ne of the most sought-after A-list actors, the legendary Robert De Niro, has finally made his proper television debut with Netflix’s Zero Day. Released on February 20, the series, however, failed to live up to its potential, offering weak and convoluted plots only salvaged by its stellar cast. Created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim and Michael Schmidt, and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, this political thriller mini-series had all the ingredients for success but ultimately fell short.

Though the two-time Academy Award winner has dabbled in small-screen projects before—starting with the Bernie Madoff-focused HBO film The Wizard of Lies, the Argentinian drama Nada and occasional appearances on Saturday Night Live, this marks his first leading role in a TV series. In recent years, De Niro has kept busy with projects like the Meet the Parents films (2000–2010), The Intern (2015) and critically acclaimed performances in Joker (2019) and The Irishman (2019). In April 2023, he welcomed his seventh child, daughter Gia, with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen. At 79, De Niro is one of the oldest fathers on record which makes him a natural fit for the role of an elder statesman tasked with saving the country.

Zero Day follows George Mullen, a single-term former US president whose political career was shaped by the death of his son. Now grappling with possible dementia, Mullen is called upon to lead the Zero Day Commission after a devastating cyberterrorist attack kills over 3,000 people and threatens another strike. Tasked by current president, Evelyn Mitchell (a Black female), Mullen uncovers a deeper conspiracy.

De Niro’s performance is bolstered by an exceptionally talented ensemble. Lizzy Caplan plays Mullen’s daughter, Alexandra, an ambitious Congresswoman; Jesse Plemons shines as his loyal advisor, Roger Carlson; and Joan Allen delivers a nuanced performance as Mullen’s wife, Sheila. Connie Britton, Bill Camp, Dan Stevens, Matthew Modine and Gaby Hoffmann round out the supporting cast. While the actors elevate the material with strong performances, De Niro stands out, showcasing his full emotional range—from a resolute leader to a grieving father.

The series aligns with a new wave of American political thrillers that shift the focus from external enemies to threats within. From 24 to Designated Survivor to The Diplomat, creators have sought to replicate the pulse-pounding success of the genre. Zero Day introduces a fresh, tech-focused threat reminiscent of the movie Live Free or Die Hard, exploring the vulnerabilities of a society increasingly dependent on hackable electronics.

The series aligns with a new wave of American political thrillers that shift the focus from external enemies to threats within. From 24 to Designated Survivor to The Diplomat, creators have sought to replicate the pulse-pounding success of the genre. Zero Day introduces a fresh, tech-focused threat reminiscent of the movie Live Free or Die Hard, exploring the vulnerabilities of a society increasingly dependent on hackable electronics.

The timing of the series is intriguing, coinciding with President Trump’s second term and tech billionaire Elon Musk’s influential, albeit unofficial, role in the government. Filming began in June 2023 but was interrupted by the WGA strike, which may have contributed to the rushed production. This haste is evident in the pacing of the series, which feels uneven. What could have been a gripping 10-episode mini-series was condensed into a narrative that leaves many questions unanswered.

Multiple storylines are introduced but never fully explored. Mullen’s personal struggles—his son’s death, his potential dementia and whether he was targeted—are touched upon but lack depth. Dan Stevens’ character, Evan Green, highlights the dangers of social media and podcasting, but his arc is left unresolved. Gaby Hoffmann’s Monica Kidder, a thinly veiled stand-in for a real-world tech mogul, teases intriguing commentary on wealth and power but ultimately feels underdeveloped.

The series also struggles with coherence. A mysterious girl introduced in the first episode becomes a recurring yet unresolved thread. Similarly, the dynamic between Mullen’s daughter and his right-hand man is introduced but never fully fleshed out. By the time the story circles back to the central conspiracy, the finale feels rushed and unsatisfying. The motives of the hackers and collaborators are glossed over, reduced to vague rhetoric about “making America great again.”

In the end, Zero Day is a show that fails to meet expectations, despite its promising premise and powerhouse cast. While it is refreshing to see a veteran like De Niro on screen, the potential of the seriesis undermined by its disjointed narrative and rushed execution. Here’s hoping De Niro’s television journey doesn’t end here—he deserves a project worthy of his talent.

The writer is a digital communication expert. He is the mastermind behind digital platforms Sukhan, Mani’s Cricket Myths and Over The Line