping storytelling, and a chillingly relevant take on cyberterrorism in an era of digital dependence, it delivers both edge-of-your-seat tension and thought-provoking themes.
While the political commentary remains subtle, the show doesn’t shy away from exploring the vulnerabilities of a hyper-connected world.
Read on to discover what Zero Day excels at, where it stumbles, and whether it’s worth adding to your watch list!
A cyber attack feels like a modern form of terror, and Zero Day leans into that eerie realism. Thoughts of what you’d do in a similar event add an unsettling element to the show, making it even more engaging.
It’s intense and gripping, but at its core, it’s a character study of Robert De Niro’s ex-president, George Mullen—a flawed yet capable leader.
Mullen isn’t perfect, but he’s a patriot, an effective decision-maker, and the kind of reassuring presence you’d want leading in a crisis.
Seeing a fictional president so competent and admired across party lines is fascinating, especially when America’s real-life leadership feels so polarized. The show even presents a Black female president, starkly contrasting today's political landscape.
While Zero Day touches on the dangers of ambition and extremism, it doesn’t fully commit to a strong political message. Given how politically charged the real world is right now, the show’s reluctance to explore deeper themes feels like a missed opportunity.
It prioritises character study over commentary, which isn’t necessarily a flaw—but it does leave you wondering what more it could have said.
Performance-wise, the cast is stacked with talent, and they deliver. De Niro, in particular, shines. His portrayal of Mullen exudes gravitas, charisma and experience, making it easy to believe he could lead a nation through a crisis.
The writing supports his portrayal, giving him several moments to demonstrate why he’s so respected by his country.
I think the weakest aspect of this story is the ending. While not outright bad, it chooses surprise over substance. It’s a satisfying enough conclusion, but it lacks the weight to make Zero Day truly unforgettable.
A more impactful third act could have elevated the series to prestige TV status, especially with such a strong cast.
That said, Zero Day is still a gripping watch, blending political intrigue with cyber warfare to create a tense, compelling thriller. With a stellar ensemble cast delivering top-tier performances, it’s worth watching for the acting alone.
But beyond that, the series tells a timely and thought-provoking story that urges viewers to look past political divides and focus on the true qualities of leadership—especially in moments of crisis.
At just six episodes, it’s an easy binge or a solid weeknight watch. While the finale could have packed more of a punch, Zero Day is undeniably engaging and deserves a spot on your watchlist.
1 - Robert De Niro's first leading role in a television series.
2- The song, "Who killed Bambi" from the opening episode, originally appeared in the 1980 film "Great rock n roll swindle" and was written and sung by Edward Tudor-Pole.
3- The New York Heliport scenes were shot at East River Pier 6 Heliport near the pier 17 South Street Seaport.
4-Robert De Niro and Angela Bassett starred in The Score (2001) together, with Edward Norton.
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