Netflix’s ‘Zero Day’ Disappoints Critics Despite Star Power of Robert De Niro

Political Thriller Struggles with Mixed Reviews, Debuting with 45% on Rotten Tomatoes

Netflix’s highly anticipated political thriller, ‘Zero Day’, starring Robert De Niro in a rare television role, has failed to live up to the hype, garnering a disappointing 45% rating on Rotten Tomatoes upon its debut. Despite the presence of an A-list ensemble cast, critics have been left unimpressed, citing predictability, lack of suspense, and a convoluted storyline as major drawbacks.

The six-episode series, which marks De Niro’s first major foray into television, sees him portray former U.S. President George Mullen, who is drawn back into the political spotlight to investigate a devastating cyberattack. However, as he delves deeper, he finds himself caught in a web of political conspiracies, power struggles, and unresolved demons from his past.

Critics Slam ‘Zero Day’ for Wasted Potential

Despite its star-studded cast, which includes Lizzie Caplan, Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, Connie Britton, Dan Stevens, Angela Bassett, and Matthew Modine, many critics believe that the show falls short of expectations.

M.N. Miller of FandomWire described the series as "contrived and rushed," suggesting that it squanders its intriguing premise. Similarly, Alex Maidy from JoBlo’s Movie Network lamented that "Zero Day wastes an all-star cast with a story bogged down by misdirections."

Nick Schager from The Daily Beast echoed similar sentiments, calling it a "muddled, suspense-challenged washout." He argued that even De Niro’s commanding presence couldn’t salvage the show’s incoherent plot and underwhelming execution.

While the premise of a former president entangled in a modern-day cyber threat had the potential to deliver a gripping and relevant political drama, critics feel that the show fails to build tension or provide enough depth to truly captivate its audience.

Divided Fan Reactions and Positive Takes

Not all reviews have been negative. MovieWeb’s Matt Mahler acknowledged that the first episode is underwhelming but suggested that the show picks up momentum later on. Meanwhile, Collider’s Shawn Van Horn praised the concise six-episode format, noting that it "avoids unnecessary dragging and remains thrilling in parts."

Fan reactions have been similarly divided. While some viewers applauded the strong performances, especially De Niro’s commanding portrayal, others found the show to be "one of the silliest things on Netflix."

Social media discussions have been polarized, with some users praising its "high production value and political intrigue," while others criticized it for "poor pacing, forced dialogue, and a lack of genuine thrills."

Should You Watch ‘Zero Day’?

Despite its lackluster reviews, ‘Zero Day’ is now streaming on Netflix, allowing audiences to judge for themselves. For those who enjoy political thrillers with a high-profile cast, the show might still be worth a watch, especially for De Niro’s first TV performance. However, those looking for a fast-paced, unpredictable thriller may find themselves disappointed.

With Netflix producing a growing number of star-driven limited series, ‘Zero Day’ serves as another example of a big-budget show that struggles to leave a lasting impact. Whether it will improve in audience ratings over time remains to be seen.